The umbrella organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector GroentenFruit Huis, NFO and Plantum have been closely involved in the negotiations between Dutch and Vietnamese authorities. Due to the collaboration between government and company life it was possible to round up negotiations with Vietnam within a year. This is unique.
Russian boycott
According to International Business policy officer Inge Ribbens of GroentenFruit Huis, expanding export possibilities is essential for the Dutch fruit sector: "Previously, a lot of Dutch and other European fruit went to Russia. This is no longer possible due to the boycott. All those countries are trying to find an alternative sales market, which means more fruit on the European market. New export markets are therefore essential. This is why the sector is very happy with the opening of the Vietnamese border."
More countries allow fruit import
There are also more successes for the fruit sector. As of autumn 2014, Dutch pears are allowed to be sold in China. The Brazilian border opened at the end of January 2015 for pears from our country. An agreement was recently reached between the Netherlands and India on market access for apples and pears. Indian importers are waiting industriously on the publication of the agreement in the Indian Government Gazette. This is expected to happen at the start of 2016. importers can apply for licenses from then.
Economic value of fruit export to Vietnam
The value of the Dutch fruit export to Vietnam over the next few years is estimated at around €2 million by the ministry of Economics. After this the value can run up quickly. Ribbens emphasises the importance of the Holland promotion. "Market access is the first step. Businesses came together to achieve this. Successfully. Now exporters must promote the Dutch fruit in Vietnam. Collaboration is a precondition for this too.
Fair presentations and tastings
According to Ribbens they are now trying to get together money for fair presentations and tastings in Vietnam. "The Conference doesn't look attractive to the Vietnamese consumer. But the sweet flesh suits the country's taste preferences. It's up to the Dutch exporters to bring the quality, safety and taste of the Dutch fruit into the spotlight in a convincing way."
Vietnamese fruit importers visit
Dutch apples and pears have to compete with domestic fruit in Vietnam and that from countries such as the United States and New Zealand. Ribbens: "Fruit from Vietnam and surrounding countries is naturally cheaper. Apples and pears from the US have been present in the market for much longer and are therefore more well known to the customer. However, the Netherlands is a top brand when it comes to agrarian products. Just look at the fame of Dutch milk powder in China. This positive image can be used cleverly at fairs."
Rapid completion of negotiations
Opening the borders for the import of agrarian production from our country often takes two to three years. As far as Vietnam is concerned, this was completed much faster. According to Ribbens this is partially due to the good relationship the Netherlands has built up with Vietnam in recent years. "The Dutch fruit sector, the ministry of Economics and the agricultural council in Vietnam played into this. The visit of Vietnamese fruit importers to the Netherlands also definitely helped."
Source: Agroberichten buitenland
