Export more fruit and veg – how and where
Export more fruit and veg – The 9 largest importers in 2019
Export more fruit and veg, let’s take a look at the 9 largest importers of fruit and veg in the world by metric tonnage in 2019.
Then we will examine the markets in turn to help you export your fruit, veg, herbs and spices products to these and other markets.
Netherlands – 249,117
Germany – 107,315
France – 71,301
China – 65,398
Italy – 57,254
U.S.A. – 57,248
Japan – 32,691
Canada – 24,996
Spain – 20,689
Export more fruit and veg – European Union countries
Looking at the list of the 9 largest importers of fruit and veg from 2019 it is clear that the European Union countries are the main purchasers. The European Union is a very attractive export market because as well as it’s size it is also a very stable and mature market, although demand and prices do vary over time.
Here are some tips on how to approach the European Union market:
Stay up to date on the European market for fruit and veg by industry news sources such as Freshplaza, Fruitnet, Fruitrop and Fresh Fruit Portal.
Diversify your export markets and make sure you can fall back on existing or other new markets in and outside of Europe in case of changes in demand in Europe.
Establish your own agricultural production and work closely together with other producers to meet demend. European buyers usually prefer to buy directly from producers.
Most opportunities can be found off-season – so focus your export efforts on these time periods.
Europe imports a lot of fruit and vegetables because much of the tropical produce depends on specific seasons or climate conditions that do not exist in Europe. Most European buyers try to establish a year-round assortment and look for ideal partners to achieve this. As an exporter, you will find your best opportunities during supply gaps and as a counter-seasonal supplier.
Learn the languages of the countries you want to export to – this is an advantage.
New varieties extend seasons. Producers worldwide, including in Europe, try to extend their production season by developing new varieties. For example, much of the growth in mandarins is now coming from late hybrids such as Nadorcotts (or W. Murcotts) from Spain, but also from South Africa, Morocco and Peru. These changes in varietal preference can influence your window of opportunity.
Be aware that locally produced produce has preference over imported fruit and veg. So as soon as the season ends in these producing countries, the opportunities for non-European and counter-seasonal suppliers increase significantly.
Keep your potential and existing clients well informed about the development of the season on a regular basis. This helps maintain regular communication and opens up opportunities for sales.
Compare yourself with successful exporters to the European countries and consider if you have any specific advantages in supply season or production costs or other strengths that differentiate you as a supplier. Then communicate these to your target market.
Only enter into supply contracts that you can fulfill and inform your client if the climate has influenced your product quality or volume. European customers will expect you to communicate problems and to respect agreements made.
For more detailed information on European fruit and veg markets and export potential you can read this article: https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/fresh-fruit-vegetables/what-demand
Export more fruit and veg – United States of America
United States of America fruit and veg imports grew by 2% during 2020 compared to 2019, this is an on-going trend for increased demand for imported fruit and veg. So the USA can be an export opportunity for producers.
The main products for import were bananas 23%, tomatoes 9%, peppers 6%, avocados 5%, pineapples 5%, cucumbers 5%, lemons 4%, watermelons 4%, grapes 3%, and mangoes 3%.
Main exporters to USA are Mexico, Chile, Peru, Guatemala and Canada. For examples 99% of all strawberries imported by USA came from Mexico.
So it is clear that location is important when exporting to the USA and if you are not a producer from a country in the neighbourhood is going to be tough!
Export more fruit
Export more fruit and veg – China
The top 10 exporters of fruit and veg to China in the first six months of2021 were Thailand ($3.24 billion), Chile ($2.18 billion), Vietnam ($520 million) Philippines ($310 million), New Zealand ($250 million), Australia ($210 million), Peru ($190 million), Cambodia ($120 million), Egypt ($87 million) and United States ($83 million). So we have a mix of countries not focused on one geographical region of the world.
The largest fruit imports of China were durians, cherries, bananas, grapes and longans. These five fruits between them accounted for 72% of China’s total fruit imports. So if you are a producer of any of these fruits and are not currently exporting to China there is a possible opportunity for you. The figures include some eye catching statistics such over 98% of the cherries imported coming from Chile with a total value of $1.78 billion.
Export more fruit and veg – Japan
Japan is another country with growing imports of fruit and veg. In the first half of 2020 imports of fruit and veg were up 3% on the same period of 2091 with a total of 897,000 tons.
A review of the top imported fruits for the first six months of 2020, indicated bananas, kiwifruit, and table grapes all experienced an increase in volume over the last five years.During the same period, grapefruit, lemons, melons and cherries all showed a downward trend, while other fruit, including pineapples, oranges, tangerines, avocados and mangoes remained steady.
Bananas were the biggest import with over 60% of all imported fruits being bananas. The main exporters of bananas to Japan were Philippines, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico. Thus we can see that Japan imports from a variety of countries and geographical regions.
Export more fruit and veg – Additional resources
To sell more of your fruit and veg don’t forget to add your FREE listing to blackcat360.com – we have buyers from all over the world on our website.
Some other useful articles:
Exports who buys what and where – essential
7 Quick tips for successful exports
Indonesia imports and exports – 4th most populous country opportunity
If you want an international marketing campaign to support your exports and build sales. Email to info@blackcat360.com
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Export more fruit and veg – how and where
