Agri SMEs looking to gain from Europe’s appetite for healthy food choices

AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenröther. Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Sri Lankan agricultural sector stakeholders and export- oriented SMEs are enthusiastic to showcase their export quality fresh fruits, vegetables and spices at the Fruit Logistica international trade show to be held from February 3-5, 2021 in Berlin.

The German Industry and Commerce Delegation Office in Colombo (AHK Sri Lanka) recently organized a press conference and virtual session to increase awareness in this regard.

The treasurer of the Spice Council of Sri Lanka speaking at the event said that fresh fruits, vegetables and spices are more popular in Europe than ever before which means Sri Lankan agri entrepreneurs should be able to gain from this export trade platform.

“There is a flourishing demand for these items as more and more Europeans are cooking lavish dishes at home in the Covid situation. In this background, Sri Lankan exporters of these commodities have a good opportunity to enhance their visibility in the EU market. The timing is just right. We have our exotic products of high quality which we can display at the Berlin Trade Show, and get the most out of having our presence there. However, we can’t afford to do it on our own because of the cost factor. We are not asking things for free, but if the Agriculture Ministry could chip in with co- funding, our participation at the trade show could become a reality. Anyway, I don’t know if there’s enough time to approve funding for this purpose as the national budget is coming up next month,” he said.

A government agriculture officer who was also part of the webinar said that she would refer the matter to the relevant authorities.

When The Island Financial Review asked how Sri Lanka’s fresh fruits and vegetable exporters can increase their visibility in the European market, Linda Mense (Berlin) Sourcing + Markets Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (Egypt, Ethiopia, Peru, Ukraine) cited Peru as the best example Sri Lanka could take inspiration from. “Peru managed to become prominent in terms of export of fresh fruit to Europe as they had a clear strategy to do so. Peru has come a long way from where it was some 15 years ago. They had a very clear strategy to showcase their fresh produce to the world. They put a lot of effort and also funding into promoting their country pavilion at the Berlin Trade Show, as a result of which Peru has today become one of the most credible and valuable exporting countries for fresh fruits and vegetables in Europe. There’s a lot to learn from Peru’s successful journey in this sphere” she said.

“Moroccan fruits and vegetables are in high demand in Germany. They are certified and fulfill the European standards. They offer different assortment of fruits and vegetables: watermelon, oranges, cantaloupe melon, bell pepper, tomatoes, plum tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, citron, potatoes, onions etc’, AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenröther told The Island Financial Review.

Europe’s consumers and importers want quality and transparent proof of origin. For this reason Global G.A.P. certification is one of the most important European standards for sustainable production and high food safety which is a must for exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables.

‘Fruit Logistica’ is the world’s leading trade fair for fruits, vegetable and spices attracting more than 3,300 exhibitors from over 90 countries, and more than 72,000 trade visitors from over 135 countries.The trade show offers exhibitors an international platform with total visibility for fresh produce and other agricultural products, while providing opportunity for face-to-face meetings with potential business partners and strengthening existing business relations with suppliers and customers. The trade show in Berlin will also showcase innovative machinery, digitalisation, automation and network technology with special focus on greenhouse technology. During the press conference, AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenröther highlighted the importance of raising awareness for ‘made in Sri Lanka’ products in international markets, and increasing business opportunities for Sri Lankan fresh fruits and vegetable exporters.

Participating source markets experts pointed out that European consumers are willing to pay extra for sustainable produce and commitment to protecting the environment.