The Guatemala Produce Trade Association (GPTA) has published its first ever category management plan outline for the fresh pea and bean industry. The 2016/17 annual report sets out the association’s goals and the benefits of trade with Guatemala, as well as including category statistical data, trends and forecasts through August 2017.
“Since inception, our association is uniquely comprised of the major players of the Guatemala trade deal – both exporters and importers,” said GPTA coordinator Priscilla Lleras-Bush. “We know that collectively, we are able to create synergies, share information, design creative strategies that will help US retailers and foodservice sell more Guatemalan products.”
The report specifically includes statistics relating to market summaries, trends, nutritional facts and benefits, consumer positioning of fresh peas and beans, key demographics and forecasts.
“We understand that it is essential to provide, communicate and share information with industry, so that all involved in our trade can effectively work together to equip and unite the major players of the category with the tools necessary for success,” said Ricardo Sieveking, co-chairman of GPTA.
Robert Colescott, co-chairman of GPTA and president of US importer Southern Specialties, added: “The outline also equips retailers and industry with the type of information needed to sell more produce from Guatemala.
'Importers have developed value-added programmes that provide US consumers with options to promote convenience, savings and ease of preparation alternatives in quality assured packaging.”
GPTA said it expects to see increasing consumption and demand for all fresh vegetables and fruit from Guatemala in 2016/17.
