A group of South African fresh produce exporters are registering impressive trade leads at Fruit Logistica Berlin international exhibition in Germany, where they are showcasing their proudly South African products. The group received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to promote and showcase their fresh produce potential at the exhibition which started yesterday and will end on Friday, 7 February 2025.
The Marketing Director of Farm Costing Solutions, a data collection specialist firm, Ms Val Harker is overjoyed by the trade leads acquired on the first day of the show.
“There is a remarkable interest in our labour management tool which collects data in the orchard for managing productivity and costs on the farm. Representatives from countries like Spain, Kenya, Peru, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Tanzania, Netherlands, United Kingdom and South Africa showed interest in our tool and we will be conducting follow-up meetings for further discussions,” says Harker.
Harker adds that it is significant for these trade leads to turn into real export sales, as it could boost their employment creation drive and also contribute to the South African revenue.
The Director of Iris Fresh, Mr Sandeep Valodia says the show is already proving to be a success and as it has lots of walk-ins and providing an opportunity to meet with current and potential clients. They have signed deals with three new customers from Mauritius, France, and Netherlands.
“We have also recorded tangible leads that could turn into export sales. Prospective trades from countries like France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Netherlands, India and Mauritius demonstrated interest in our vegetables and fruits, particularly blueberries, baby vegetables, onions, grapes, passion fruit and figs. This got us thinking that we need to create more partnerships with additional smallholder farmers, especially to grow baby vegetables for us. At the moment we are buying from one farmer,” says Valodia.
The Managing Director of Mafube Fresh, a manufacturer of natural fruit powders made from guava, banana, figs and avocado, Ms Emmaculate Malashe, says she is motivated by the trade leads she has generated from countries like Malaysia and United Kingdom who are interested in partnerships for their natural fruit powders and fresh fruits respectively. She hopes more opportunities will come as the show progresses.
“Our main aim to participate in the exhibition was to find our foot in the global market, we want to solidify the brand and start exporting. These leads are exciting and could see our products being exported soon. Our products were developed with the export customer in mind,” utters Mafube.
The products on display in the South African National Pavilion include pears, apples, peaches, nectarines, berries, citrus fruits, grapes and farm costing solution software. The exporters are from Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.
From left: The Director of Iris Fresh, Mr Sandeep Valodia with the Chief Executive Officer of perishable Products Export Control Board at the South African National Pavilion at Fruit Logistica Berlin international exhibition.
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
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