“We are so excited that the ruling we have been pursuing over the last ten years is finally being passed,” states Mayda Sotomayor, CEO of Seald Sweet. “The quality of citrus is outstanding and the availability of certain commodities nicely complements existing summer citrus programs, which enables us to continue building the category. For example, the Salustiana navel from Uruguay has fantastic exterior appearance and excellent interior eating quality.”
Sotomayor continues, “Uruguay has a long history as a citrus producing country with second and third generation farming operations and have well-established supply channels in the European market which is accustomed to high quality standards. This new market access is very positive in regards to US interests as well as beneficial to the Uruguayan farmers.” This ruling allows importers like Seald Sweet to continue to grow the citrus category with year-round availability in the US market and it gives Uruguayan farmers the opportunity to develop a new market.
The ruling has been long awaited and faced numerous set-backs over the years but continued persistent efforts from various individuals and organizations finally led to the USDA requirement of due diligence being met and approval of market access.
“We are very grateful for the efforts of the US Ambassador to Uruguay, Julissa Reynoso. She played a major role in facilitating the rule-making process and keeping the flow of processes moving along,” said Bruce McEvoy, Director of Global Affairs for Seald Sweet and the UNIVEG Group. Mr. McEvoy was instrumental in the lobbying efforts with the US embassy and Uruguayan officials.
The effective date for this Rule is August 9, 2013, and the first shipments should take place by mid-August, meaning the first commercial shipments should arrive in early September on the US East Coast. Consumers and retailers will have a taste of Uruguayan citrus before the summer season comes to a close.
For more information:
Kimberly Flores
Seald Sweet Corporate Headquarters
Tel: +1 (772) 569-2244
kflores@sealdsweet.com