Spanish stonefruit producers and exporters are poised to return to the Canada market after a gap of almost a decade, following the country’s publication of a new set of import conditions for foreign companies.
The new directive from Canada’s food inspection agency sets out conditions for the entry of nectarines, apricots, cherries, plums and peaches and other fruits from temperate zones, which includes the registration of all products destined for the country.
Spanish producers wishing to begin exports to Canada must also comply with new conditions for orchard and packhouse management, while fruit shipments must carry phytosanitary certification.
According to Fepex, Spanish stonefruit exporters have been waiting since 2001 for the Canadian authorities to publish its new set of conditions for the importation of fruit from temperate climates; a delay which until now has prevented Spanish companies from entering the market.
The Spanish fresh produce federation said that Canada had the potential to become a new destination for the Spanish stonefruit sector, whose northern American exports have to date been focused on the US.
