At the beginning of December, a delegation of wholesalers from the central market of Madrid participated in the Food Africa fair held in Cairo. They learned about the Egyptian fruit and vegetable offer and explored new commercial relationships with African companies.
The opportunity to participate in this edition of Food Africa arose when the Association of Wholesale Companies of the Fruit Market of Madrid (Asomafrut) had a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of Egypt and the coordinator of Food Africa at Asomafrut's stand in Fruit Attraction, the Association stated. “The initiative aroused considerable interest among our partners. Previously, through the fair's B2B platform, the 9 associates who participated in the fair had already contacted and closed meetings with the companies with the commercial profiles they were looking for, which mainly focus on the counter-season offer of different fruits and vegetables."
In the meetings held in Cairo from December 4 to 7, they learned about the characteristics of the Egyptian fruit and vegetable offer in greater detail, from the sizes and different processed goods they offer, to the costs and transit times to Spain, two differential factors in the import market.
Egypt also has the advantage of having several production areas along the Nile, which crosses about 1,500 km in the country, so, although it is also located in the northern hemisphere, it has the ability to complement the Spanish campaign of different references. "It was a very interesting experience. The participating companies had the first approach with Egyptian companies that could lead to commercial agreements for the next year."
"Egypt has the possibility and the ability to export different onion varieties"
Marcafruit Vegetables' experience. "We met with several Egyptian companies and were able to learn about their prices, product quality, and transport and customs conditions," stated Marta Rodriguez. "The potato is one of the most marketed Egyptian products in Spain when there is no national product available, but we are also interested in onions."
"Egypt has a logistical advantage over other origins, such as Peru, because of its proximity to Spain, which allows its products to reach the European country by boat in 5-6 days. In addition, this year onion prices are considerably higher because there has been a lower production and, even though things can change, the same thing could happen in the next campaign; that's why we were informing ourselves about this product."
"We saw their red onion offer at the fair, but the country has the possibility and the ability to export other varieties. We also learned about Egypt's sweet corn, another interesting product that is increasingly being marketed in Spain," stated Marta. "Egyptian companies also showed their interest in Spanish products."
"It was a very positive experience. We had the opportunity to meet with many suppliers and to take advantage of the time we spent at the fair. I am very satisfied and, if I have the opportunity, I will come back next year.”
"Egypt is a leading exporter, and that's why we wanted to participate in Food Africa"
Eduardo Rodriguez de Miñon, from Cultivar, also participated in the Cairo fair. "Our main goals at the fair were to find out what Egypt can export and to explore new business opportunities."
“We thought pomegranate and Egyptian citrus fruits were a good export option. Egypt also excels in the production of hot peppers, legumes, and sweet potatoes. At Cultivar we specialize in exotic products and Egyptian mango is also an interesting product."
"Food Africa is a much smaller fair than, for example, Madrid's or Berlin's fairs in terms of fresh product exhibitors, but it has a lot of potential and it's expected to grow much more in the coming years," Eduardo stated. "This was the first contact, we are always interested in exploring new origins and products; in fact, it's one of Cultivar's missions."
For more information:
Asomafrut
Nave J-2, Calle 40, Mercamadrid
28053 Madrid
Tel.: 917 85 32 11
[email protected]
https://asomafrut.com