From 12 to 15 September, the annual food fair World Food was held in the Expocenter in Moscow, located next to the river Moskva. A food fair in the broadest sense of the word: from dairy, fish, meat and sweets to fruits and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables were an important part of the fair. No less than two halls of pavilion 2 were occupied by 352 fresh produce companies from 40 countries. These companies trade in products such as fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and fresh and processed mushrooms. Suppliers of, for example, packing machinery and materials, industrial and commercial equipment were represented at the fair as well. The fair was visited by 30,000 people from a number of countries.
Despite the boycott, which has, for now, been extended to 2018, seven Belgian fruit and vegetable exporters participated at the fair. M-Fruit and Fruit Queen represented the Netherlands. These two are in close contact with Russian companies. Other Dutch exporters, such as Gebr. de Mooij Amsterdam and Ravex were present as visitors. When asked why Belgian exporters remain loyal to the fair, Jeroen Buyck of Calsa says it is mostly a matter of keeping contacts ‘warm.’ “Some trade is still happening in the field of re-export, and we speak with these contacts at the fair, in any case.”
When asked whether it is realistic to think relationships with Russian importers will improve after the boycott is lifted, Buyck answers - it will never again be as it was before the boycott. “Russia will become more self-supporting in the coming years.” Last week at AGF.nl, Meindert den Ouden said the rate of self-support is increasing quickly in Russia: “Only for cultivations that are less suitable due to the climate, such as greenhouse cultivation, will import be necessary - but for potatoes, onions and carrots this will not be the case. Knowledge in the field of cultivation and storage is currently being exported from many countries. For Russia, this will mean higher returns and more efficient management in the coming years.”
Buyck still sees opportunities for the Russian market in future. “Transport costs are lower compared to, for example, South American countries. The Conference pear is a trump card on the Russian market as well. This pear has respectable returns, is great quality, and relatively cheap to produce, especially compared to similar pear strains such as Abate. When the boycott is lifted, the export of Conference will definitely have good opportunities on the Russian market again.”
When asked how Buyck experienced the fair, he said it was painful commercially. “You have a great product, every opportunity to sell it at competitive prices in every desired packing on the Russian market, and potential buyers at your booth. To be bound hand and foot because of political decisions - because our European politicians are refusing to deal with this problem in a civilised manner, that hurts. Should there be an import ban on expensive European cars, Merkel would get into an aeroplane after one day to talk to Putin.”
Please click here to view the photo report of the fair.