Guy Rinat, Global Green Team

"Upcoming local growers largest challenge for export salads"

In January 2012 Global Green Team was established as a focus for the import and export of salads from the Middle and Far East, Iceland and Africa, North America, Canada and Southern Europe. "50% of our shipments exist as airfreight," explains commercial manager Guy Rinat, who is also responsible for Israeli import. He sees local cultivation in export areas rapidly increasing but remains positive about the export opportunities.

"We provide wholesale, catering and food service worldwide, in many cases with mixed pallets. Direct export to the US, Canada and Asia is sometimes difficult due to the following of the 'Tuta Absoluta' law regarding tomatoes to North America and the export of peppers to Canada hampered by dumping taxes. Besides that, local growers in Canada and Mexico also have the same Dutch high tech standards and knowledge. Nevertheless I am convinced that North America will be an important receiver of European trade."

Future markets
"The Far East is an upcoming market. It is still difficult to deliver directly to China, but we as Global Green Team want to be involved in exports to up and coming markets outside of Europe. The foundation has been laid and we now want to expand further. Our goal for the coming years is in further specialisation of core products, namely salads," said Guy. "The commercial team of Global Green Team consists of ten people, who are real specialists in certain destinations."

The Israeli season is ready to begin and the first cherry tomatoes from Israel are expected. "Last year growers had a good summer and started the first harvest of cherry tomatoes to a good local market at the end of October. This summer was bad and people cannot wait to begin. Luckily the supply of Dutch cherry tomatoes declining so the overlap isn't as big," predicts Guy. The Israeli cherry tomato growers from Green Team Israel are situated in the Negev-region where the dry and stable weather allows for year-round production.

Relationship Russia Israel
"Israel has not had any extreme weather and the plants are looking good. However there will be fewer cherry tomatoes coming this way due to poor performance last season. The competition from Mediterranean countries such as Morocco, Senegal and Spain is large. An important fact is that Israel can export directly to Russia. The distance is shorter so the product arrives fresher. The Israeli pepper is also appreciated in Russia. Retail in Russia is increasing and communication between Russia and Israel is very good. Israel has many Russian immigrants so you have both cultures and they have a good network."

"Russia is a completely different market to Northern Europe. In Russia people send for a product and even in a difficult market prices are insured. Here it is the other way around. Other than this the way they purchase is similar to the North European model," explained the commercial manager. "With produce such as avocado's, herbs and pomegranates, Israel can distinguish itself with its product level. The tomatoes and peppers of recent years, had poor returns and are a little behind. We see that people are also looking for distinctive varieties such as snack peppers. Emerging cultivation in countries like Tunisia, Morocco and political stability in Egypt remain a challenge for Israeli fruit export, but I'm optimistic. I expect the Northern European market to become increasingly interesting for Israel."

For more information:
Global Green Team
Honderdland 417, Maasdijk
T +31 (0) 174 519 410
F +31 (0) 174 519 499
M +31 (0) 623 349 556
rinat@globalgreenteam.nl
www.globalgreenteam.nl

Publication date: Fri 11 Oct 2013