Moldovan plums have managed to conquer new markets this season. By mid-October, more than 43,000 tons of plums had been exported, more than half of them have reached the European Union market.
"Moldovan producers have managed to meet the requirements of different markets. Italy, France, Croatia, Poland, Germany, Austria, Romania and Russian Federation are among these markets. Although a difficult year, the amount of plums exported so far is close to that exported in 2019, when we managed to sell 44 thousand tons of plums," says Iurie Fala, the executive director of Fruit Producers and Exporters Association Moldova Fruct.
"This year, Moldovan exporters took advantage of the opportunities created on the EU market, in context when, because of the frost, it was a reduction in the global harvest. We must also mention the fact that the exporters from the Republic of Moldova have made significant investments in order to expand their packing solutions and upgrading their businesses processes by implementing various certifications necessary to meet the most rigorous requirements.”
"The producers mention that with a quality product they manage to obtain much better prices than they previously obtained on the local market or on the traditional markets. Another positive aspect is that the Moldovan plum exporters gained the trust of the European buyers, in particular regarding the consistence of the fruit quality and safety, as generally the tests prove very good results as the MRLs are well below the maximal accepted limits. Every positive experience is in favor of our producers, so the buyers are ready to offer better prices than in the previous years."
"Being motivated to get a good price for a qualitative product, the number of Moldovan plum growers trying to access the European Union market is constantly increasing. Thus, for the next season we expect again a larger number of producers applying for GLOBALG.A.P. / GRASP certification. Also, to be competitive, the producers adapt their packaging and are extremely careful with applied production technologies to ensure the fruit quality, keeping the residues as low as possible."
"There are currently 22,000 hectares of plums under cultivation in Moldova, with an average annual production of 100,000 tons. Plums are available from July to November. Although Moldova produces over a dozen plums varieties, Stanley and President are the leading ones grown for export."
For more information:
Adrian Cojocaru
Moldova Fruct
Mobile: +373 60429929
Email: acojocaru@moldovafruct.md
www.moldovafruct.md