Proexport in Moscow

Proexport's delegation at last year's World Food Moscow

In spite of the ongoing economic recession in Russia, which has affected the spending power of the country’s consumers when it comes to expensive imports, there is still huge potential for Spanish exporters to increase their sales to Russia.

This was the assessment of Murcia-based fresh produce export consortium Proexport, which will be bringing a large delegation of leading exporters to this month’s World Food Moscow trade fair, which takes place in the Russian capital from 14-17 September.

Member companies, including Agromark, Campo de Lorca, Difrusa Export and Verdimed, will be attending the event with the objective of diversifying their client base in a market that Proexport believes offers export growth “possibilities”.

“Russia and the countries that surround it are difficult places for doing business, but they are extremely interesting for our sector as markets for our fruit and vegetable exports,” said Proexport director Fernando Gomez in a statement.

With a population estimated at 142m, the association views the Russian market as having strong possibilities for further growth for its two main exports to the country – citrus and stonefruit – among other products.

Mr Gomez said the trade visit would provide an opportunity for existing exporters to Russia to meet their clients and obtain new contains, while for other companies not present in the market it would provide a chance to meet Russian importers for the first time.

Proexport’s presence at World Food Moscow will be partly funded by the Region of Murcia’s export promotional plan, which is also highlighting participating companies through a dedicated website.