Spanish fruit and vegetable exports to the UAE registered a five-fold increase in the five years to 2014 and are set to reach a new record in 2015. While the continued closure of the Russian market – Spain’s biggest market outside the EU – was no doubt a contributory factor, companies have been turning their attention to the region for some time due to the limited opportunities afforded to them in Europe.
In November, Murcian grower-exporter Gruventa opened a new sales office in Dubai, signalling the firm’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region. Managing director Fermín Sánchez says the market “appreciates the quality of our fruits and vegetables and is not only totally complementary to the European Union but vital to the growth and profitability of Spain’s fresh produce industry.
Late last year Gruventa took part in a trade mission organised by the Murcian Trade Promotion Institute (INFO) and the European Fund for Regional Development (FEDER) to enable Murcian firms to gain a better understanding of the Qatari and UAE markets.
“These markets are extremely important for the development of Spain’s fruit and vegetable industry and it is imperative that we gain a better understanding through missions such as this,” Sánchez says.
Valencia-based Hispalco was a first time exhibitor at WOP Dubai last year after having seen a surge in interest from Middle Eastern buyers. “We started working with a number of clients in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar at the beginning of last year and since then our presence in the region has grown remarkably quickly,” says Ana Beltrán. “Doing business in these markets is risky, but feasible provided things are done properly.”
Hispalco has carried out a number of shipments of premium lines including berries, stonefruit and clementines with leaves attached by air, as well as seafreighting citrus and watermelons. Beltrán says the results suggest that the company’s Monna Lisa and Unicorn brands are a good fit for the market, which looks for premium quality at a competitive price.
