Business as usual between Europe and Russia

The emotion in Russia is tense after the plane crash in Ukraine. "This tragic event has been a shock,” says Gabriel Berard, owner of Bretonskiy Koupets, a representative agent in Russia for European exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables, who lives in Moscow since 2004. “Russian buyers of fresh fruits and vegetables have nothing to do with politics; they are also shocked after the disaster in Ukraine, and many have expressed their sympathy." When it comes to the fruit and vegetable trade, Gabriel sees no impact from the political situation at the moment. “The fruit and vegetables business community in Russia wants to continue doing business with Europe. I have been getting orders to load in Europe this week as usual - including orders to load in Holland."

Sanctions on fruits and vegetables would not be of benefit to anyone. “In 2013, according to Russian customs statistics, 26. 4% of the fresh fruits and vegetables imported to Russia were from EU origin, explains Gabriel. Should our governments try to limit the fruit and vegetable trade for political reasons, it would not benefit anyone,” explains Gabriel. "I do not think that Europe as a whole would decide to stop exporting fruits and vegetables to Russia. Right now, of course, everyone is deeply affected by the plane crash, but I expect the Netherlands and Europe will tackle the issue in another way. On the economic level, maintaining a good cooperation between European and Russian trading companies is important to restore stability and trust between countries."