According to data from Interfel, the agency that oversees the marketing of French fresh fruit and vegetables in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia accounts for 28 percent of all French apples exported to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Exports of the fruit to that region rose 16.43 percent year-on-year as of July.
A total of 46,9 tons of French apples were exported to the MENA region, up from 39,8 tons the previous year. Saudi Arabia was the number one market, taking 12,975 tons, followed by the UAE (12,920 tons), and Egypt (6,210 tons).
Arabnews.com quoted Daniel Soares, marketing export manager at Interfel, as saying: “The taste of our produce resonates well with Middle East consumers. Sixty-five percent of French apples (more than 1,300 growers) are produced in eco-friendly orchards, which has also contributed considerably toward the popularity of French apples.”
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