Cyprus is a country with a long and rich history, a proud heritage and an ideal climate for growing. The island also has a reputation for the quality, diversity and all-round excellence of its fresh produce.

There are more than 30 fresh produce exporters, most of whom are substantial growers in their own right, and the capacity to export greater volume and range continues to develop. The country has focused on implementing vigorous policies on food safety and hygiene to comply with all EU and international standards, while exporters strictly adhere to European regulations on production, packaging and storage.

Many also offer specially tailored labelling to meet the needs of supermarket and wholesaler buyers. It all leads to Cyprus, particularly in these challenging times, being labelled the garden of the Mediterranean.

Total exports of fresh produce amounted to over £70 million in 2011, a 25 per cent increase on 2010.

The most significant lines are potatoes, citrus and vegetables. In 2011 exports to the UK of potatoes, vegetables and citrus were £6m, £4.4m and £3.4m respectively.

Taste credentials

Cyprus potatoes are widely acknowledged for their unique taste, grown in the famous red soils of the island. In addition, the climate means the fresh crop is available virtually all year round. The main varieties grown are Spunta, Nicola, Cara, Anabelle, Charlotte, Marfona, Diamant and Arabel. There has also been an unprecedented investment in grading and packaging plants which has translated into a total export value of over £42m in 2011, a 60 per cent increase on the previous year.

In recent times there has been further major expansion of out-of-season ranges. Key products in value terms include artichokes, aubergines, beans, beetroot, capsicums, chillies, courgettes, cucumbers, endives, okra, pumpkins, rocket, spinach, onions, chard, taro and tomatoes. Exporters are well geared to pack these to specifically meet buyer needs, as the greatest proportion of vegetables is airfreighted and exported within a time frame of 12 to 24 hours to ensure its extra freshness.

Citrus fruit represents a key export market. Mandora accounts for more than half of citrus exports and the country also produces soft-citrus varieties like Nova, Minneola and Ellendale, grapefruit varieties including the white-fleshed Marsh Seedless and the red-fleshed Rio Red and Star Ruby, lemon varieties such as Lapithiodiko, Eureka and Lisbon and orange varieties like Navel, Shamouti and Valencia.

The use of herbs in Mediterranean cooking is well known and highly appreciated. In recent years, there is clear evidence of a growth across Europe with consumers and restaurants more willing to use both fresh and dry herbs in their cooking and to explore different tastes. Again the range of product on offer is wide ranging from the all-year-round parsley, coriander, thyme, dill, basil and mint to the seasonally available methi and sage and, of course, the uses of herbs are not restricted to eating but also are important as medicines and in cosmetics.

Continued innovation and development brings forward ever more choice, no more so than in pre-packed salads where there has been major growth in exports. Cyprus exporters have certainly responded to the irrepressible increase in global demand for convenience products and continue to open up opportunities. Producers have also expanded their facilities and established new markets.

As part of its promotional push the Cyprus Trade Centre in London has set up a dedicated website, which includes a comprehensive directory of businesses, at www.freshfruitvegetables.com. —