AI Magazine Issue 11 2018

14 Acquisition International - Issue 11 2018 Based in Monaco, Antonio Bertelli founded AGAP International SARL with a goal of becoming the worldwide seafood trading company, working with all the major fish producers in order to give customers an excellent service. We invited Antonio Bertelli to talk to us about his company and the inspiration behind his services. ncorporated in 1998, AGAP International is an ambitious company brimming with expertise and a team bursting with knowledge and knowhow. The firm specialises on the tradition and distribution of frozen fish worldwide, importing and exporting from/ to over an extraordinary 30 countries. AGAP International relies on the best seafood supplier from around the world who work alongside the firm to produce the high-quality products which are suitable for several different markets. Having started the company himself, Antonio started off the discussion by explaining what separates AGAP International apart from other international companies. “In many cases, our competitors focus on the ‘ easy products or on easy origin products ’, and this means that they might not take care of the assortment and availability of other less strategical, but more profitable items. “Additionally, we identified our company to our customers/suppliers as a reliable partner to consolidate the sale with. Throughout the years, we Company: AGAP International SARL Contact: Antonio Bertelli Address: 15, rue Princesse Antoinette, Palais Hirondelle, MC 98000, Monaco Phone: 00 377 97708866 Website: www.agapint.com Years of Experience I 1809AI17 have always kept this a priority alongside maintain long term relationships and reciprocate respect. Antonio provides us with many examples which highlight how successful he and the company has been. He talks about the long-term relationships that the company has built, and how this aspect of the company’s work has benefitted its clients. “The relationships both myself and the company have built up over 30 years, as I previously worked for another business in their purchase department for 10 years, and this is by far the most winning card for this kind of business. Travelling all over the world to visit suppliers and customers worldwide has seen me keep in close contact with my clients, and subsequently form a solid partnership with clients, meaning we can look for potential new producers or customers, which will in turn enlarge the portfolio and availability of clients.” When looking at the current trends and issues across the industry sector, Ant discusses the opportunities which have presented themselves to many competitors, as well as challenges, including the rigid and structured documentation now required by European countries. “The documentation required by the European countries is becoming very rigid and is penalising our imports from overseas countries; as other big and strong importers like the ones from US and China which possess a big advantage compared to the European ones, due to their being less red tape in this specific business.” “I trade products, I do not produce myself, and therefore the customers appreciate the brand and the quality I suggest to them to take which is suitable to their needs.”