European exotics importer Nature’s Pride says tighter controls governing imports of 15 Thai vegetable lines into Europe due to pests and residues has hurt its Thai exotics business.
The EU threatened to ban imports of certain Thai vegetables last December following persistent findings of pests and excessive chemical residues. The potential ban affected 15 vegetable lines across five groups.
Exports were allowed to continue, however, on the condition that Thailand carry out self-imposed controls to ensure exports meet EU phytosanitary standards.
“Too many Thai exporters do not have food safety under control,” Nature’s Pride founder and CEO Shawn Harris told Fruitnet.com. “We are glad to see that this is being taken seriously and hope that the Thai exotics business will come out stronger with only the best suppliers that follow the food safety rules able to export in the future.”
The Netherlands-based firm typically imports up to 20 different exotic Thai fruits and vegetables per week, year-round. Imports peak around Christmas and Easter. The company supplies some 400 clients in 25 different countries.
Mrs Harris says Nature's Pride has increased its Thai exotic volumes in recent years, despite a number of challenges sourcing from Thailand.
“It is not an easy country to import from,” she said. “Thailand has limitations due to lack of large growers and lack of continuous supply.”
Based in Maasdijk, the Netherlands, Nature’s Pride imports, ripens, packs and distributes exotic fruits and vegetables, berries and off-season produce.
CEO Shawn Harris founded the company nine years ago.
