Freshfel Europe president Ramon Rey used the recent International Seminar on fruit and vegetables at Expoalimentaria Peru to acknowledge the new trading environment that Peru and the European Union are moving towards.
The recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) was a major talking point at the Lima-based event, with the agreement currently under the ratification process and expected to be phased in at the end of 2011.
Peruvian exports to the EU have already experienced significant growth over the past five years, with the volume of the top five products exported by Peru to the EU now standing at over 150,000 tonnes with a value close to €250m.
Prominent Peruvian exports to Europe include 30,000 tonnes of asparagus, 40,000 tonnes of avocados, 35,000 tonnes of mangoes, 25,000 tonnes of soft citrus and 15,000 tonnes of table grapes.
'While Peruvian exports already enjoyed preferential tariff conditions under the GSP+ scheme, the new free trade agreement could provide an improved business environment and lead to new opportunities for the Peruvian sector in the EU off-season market,' Mr Rey explained.
While there is potential for Peru's fresh produce exporters to increase their EU shipments, Mr Rey noted that the market remained demanding and competitive, and added that suppliers would have to cope with the 'highest level of legislative provisions' and strict consumer requirements.
'It is important that food safety and environmental requirements are harmonised to avoid confusing growers, trade operators and consumers but also to refrain the sector from unnecessary costs relating to the proliferation of schemes,' he said. 'This is relevant for all suppliers including those in the EU but also particularly crucial for emerging suppliers outside the EU such as Peru.
'Suppliers from around the world should focus their efforts and investments to reach the highest quality and taste to satisfy consumers and stimulate them to eat fresh produce in particular in time of economic crisis in Europe where consumption remains stagnating,' Mr Rey added.
In conclusion, Mr Rey said that Freshfel Europe saw the FTA with Peru as an opportunity to develop trade in a bilateral and reciprocal way, allowing trade in fresh produce to develop in both directions.
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