Mexico, this year’s official Fruit Logistica partner country, is keen to increase its exotic fruit exports to the UK.
The country is the world’s 10th -largest agricultural exporter and leading exporter of avocados, mangoes, papayas, watermelons and other melons, as well as the second-largest exporter of onions, chickpeas, cucumbers, asparagus, pecans and limes.
SAGARPA - the ministry of agriculture, livestock, rural development, fisheries and food in Mexico - was at Fruit Logistica and determined to support its country’s growers.
General co-ordinator for trade promotion and exportations, Gabriel Padilla Maya, told freshinfo that Mexico’s presence in the UK market was very encouraging, with grapes and limes selling well, but said that the country wished to extend its offer.
He said: “Mexico introduced avocados to Europe, but because of logistics and price in the past, European countries are now importing the fruit from Spain, Chile and Peru. We need to understand the kind of market there is in Europe and plan to promote avocados at European shows.
“The UK market holds a big opportunity for all berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries. And we are also looking to push forward consumption of Mexican exotics in the UK. English people are very interested in Mexican food and all of our different varieties and products. We have an advantage because of the way the seasons are positioned - others cannot meet the UK market at the time that we can. We have seen an interest, especially in bananas, and would like to get Mexican bananas known in the UK marketplace.
“We would like to set up distribution centres at ports - especially Rotterdam - to make sure Mexican fruit is reaching our customers in the right conditions. We are very proud of MexicoGAP and want to maintain it through the supply chain.”
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