A new Brazilian produce association has been formed, representing some of the largest export companies in the country.
Brasil Fresh Produce (BFP) will cover producers and exporters of apples, lemons, melons, watermelons, papayas, mangoes, grapes, bananas, avocados, figs, ginger and pineapples.
Its members, who will formalise the partnership at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, were worth more than $100 million (£61.9m) in exports in 2009.
Its exhibitors at the show include Agrícola Famosa, GBI Brazilian Fruits, Intermelon Comercial Exportadora e Importadora, Itacitrus Agroindustrial e Exportadora and RBR Fresh Fruit Import Export BV.
The association has adopted the strapline ‘Brazil a Place of Growth’ for the trade show as it looks to capitalise on the country’s large agricultural potential in terms of volume and technological advances.
In a statement, the BFP said: “The partnership… was created with clear objectives: to unite producers, processors, packers and exporters of fruits on the defence of the national fruit cultivation, on the joint search for the improvement of the commercialisation in the internal market as well as the opening of new foreign markets.
“BFP will act on the protection of Brazilian fruit cultivation by stimulating the acknowledgement of social and economical utilisation of fruit production, supporting minor producers so that they can maintain their properties while receiving fair returns for their products; developing marketing projects and programmes which will encourage the consumption of fruit, appealing to the notion that consumers will benefit from having healthier lives and as a consequence it will reflect positively on the entire production chain.”
BFP will represent the associated producers before the national and international governments and collaborate with research organisations, as well as follow the registration of new phytosanitary products.
It will also look at the development of better agronomic practices, look for better varieties and improve methods of conservation, while ensuring its members access to new production technologies.
BFP will participate in forums, conferences, trade shows and seminars on certification, best practice, food safety, logistics, classification and packaging.
