As for many companies in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable sector, the decision whether to travel for the Berlin fair or not, was difficult to take.
With still quite high Covid contamination figures, and travel restrictions in some of the Central American countries, many participants in the CBI export coaching program for Central America, who were ready to present their products to the market, finally decided not to travel and take part in the fair.
However, not wanting to miss the opportunity to present their companies in this year’s edition, CBI decided to still participate in the fair with a stand, representing the 17 companies from 6 Central American countries which are ready for the European market.
Four companies were physically present in the fair; Agrícola Antar from Honduras, Amadeo Export from Guatemala, Panafruit from Panama and Tropifoods from Costa Rica.
A wide range of products is offered by this group of companies; Avocado, Mango, Papaya, Sweet Potato, Okra, Cassava, Red Pitahaya and other exotic and tropical fruits.
The consultants, Arno van der Maden and Piet Schotel, who coached and prepared the companies for their entry on the European market for the past 4 years, were present talking on behalf of the companies which could not appear.
According to sector consultant Piet Schotel: “It was an interesting fair this year. Due to the Covid pandemic and probably even the war in the Ukraine, the number of exhibitors was much lower, and also visitors from certain parts of the world were less. On the other hand, the participants that were there stood out even more and had even better opportunities to show their excellent products and connect with European importers. And that worked; the number of relevant visitors to the stand was very good and promising contacts were made. Now it is for the companies to do the follow up.”
Connecting Central America
The European Union (EU) co-finances the Connecting Central America project. The Secretariat for Economic Integration of Central America (SIECA) coordinates it.
For more information:
Piet Schotel
Fruit Consultancy Europe
Mob: + 31 (0) 653 381 897
Email: piet@fruitconsultancy.nl
www.fruitconsultancyeurope.nl
Arno van der Maden
Email: arno@nsdeltropico.com
Mob: +506 884 74 746