Back in 2012, Terra Exports was established as an international trader of fresh produce, based in Nevada, USA. What started as a one-person company, has grown into a global team, represented by 23 different nationalities, speaking 15 different languages altogether.
“We are active in more than 65 countries around the globe. Since we operate in a global market, we need a diverse team with different backgrounds in various locations,” says Nils Goldschmidt, founder and CEO of Terra Exports. “The huge diversity in our team brings fresh ideas and different perspectives to the table,” he added. “It resulted in shipping mandarins from Pakistan to Vietnam, bringing avocados from Colombia into Malaysia, and sending strawberries from Canada to Mauritius.” Interesting fact is that the entire team works remotely. In 2021, Goldschmidt sold his company to GrubMarket, but stayed on as the CEO.
Avocados from Kenya and peaches from Zimbabwe. Photos: Terra Exports.
Africa emerging as a source
While the company handles many different produce items, blueberries, apples, grapes, avocados, cherries, and citrus are the main products. More recently, the origins and price points of these produce items have been experiencing a shift. “Several markets across Asia now say origin is less important than before,” says Terra Exports’ Victor Anderson. “These markets increasingly focus on getting consistent product on the shelves at the best price, quality, and taste. If that requires a change of origins, they are happy to make the switch.” As an example, Anderson mentioned that Africa, particularly Tanzania, has gained popularity as an origin for avocados this year. Blueberries are available from Africa year-round and growing air connections give countries like Morocco and Zimbabwe an opportunity to grow.
Apples from South Africa are also experiencing significant growth into Asia and especially Vietnam. “This is taking away some of the market share of more traditional origins like New Zealand. From Turkey, apples are also increasingly making their way into the Subcontinent and Asia with good quality and competitive pricing.”
China is another country that’s emerging as a supplier. “While grapes and apples have always been strong items, the quality and range continues to improve. Blueberries from China are also increasingly entering markets across Asia. “In the past, certain markets and retailers carried little or no fruit from Chinese origins. However, produce from Chinese origin is now very common across almost all channels,” Anderson shared.
“We will continue to look for niche products in atypical sourcing countries,” finished Goldschmidt.
For more information:
Nils Goldschmidt
Victor Anderson
Terra Exports
sales@terraexports.com
www.terraexports.com