Ghanaian-based HS Investments Ltd, a grower/exported of fresh fruit, mainly focusing on the large-scale production of pineapples and papaya for the export market, recently attended the Food and Drink Expo in order to establish links with UK importers as well as source other potential foreign trading partners for its fresh produce as part of its strategy to increase international trade.
HS Investments spokesman Evans Amaoh said: "We are trying our best to establish a trade representation in the UK by attending trade fairs and exhibitions and potential partner meetings to enable us to get importers or wholesalers for our products.”
The company’s main objective is to improve the quality of the fruit it grows by introducing better post-harvest handling, packing and shipment methods of the fruits. Pineapple growers already strive to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is exported from their plantations by carrying out regular pre-shipment inspections on the 200-hectare farm. And now with an established irrigation system, fruit production is available all year-round.
Almost 57 per cent of Ghana’s land is classified as suitable for farming and agriculture with the bulk of fresh produce exported to the EU and mainly the UK. According to Amaoh, Ghana has experienced rapid growth in fresh fruit exports and over the last decade, total pineapple exports in particular have doubled in terms of both volume and value. Volumes sent increased from 15,319 tonnes in the mid 90s to 46,391t in 2002, with estimated revenues at $15 million for the year, a rise of 17 per cent in annual sales dollars. Other fruit exports such as papaya, bananas and mangoes have also risen but to a lesser extent.
Amoah is positive he will find an importer who is interested in his organic produce: "We are able to grow a premium product with our pineapples and papaya. Recently we have been able to increase our export volumes because of improvements in sea freight businesses and containers, helping to boost the international competitiveness our fruit,” he said.
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