Asiafruit concludes its series of exhibitor spotlights from Asia Fruit Logistica with a look at suppliers targeting openings in Asian markets outside of China, highlighting the strong pan-Asia presence at this year’s show.
Greek & Fresh (Greece)
Greece appeared at Asia Fruit Logistica with a national pavilion for the first time, as opportunities in Asia grow for exporters. “We have had success in Asia with strawberries,” said Nick Nafpliotis of trader Greek & Fresh (G&K), “mainly in Singapore, but we are working on Malaysia and trying to find the right partner in Hong Kong. Since last year, we’ve been promoting prickly pears in Malaysia, and this year we are doing tastings in the supermarkets.”
Salemfrucht (Germany)
The potential signing of an import protocol for German apples in India in time for next season would be welcome news for German exporter Salemfrucht, according to the company’s Simon Wielatt, who said he saw plenty of ‘stored potential’ for German apples in Asia. Volumes in its home region of Lake Constance are expected to be only around 30 per cent of the normal level due to spring frosts, but next season is more likely to see growth for the company in Asia. “I see the potential wherever a consumer says he is prepared to pay more for the fruit in return for our high quality standard,” Wielatt explained. “Visitors to our stand are showing very good interest in the colour and quality of our apples.”
Zeus Kiwi (Greece)
Greek kiwifruit exporter Zeus Kiwi is starting to export to the Indonesian market this year as it seeks alternatives to the increasingly competitive Chinese market. “The market is getting quite crowded for kiwifruit and prices have gone down,” said Christina Manossis. “We need to look at other markets that are less busy, including in Indonesia and parts of China outside of Hong Kong and Shanghai.”
özler Ziraat (Turkey)
The market for Turkish figs continues to pick up in Hong Kong, according to exporter özler Ziraat. “It is peak season for the Bursa,” said Ayse özler, “We visited some stores and saw a lot of shelf space dedicated to figs. For the last two years, the retailers have been doing tastings and promotions. Five or six years ago, no one knew about figs in this part of the world, but now Hong Kong is a significant buyer.”
