Fujifilm appoints Francesca Ricupero as sales manager in Italy

Fujifilm has appointed Francesca Ricupero as sales manager for packaging and flexo within the Fujifilm Italy packaging sales team, bringing over 15 years of experience across the digital and conventional print sectors with a strong background in commercial, label and flexible packaging applications.

In her new role, Ricupero will support the development of Fujifilm's packaging business in Italy, with a particular focus on digital flexible packaging. She will also contribute to the growth of the company's ink business via third-party distribution partners.

'I've always believed that digital print should be scalable and efficient, without being overly complex,' said Francesca Ricupero, sales manager of packaging and flexo at Fujifilm Italy. 'Fujifilm's commitment to inkjet technology and its potential to reshape flexible packaging is exciting to me. There is a huge opportunity to help convert a market that, in many ways, is still in the early stages of digital adoption.'

Ricupero began her career in marketing and event planning before joining HP in 2008. There, she held several roles across Indigo. In 2015, Ricupero moved internally within HP where she supported commercial printing, publishing and transactional printing markets. She later joined Bobst, where she worked across conventional, digital and hybrid presses for the label market in northern Italy.

'When you're selling digital, you are not just a salesperson,' said Ricupero. 'You are more of an account manager because you provide everything, from the hardware to the consumables. Even if you have a great process in place for service, you remain the main focus for the customer.'

Ricupero also visited Eco Flexibles in the UK, home of the first Jet Press FP790 outside Japan, to see the press in action. 'When I saw the machine, I was amazed that just the press, with a small pre-press team, could handle such a wide range of volumes and applications,' said Ricupero. 'As someone who has been selling digital since 2009, I was genuinely impressed.'

Looking ahead, Ricupero sees a rapidly evolving market shaped by alliance and specialization. 'Big groups are acquiring smaller, highly focused businesses. That brings greater investment power and broader application offerings. Especially in flexible packaging, digital will play a crucial role, not only for short runs, but as a tool to improve cost tracking, traceability and production efficiency,' said Ricupero.

She continued, 'Italy and Germany are known for their manufacturing expertise and very high quality standards. Fujifilm understands this, and I'm convinced in the company's ability to innovate at the right pace, with technology that's reliable and ready for market. It is always confident with the products it brings to the market, which is what inspired me to work for a company like Fujifilm.'

Ricupero also anticipates playing an active role at Labelexpo later this year. 'Labelexpo has evolved, it's no longer just a show for labels. It reflects the full spectrum of packaging, and many converters are now looking to diversify. I'm looking forward to supporting Fujifilm's presence and contributing to those conversations,' said Ricupero.

'We are delighted to welcome Francesca to Fujifilm. Her depth of experience, strategic mindset and customer-first approach will be instrumental in helping us grow our packaging and inkjet offering in Italy, especially with Labelexpo on the horizon. She joins at a pivotal moment for Fujifilm and the industry,' said Manuel Schrutt, head of packaging at Fujifilm Graphic Systems EMEA.