The Freshness from Europe promotional campaign stopped off in China recently to champion the European fruit and vegetable sector and demonstrate what it offers the Chinese market.
“From this point forward,” explained Giulia Montanaro of Assomela, “we will be able to provide the Chinese market with uniquely high-quality apples. Italy is the major producer of fresh apples in Europe and the goal is to open as quickly as possible and take full advantage of the enormous potential of the Chinese market with the indispensable support of the relevant Italian and European authorities.”
Italian kiwifruit is also available in the Chinese marketplace with quantities that so far have reached 15,000 tonnes annually and are constantly increasing.
“For Apofruit, as well, the Chinese market has been thoroughly served from the very beginning,” explained Renzo Balestri, Head of Foreign Sales. “We have focused on branding the Apofruit product, earmarking the Solemio brand exclusively for the Asian market. Growth has been constant over the years, shoring up the product’s position in the market.”
Citrus fruits are just a step away from breaking into the Chinese market with their extremely promising potential, according to Salvo Laudani, Marketing Manager for Oranfrizer.
“The hope of finally breaking into the Chinese market this selling season,” lamented Laudani, “is fading fast and it’s really a shame, considering the excellent quality of this year’s crop of products. Nevertheless, we shall continue doing all that is feasible in order to expedite all the red tape as quickly as possible. We are even willing to ship the goods by air and then we’ll finally be ready to really export citrus fruits.”
With a budget of E5.3m and a focus on China, the US, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Japan, the project, financed by the European Union, the Italian Government and member companies of CSO Italy, such as Apoconerpo, Alegra, Naturitalia, Apofruit, Assomela, Origine, Opera, Ceradini, Made in Blu, Oranfrizer, Conserve Italia and Orogel, has the specific goal of promoting quality Italian fruit and vegetable produce.
