North American fresh produce exporter Robinson Fresh is seeking to expand its presence in the European market where it believes there is still good opportunities for growth.
Gary York, Robinson Fresh’s vice president for sales and marketing, said that while the growth of key Asian markets had changed the shape of demand, and geopolitics were always a concern, it was “extremely important” for Robinson Fresh to build a big presence in Europe with its “large, sophisticated consumer base that continues to grow in wealth.”
The company’s European director, Robert Walsleben, said it would be exhibiting at next month’s Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid, where it will be showcasing its full range of exotics production from Central and South America, sweet potatoes and grapefruit from the US, and table grapes, apples, kiwifruit, and stone fruits from Peru and Chile.
Walsleben said the fair provided an opportunity for the company to connect with its European retail customers as well as with local suppliers in Southern Europe.
“Since landing in Europe four years ago, we have beenexporting product from the European continentto different geographies around the world, including the US and multiple geographies within Asia,” he said. “The majority of that product is coming from Southern Europe.”
York added: “Being North American-based, but with a supply base that focuses on all the Americas and also Southern Europe, where we are continuing to expand, we certainly see lots of opportunities in Europe for growth.”
