After borders closed and flights were grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fruit Producers and Exporters Association of Moldova created an alternate way for prospective buyers to ‘visit’ some of Moldova’s producers and exporters. Using 3D panorama imaging technology and videos, buyers that are interested in Moldovan fruit and grapes can ‘step into’ orchards, vineyards, and post-harvest facilities of Moldova’s producers and exporters through virtual tours. The tours capture the entire horticultural infrastructure of each of the ten participating companies, from production to post-harvest handling. Foreign buyers, as well as any interested consumer, can virtually view the super intensive orchards, modern cold storage facilities, as well as available sorting, grading, and packaging equipment, while enjoy breathtaking views of Moldova’s countryside.
Adrian Cojocaru, marketing specialist at Fruit Producers and Exporters Association of Moldova, indicated that the association relied on technology to adapt to new global conditions. ”The global pandemic canceled or postponed almost all the international trade-fairs where we traditionally participated. This also has a negative impact on possibility to travel and to meet our actual and potential partners face to face. In this challenging context, we are encouraged to be more creative. We therefore applied for a grant to a USAID-financed project, which helped us to produce a series of virtual tours (VR) to our members, located in different regions of our country, growing various types of fruits. Don't hesitate to virtually visit the orchards of our fruit producers!”
Over the last decade, Moldovan fruit producers have made significant investments to establish modern orchards and high-tech post-harvest infrastructure. As growers have obtained critical certifications, such as GLOBALG.A.P., and now are yielding outstanding quality apples, grapes, plums, and other tasty fruit in viable quantities, the Fruit Producers and Exporters Association of Moldova is prioritizing market diversification and improved commercial opportunities for its members.
Self-guided virtual tours can be easily accessed by anyone who is interested in seeing the potential of Moldova’s fruit sector first-hand by visiting https://moldovafruct.md/en/map/. Anyone seeking further information, or who would prefer a guided tour, can also reach out to the Association using the contact information below.
For more information:
Adrian Cojocaru
Moldova Fruct
Mobile/Viber/WhatsApp: +373 69140614
Mobile: +373 60429929
Email: acojocaru@moldovafruct.md
www.moldovafruct.md