Innovation and sustainability in the tropical fruit industry: BIG Interview with Anthony Serafino, Exp. Group LLC 

Exp. Group LLC, one of the largest importers and distributors of tropical fruits in the United States, has been at the forefront of the industry for over 40 years. With its headquarters in North Bergen, New Jersey, and operations spanning across North America and Europe, the company specializes in bananas, plantains, and other tropical fruits sourced from Central and South America.  

In an exclusive interview with Fructidor, Anthony Serafino, Vice President of Public Relations at Exp. Group, discusses the company’s operations, its use of innovative ripening technology, plans for European market expansion, and the importance of sustainability and customer relationships in shaping the company’s growth. 

Fructidor: Exp. Group is one of the largest companies working with tropical fruits in the U.S. Can you share more about your operations, the markets you serve, and your future goals? 

Anthony Serafino: Our company was founded by my father, who is still our CEO, and specializes in tropical fruits and vegetables, primarily bananas and plantains. We source most of our products from Central and South America and distribute them across North America, mainly in the U.S. and Canada. While we also export products like asparagus to Europe, our core business remains focused on the western hemisphere. 

We’ve made significant investments in logistics and infrastructure, including a fleet of over 100 trucks, ensuring efficient distribution. This logistical control has been crucial for serving high-demand markets like New York City, where turnover is rapid, and space is limited. 

Fructidor: Speaking of infrastructure investments, could you elaborate on where these investments are being made? 

Anthony Serafino: Most of our investments are concentrated in the U.S. and South America, focusing on farm-level improvements, sustainability, and logistics. We’ve expanded from being a local distributor to having a national footprint. Investing in our people is equally important. A strong, thriving team is essential for scaling operations and sustaining success in this competitive industry. 

Fructidor: Exp. Group uses Catalytic Generators for ripening produce. How have they contributed to your success? 

Anthony Serafino: Catalytic Generators have been a game-changer for us. They provide the ethylene needed to ripen produce uniformly and at scale, enabling us to handle up to 35 containers a day. This technology has been crucial since we started ripening produce in 2013. Proper maintenance ensures these systems remain reliable for decades, and we’ve invested in an on-staff team to oversee their operation. 

Fructidor: How does Exp. Group plan to grow its presence in Europe? 

Anthony Serafino: Europe currently represents 15% of our business, and we’re focused on expanding in both Western and Eastern Europe. Our main exports to Europe are asparagus and mangoes, with plans to diversify our offerings further. We’re also investing in South American supply chains to strengthen our sourcing and ensure competitive pricing for European markets. 

Fructidor: What is your approach to customer relationships? 

Anthony Serafino: We treat our clients like family, which is why many have been with us for years. Every purchase order is earned through trust, quality, and reliability. Whether our clients are in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or elsewhere, we strive to build lasting relationships. 

Fructidor: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about Exp. Group? 

Anthony Serafino: Exp. Group is built on family values and innovation. We focus on adapting to industry changes, whether it’s health trends, demographics, or market demands. This approach has helped us thrive, and we’re committed to growing sustainably while maintaining the highest standards. 

Looking for reliable tropical fruit distributors in the U.S.? Need cutting-edge ripening technology solutions? Contact us today!