After months of negative press surrounding the credit crunch, it's a welcome relief to see the produce sector taking a positive and proactive approach. Rather than dwelling on the difficulties, almost all of the companies interviewed recently by Fruitnet.com are tackling the slowing economy with strategic and innovative commitment.
Admittedly, sales could take a knock this year and growth, if any, will be modest, but as long as the industry keeps fruits and vegetables fresh in consumers minds, suppliers and buyers recognise there are opportunities to continue building on recent years of strong performance and strengthen the business for the future.
Mexico is just one hotbed for expansion, with the potential to both absorb more fruits and vegetables (to satisfy its increasingly health-conscious demographic), as well as widen its own export presence worldwide on the back of a growing offer of top quality and food safe produce.
Guatemala is another supply force on the up, where growers and shippers are confident they can weather the economic storm, and agricultural export volume is already well on its way to doubling by 2011, following last year’s double-digit growth.
Of course, it’s this long-term outlook that’s important to remember, which is why it’s great to see traders digging in their heels by adapting to the current realities.
A number of companies set to attend Mexico's leading food trade show Expo Antad in March say this year they are pushing to maintain sales momentum by increasing consumer and trade promotion efforts, including re-focusing marketing initiatives with more purchasing incentives to reflect the rise in price-driven shoppers. The Mexican government has also revealed its plans to invest US$200,000 to promote quality-certified produce among US consumers.
When all’s said and done, the produce trade has much to feel positive about. Recession or not, we all have to eat and, fortunately, fruits and vegetables continue to dominate the healthy eating drive. These are testing times but also transitory. On the whole, the feeling is optimistic – if not for the next 12 months, then the future in general.
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