The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association’s (CFFA) mobile information centre recently rolled into Parisian wholesale market Rungis - the first promotion of its kind by the southern-hemisphere supplier.
For two mornings in May, the CFFA welcomed wholesalers into the brightly liveried truck trailer unit for trade information and coffee and snacks. Later each day, the CFFA held special workshops for some of France’s biggest importers, to give them an overview of Chile and the commercial opportunities it presents.
France is Chile’s fifth-largest European market, and the two-day visit marks the start of a series of promotional activities to be held there.
Ronald Bown, president of the Chilean Exporters’ Association, said: “We want to raise the profile of the Chilean industry in the French market, and we’re delighted with the results of this first step.
“There’s potential there for our growers and exporters as well as local importers, especially for emerging products like cherries, avocadoes and blueberries, which are doing extremely well in nearby UK.”
In the workshops, the importers were given briefings on product tendencies, emerging products and the challenges the Chilean industry is facing from issues such as the unfavourable peso-dollar exchange rate and increased production costs.
Christian Carvajal, CFFA Europe-Asia marketing manager and one of the mobile information centre hosts, said: “Over the two days, we secured visits on the part of the importers to Chile, where we will give them a comprehensive overview of the country and its fruit industry, plus the opportunity to make contacts with potential trade partners.”
The CFFA mobile information centre, which was recently enlarged to 90sqm, has a workshop area, a refreshment snack area and private meeting facilities.
Lianne Jones, CFFA European Field Manager, said: “The beauty of the information centre is its uniqueness and versatility. In the hubbub of produce markets, wholesalers and importers can step inside to relax, enjoy a coffee and get all the information they need. The same goes for trade shows, where delegates want an easily recognisable one-stop shop - a place to make and renew contacts in comfortable surroundings.”
During 2008-09, the unit is scheduled to visit Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
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