This year again the CBI, a Dutch government agency, will be helping promote companies from Africa and South America at Fruit Logistica in Berlin.Piet Schotel, who works with the CBI explains, "Ethnic African products are becoming more popular in Europe, in the growing African population, but also Europeans are demanding these products now. They are becoming increasingly popular due to people travelling, cooking programs and generally more awareness of the African culture."
The companies have varied products on offer, mangoes, melons and beans - from Senegal, yams, pineapples, chilli peppers and ethnic African veg from Ghana as well as mangoes from Mali and Burkina Faso.
The CBI helps companies directly by organising programs like export coaching. "We help the companies to find their way to the European market with information training. We take them by the hand to introduce them to buyers at events such as Fruit Logistica and help them get their training for certification such as Global Gap."
It is a four year program and once the companies reach the market the CBI also helps communicate with potential clients, Schotel says companies tend to feel more protected under the CBI umbrella.
This year the CBI will be promoting six companies from Senegal who will be in Hall 7.2 Stand B05. Five companies from Ghana in Hall 7.2 Stand A02 and companies
from Burkina Faso and Mali who will be at the CBI Stand in Hall 3.2 Stand C19.Click here to visit a special CBI site for more information about the exhibitors who will be at Fruit Logisitca.