The 2019 year concluded with some hardships for the organic apples in Poland. Despite a good start with a lot of potential, both the spring frosts as well as almost missing out on the French market had a significant impact on the season.
According to Anna Gabler, the CEO of Polish apple producer and exporter Agro Queens, feels the year 2019 could be split in two halves, each with its own story: “In the first half of 2019, we implemented contracts that were finalized at the end of 2018. The beginning of the year gave us good results and it was announced that buyers would repeat their orders at the beginning of the new harvest.”
Despite the good start however, the second half of 2019 would prove a lot harder for the Polish exporter. “The second half of the year brought us more frustration than benefits, especially for organic fruit. Producers noted a smaller harvest due to the spring frosts. Prices were expected to increase quite a bit and customer interest turned out to be much smaller. Some customers covered their needs by buying goods from the 2018 crops, when the price level was at the lowest level.” Gabler explained.
France is one of the main markets for Agro Queens, but this year was more challenging than usual. In fact, according to Gabler they were about to lose this specific market entirely. “We almost lost the French market due to two reasons; the main processors were under the pressure of the French growers association, which pushed to buy only French raw materials. Consuming nationalism in France has been visible last year. The second reason was a sufficient crop in France. Volumes were lower in Poland, but quite enough to cover the needs of our regular customers. The main problem could become the condition of the fruit while remaining in storage. This year we need to sell the produce earlier than usual.”
Despite the challenging past few months, Gabler is confident in the company’s future: “Our team is growing, the new customers are knocking on our doors and we are recognizable on the market as a serious partner. We signed contracts with leading entities in the food sector to be their strategic supplier of fresh and processed apples. This success is thanks to long term agreements between us and loyal producers, which realize the only way to be successful is to ensure product quality and traceability. Sustainable agriculture practices are the future, this is a part of the eco way. As a company, we are conquering Europe. We would like to enter the German market though, as well as strengthen the position of our Bio Queen brand.”
Gabler is getting ready to travel to Berlin, as Agro Queens will be exhibiting during Fruit Logistica. “It’s time to meet the customers, shake hands and drink a coffee with them. Every year we receive new contacts from the fair, hopefully this year will be no different. We’ll be in the City Cube, stand D-09, together with the Polish national stand. It’s easy to find us thanks to our pink colored logo. The upcoming weeks will be tough in terms of work, as we will also have a stand at another trade fair right after Fruit Logistica. Agro Queens will also be in Nurnberg during BioFach Hall 3, Stand 3A-514.”
For more information:
Anna Gabler
Agro Queens
Tel. +48502842132
Email: [email protected]
www.agroqueens.com
