"Everyone is going on about China, China, China, but I personally see more potential for India. India is already a big apple eating culture, with huge differences between the different regions and no limit to demand. The big dilemma at the moment is that they are only interested in buying varieties like Royal Gala, Red Prince and varieties like that, but looking at the long term, if Polish producers were to invest some money to educate Indian consumers about other varieties that are available out there, I think that the Polish apple could become a new niche product." said Marek.
Marek said that Fruit Logistica was a great opportunity to speak with some existing contacts and potential new ones from India.
"The first day was very interesting and I got the opportunity to speak with some people from India. We had a few meetings with the different regions we'd started supplying a few months ago." shared Marek.
I spoke with some visitors from India yesterday for the first time, and while we were talking, they said 'please, we just want to sell and aren't interested in new products'. I told them about a Polish saying we have, 'Any idiot can buy and sell standard products', and that they should think about adding value. I didn't think they would come back, to be honest, but they did, and after 40 minutes they have now agreed to take around 1 container of the different variety to try out. If it works, then it is a chance to build a new company partnership."
The variety that the customer will be testing looks similar to Royal Gala, but has a different taste. Marek said that he had to stress that just because something is different, it doesn't mean that consumers won't buy them. However, it is also not just about selling and leaving the customer to their own devices, it is necessary to stay in contact with the new contacts and provide support to help them succeed.
Along with India, the company is also building up their new branch in Canada, which they have busy with the last few years.
"We have developed some good relationships and our contacts there have said that the Polish apples are not enough and they would like more products. I was in contact with a Dutch tomato producer, who had been wanting to enter the Canadian market and was happy to work with us instead of going through the regular exporters. We also met with a Spanish company who becomes an importer outside of the Spanish growing season to discuss Canada." said Marek.
"We discussed that phytosanitary conditions are still very tricky and that each situation has to be reported. I am curious to see what the future will bring when it comes to the practical points of the CETA agreement."
For more information:
Marek Marzec
Ewa-Bis
Tel: +48 223439800
Email: m.marzec@ewabis.com.pl
www.ewabis.com.pl