First peppers, now tomatoes to China?

For three years, the Fresh Produce Centre has tried to gain market access for the Dutch pepper in China. This is a long time, but not as long as the time spent on introducing pears in China, this took seven years. The next products on the list are the tomato and the apple.

Inge Ribbens of the Fresh Produce Centre told BNR about the project and chances on the Chinese market. The pepper consumption is high, but the Chinese pepper production is large as well. Partly due to the increase in inhabitants the Dutch pepper can make its way in China. "If every Chinese person eats one pepper, we would be very happy."

After a start up period of three years, the first peppers have been exported to China for a trial of two weeks this summer. The closed borders are due to the risks, according to Ribbens: which diseases and pests will be imported together with the import peppers? Of course, the protection of the Chinese market is a factor as well. The red pepper is quite popular as the reactions on the first shipments show. "It is China's colour."

After the pepper has been accepted, the focus will be on the tomato. For the fruit category of the Fresh Produce Centre, the apple will be sent over.

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