For the Belgische Fruitveiling (BFV), the Asian market remains one of great potential for Belgian fruit. That cooperative's Marc Evrard and Thomas Similion thus visited Asia Fruit Logistica last week, and Marc participated in the panel discussion. "Belgian Conference pears and apples are becoming increasingly popular in Asia. Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in most places, there are more and more opportunities throughout that region," Marc explains.
"It's great that after three years, we can finally be physically present again to meet our Asian business partners and make contact with new clients. These have obviously been difficult years for trade with much of Asia. Three years ago, we predicted that the Chinese market would grow by 300% for us. That was very realistic then. However, the major logistical problems, like irregularities and congestion, meant we had to focus on consolidating rather than expanding. But, thanks to our good relationships, we managed to keep the ship afloat."
Although there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, lockdowns in major Chinese cities are on the rise again. "First and foremost, that's very disruptive for Chinese residents again. And, we now, once again, have to wait and see how things develop. We thought we were making progress, but now, it's hard to gauge what will happen next," says Marc.
"We've generally managed to absorb everything just fine via a logistical process where all parties involved take responsibility for ensuring food safety and the health of everyone involved. That's how we got through the tough times and how we expect to be able to hold our own again now. We ultimately want to set our sights on expansion again because China has undeniably great potential."
Entering the relatively 'new' Asian markets
Yet, outside of China, there are several countries where restrictions have been lifted and where opportunities lie for Belgian fruit. "At the fair, we made contact with parties from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Hong Kong," continues Marc.
"Belgian top fruit has gradually found its way to those markets too. We export pears exclusively to China, but there's great demand for Belgian apples in India, for example. And Belgian products also appear in relatively 'new' markets such as Vietnam and Thailand."
That does not only apply to top fruit; other Belgian product groups are also doing well. "There's a rising demand for cherries, which offers much potential too. We can definitely expand in this in the coming years, and we were able to make some nice progress in that area at Asia Fruit Logistica," Marc concludes.
For more information:
Marc Evrard
Belgische Fruitveiling
800 Montenakenweg
3800, St. Truiden, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 116 93 411
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bfv.be