Belgian fruit and vegetable exporters visited London last week as part of a business-focused tour co-funded by the European Union. The delegation of 14 exporter representatives, coordinated by VLAM, included companies such as BelOrta, Hoogstraten, Demargro, Elite Fresh Trade, REO Veiling, Vegobel, and Devos Wouters. The program featured meetings with existing and potential customers at New Covent Garden Market (NCGM), a visit to New Spitalfields Market, and a retail tour of London.
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At NCGM, the group presented a wide range of Belgian products, including tomatoes, berries, leeks, aubergines, chicory, courgettes, pears, apples, and bell peppers. Throughout Buyers' Walk, a cargo bike was used as the centrepiece, filled with croissants, sandwiches, and a Belgian chocolate fountain for dipping blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
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Jose and Dana of LINK represented Fresh from Flanders, engaging with traders across both sections of the Buyers' Walk. The event was held during early morning trading hours, where exporters were able to meet wholesalers directly.
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At the close of the activities, all fruit and vegetables from the showcase were donated to City Harvest, received by Richie Barker.
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According to Nele Van Avermaet, Promotion Manager for Fruits and Vegetables at VLAM, "Visiting wholesale markets is always a special experience, and it was a highly productive early morning. We spotted a wide range of Belgian produce, but it's never enough! So, we took the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our top products and strengthen connections between the two neighbouring countries. Let's keep exploring new opportunities together."
© Covent Garden Market AuthorityFor more information:
Covent Garden Market Authority
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7720 2211
Email: [email protected]
www.newcoventgardenmarket.com
