Much scope in exporting fresh fruits and vegies to EU markets | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Much scope in exporting fresh fruits and vegies to EU markets

11 October, 2020

Sri Lanka is not yet a major exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables to the EU market although it has great potential, due to the lack of visibility of the country as a sourcing destination for quality agricultural products, experts in sourcing and markets to the EU, said IPD Expert Sourcing + Markets, Linda Mense told a virtual media briefing conducted by the Delegation of the German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka on the Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair for fruits, vegetables and spices to be held from February 3-5 in Berlin, Germany, that Sri Lanka should take steps to increase visibility in the global market by being present at international trade fairs which will help increase awareness of the country’s potential to supply quality agri based products to the global market. destination for sourcing agricultural products 15 years ago is today a leading supplier of agricultural products due the backing of a strong strategy that has helped the country position itself well in the global market,” Mense said, adding that participation in global trade fairs is vital to raise awareness and promote the country for quality agri-produce.

According to trade experts, there is huge potential for Sri Lankan agriculture products in the EU market but strategic promotion and awareness campaigns are needed to move forward. “Trade statistics show that the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables in Germany is growing while demand for plums, coconut, chilli pepper, papaya, banana and pineapple in EU markets are on the rise. Germany topped the list for imports of fresh fruits in 2017 followed by the Netherlands, UK and France.

“Sri Lanka’s trade partners for edible vegetables have been India, the Maldives and the UAE and USA, Saudi Arabia and India for fruits and nuts.

“Bananas, citrus fruits, grapes, avocados, mangoes and pineapples are popular fruits to the EU market from developing countries,” she said.

Chief Delegate of the Delegation of the German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, Andreas Hergenrother stressed the importance of raising awareness of products ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ in international markets and increasing business opportunities Sri Lankan fresh fruit and vegetable exports. Fruit Logistica attracts over 3,300 exhibitors from over 90 countries and over 72,000 visitors from over 135 countries each year.

The EU comprises 27 States with a population of around 447 million. It is the second largest economy in the world responsible for around 45 percent of global trade in fresh fruits and vegetables.

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