Dutch expert to help fruit producers from Moldova sell on EU market

Chisinau, 7 November /MOLDPRES/- Processors of fruit and honey from Moldova will be assessed by a foreign expert to meet market requirements of the European Union countries. Dutch expert Reindert Dekker is on 5-10 November mission to assess the export capacities of some fruit-processing enterprises, members of Moldova Fruct association and companies producing and exporting honey.

Following assessments, companies with increased export potential will be set in a comprehensive export mentoring program that will help them gain access to or improve position on the EU market, a press release by the Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters of Moldova said.

The Dutch expert will review the activities of the companies and, under the competitive advantages and opportunities, individual action plans will be worked out which will include complex assistance measures for up to 18 months. The assistance will be focused on implementing quality and food safety standards, enhancing strategic planning and marketing skills and setting relations with EU importers.

Relations will be set through business missions and participation in international exhibitions such as Anuga in Germany, SEAL in France or others, depending on the individual needs of each company participating in the programme.

"Even if some companies in the program already have export experience in the EU, there is still a lot of work to be done until we can say that Moldovan processed fruits or honey have got a strong position on the European markets," marketing specialist of Moldova Fruct Association Adrian Cojocaru said. He added that at present, most exports are products for bulk trade as ingredients or under the private brand name of buyers in importing countries. However, to achieve long-term sustainability, it is needed to gain the end consumer loyalty, and this means a different approach to quality, packaging, distribution and promotion of commodity products.

"I am pleasantly surprised by the entrepreneurship of people with whom we spoke. Our main goal now is to identify companies that would fit best in the program of support that we want to launch. Most likely, the major emphasis in this program will be on enhancing export efficiency, including through activities to promote Moldova's image as a durable supplier of honey or high-quality processed fruit,” Dekker said.

The action is part of the project - Assistance aimed at strengthening export capabilities in the EU, implemented by Moldova Fruct in partnership with other associations and supported by the International Financial Corporation and the Export Promotion Center in the developing countries, department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

The Association of Fruits Producers and Exporters brings together 170 fruit producers throughout the country.

According to data by the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, from the end of September 2018 to date, Moldova has failed to reach the export quotas offered on the EU market under the Free Trade Agreement. Four thousand tons of plums were exported out of 10 thousand tons, 1,750 tons of apples out of 40 thousand tons and 5,782 tons of grapes out of 10,000 tons.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor A. Răileanu)