Fruitland, one of the largest apple growers and exporters in Poland, has carved out a reputation in India, the Far East and Middle East in particular as a supplier of quality fruit.
The company, which owns the recognisable Ovo brand, is increasingly looking to this part of the world for further growth.
“We export 14,000 tonnes of our crop,” says Saurabh Tanwar, Fruitland’s commercial manager and head of planning. “Our key markets are India, the Middle East, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China. In terms of new markets, Vietnam and China are very new to us, and we are still in talks to export to these markets, as well as Hong Kong where we flew to last year to discuss possible outcomes. We are very careful when it comes to planning for these markets.”
The group has strong foundations in place in this part of the world. Fruitland has agreements with major players like Yupaa International and Mahindra, while also being the only Polish company to supply Fresh Del Monte.
Tanwar notes that three more potential cooperations with Indian importers are also on the table, while 2019 has also seen the beginning of a new partnership with Lidl. This type of growth will mean more apples need to be available, of course, and Fruitland is already planning a major bump in its volumes.
“According to our current data we have produced 18,000 tonnes of apples this season, and for the next year we are planning to increase our volume up to 26,000 tonnes,” Tanwar confirms. “I can tell you frankly that each year we have a challenge to compete. Each year our volume is getting bigger due to the high demand globally for our varieties. Fruitland owns 600ha of land where we grow our apples, and such a big space also gives us the opportunity to grow premium varieties.”
Poland’s reputation as a grower of high-class apples has helped Fruitland ride the wave that is the Russian ban, open its eyes to new markets and ensure a bright future.
“Poland is a well known market in Europe and has recently gained a global reputation because of its apples, as a region growing the finest quality thanks to its climatic conditions and geographical location,” Tanwar adds. “Russia’s sanctions have made it a hard time for Poland’s apple growers, but we have found a new trading door to open to Asia and the Middle East.
'Fruitland is among the very biggest producers and exporters in central Europe, and we deliver our apples to global, famous companies. We have several years of experience in sales to the Middle and Far East, North Africa and, of course, Europe.”
