Lebanon is a country facing economic, political, the world crisis challenges while it is still suffering from the enormous explosion that happened three years ago. However, Lebanon is rapidly developing into a serious option for the supply of table grapes and avocado for the European market. According to Piet Schotel of CBI, even some vegetables and potatoes of Lebanese origin can be interesting for Europe.
“The production of grapes and avocados is growing strongly every year and a transition towards cultivating varieties that are welcome and in demand in Europe is beginning to show. In light of sustainability, where there is an increasing demand for products produced nearer to the European market, products from Lebanon may be a solid alternative for sources in South America. With its new packing and cold storage facilities, products can be professionally packed and pre-cooled. The development of producers and exporters is supported by various organizations as RMF, Berrytech, USAID, the Dutch embassy and CBI.”
CBI supports about 28 producers and exporters in an Export Coaching Program. The training of Lebanese companies has been going well, Schotel explains: “Aiming specifically at Europe, ten companies received training, coaching and guidance, bringing them up to speed with the requirements of the European buyers. They are coached on quality standards, food safety, hygiene, social compliance, and as well how the business in Europe is being done. In the last months already successful exports of grapes were done to the north of Europe, the first volumes of avocado will arrive in Spain and France in February.”
In this year’s edition of the Fruit Logistica, exporters from Lebanon will be present in their stand in Hall B B-35.
For more information:
Dirk-Jan Zegelaar
CBI
Email: dzegelaar@cbi.eu
https://lebfresh.org/
Piet Schotel
Tel: +31 6533 818 97
Email: piet@fruitconsultancy.nl