According to a preliminary balance from the general manager of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua (APEN), Azucena Castillo, there was a hundred percent increase in contracts negotiated during ExpoApen 2015 over the previous year. The most demanded products were peanuts, chia oil, roots, tubers and fruits.
Castillo said that, in last year's edition of the fair, which lasts two days, the contracts obtained between local and international buyers amounted to three million dollars and that in 2015 they had amounted to over six million dollars; proof that the fair is working.
"This year the buyers who participated in the ExpoApen had greater purchasing decision. The idea is to bring the producer to markets that pay better for Nicaraguan products and that they find the quality they require," said Castillo.
According to Castillo, the amount of sales was due to the negotiation of peanuts, roots, tubers and fruits; sectors that were targeted by the representatives of companies that are seduced by this fair every year.
Over 110 buyers
Over 110 representatives of global companies attended the fifteenth edition of ExpoApen. According to the Castillo, one of the particularities of this year's edition was the participation of four Panamanian companies, which attended the fair for the first time.
"It's not just that Panama approached the fair. It represents an opportunity for local producers to take advantage of that market, which has been neglected and which is very demanding regarding safety and access conditions. Hence, the impression that they have about us will have an impact on other businesses," she said. She also stated that these Panamanian buyers had shown interest in black beans, salt, food condiments, cookies, cassava, tomatoes, and ginger.
Up to September 15, 2015, Nicaraguan sales to Panama showed a ten percent reduction in value and stood at $14.79 million dollars versus $16.44 million dollars in the same period in 2014, according to Center for Export Procedures (CETREX).
Regarding US companies, Castillo said they had been interested in melon, watermelon, fruit pulp, bananas, organic coffee, honey, donuts, onion, cocoa, beans, cassava, sesame cream, and frozen cassava.
European representatives showed interest for nostalgic products such as cereals, coffee, donuts, processed fruit, and avocado. According to Castillo, they expect to have a balance of purchase intentions ready by Wednesday.
Source: laprensa.com.ni