The Bangladesh-based company Nano, established in 2013 and devoted to the production and export of various products, will attend the upcoming edition of Berlin’s Fruit Logistica for the first time, where according to its owner, Iqbal Hossain, it will seek contacts to sell its two major products: mangoes and potatoes. These are grown following the food safety standards set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Our main target is to export fresh fruit and vegetables to the European Union and Russia, to the Middle East (Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait or Bahrain) and to Far East countries, like Singapore and Malaysia.”
Hossain explains that the growing conditions for mangoes in Bangladesh are similar to those of India and that the country grows many varieties. Europe is still quite a new market, so it has been necessary to find out which varieties would best meet the needs of consumers. “Last year, we exported some mangoes for Walmart and ASDA in the UK. We sent them nine varieties to choose from and they picked three, so this season we are producing these three varieties for export to the European Union. This is a new experience, since Bangladesh had already exported to Europe before, but only small quantities for the ethnic market.”
To achieve this expansion into European supermarkets, the role of the government and its quarantine department has been really important. “They provided us with phytosanitary certificates for export to Arab countries, and although we don’t yet have the Global G.A.P. certificate, necessary for many international supermarkets, my company is already working to get it and we are operating following that standard.”
As regards the season’s prospects, Nano’s exports will start in the beginning of May and Hossain expects his farm to reach a production of around 500 tons this year. In addition to Europe, opportunities in Asia exist especially in Singapore, where the mangoes marketed at the moment come mostly from Australia and Thailand. We have recently provided them with information and this season they are also willing to have some mangoes from Bangladesh. We are also hoping to be able to export to the Malaysian market.”
The challenge will be to improve the country’s international image, as according to Hossain, “Bangladesh traditionally produces very cheap mangoes, but despite this reputation, our product is excellent. That has been the main motivation for us to participate in the international fair Fruit Logistica: to be able to show all international buyers that Bangladesh can produce great quality mangoes that are safe for human consumption.”
For more information:
Iqbal Hossain
Nano (Bangladesh)
email: iqbal@nano.com.bd ; nano.com.bd@gmail.com
http://www.nano.com.bd