The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) is set to provide an insight into the diverse and high-quality fresh produce offering from Africa in October.
Companies from Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco will all showcase their fresh produce and highlight the advantages of Africa as a sourcing market at Fruit Attraction, which takes place in Madrid from 4-6 October.
For the first time, four companies from new IPD partner country Kenya will be represented at Fruit Attraction, showcasing a wide selection of fresh herbs including basil, oregano, tarragon and thyme.
In addition, the Kenyan representatives will showcase avocados and fine beans, among products.
Companies from Ghana will be in hand to talk about their mango offering, with producers offering fruit from May to July as well as from December to February.
Fresh mint and lemongrass, as well as goji berries, which are in high demand, are products from Morocco at this year’s Fruit Attraction, and from Côte d’Ivoire a company specialising in growing organic coconuts will be represented.
A wide range of fresh produce will be presented by six companies from Egypt. In addition to strawberries, pomegranates and grapes, there will be vegetables such as yellow and red onions, sweet potatoes, artichokes and sugar snap peas on display.
“Apart from variety and quality, seasonality and geographic proximity to Europe are further arguments for importers to expand their trade network and take on new African partners,” said Julia Bellinghausen, head of IPD. “Through sourcing, testing and matchmaking at trade fairs such as Fruit Attraction we support European importers in opening up new procurement markets.”
As part of the Special Programme Ukraine, IPD is accompanying five Ukrainian companies to Fruit Attraction, focusing on products such as apples, pears and blueberries.
“We are very pleased to be able to support new companies from Ukraine in the short term through the BMZ-funded special programme and to network with European trading partners,” said Bellinghausen. “Previous trade shows and virtual B2B events have shown that the need and demand both do exist.”
South American IPD partner countries will also spotlight a wide range of subtropical and tropical fruits, inlcuding limes, physalis and passionfruit from Colombia, and granadillas, red and yellow pitahayas from Ecuador. Organic ginger and turmeric from Peru will also be presented.
