The UK is not generally known for being an exporter of fruit, but things are slowly changing, with companies looking at the opportunities for exporting premium fruit to overseas markets.
The Orchard Fruit Company took advantage of the first very British Pavilion at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong this year to see just what opportunities were out there.
Mark Culley at Asia Fruit Logistica
“We see a lot of opportunities in Asia for cherries and apples,” said Mark Culley from The Orchard Fruit Company. “At the time when we have cherries we have to compete with Washington, but we feel this very plausible.”
“We haven’t exported any cherries to Asia as yet, but there are lots of opportunities going forward. Our stone fruit company Norton Folgate exported cherries to South Africa this summer both air and sea freight and that went very well. It was a successful trail which gives us the confidence to know we can do the job and do it very well.”
Mark admits that there are some frustrations which need to be worked through, one being market access. There is limited market access around the world for British apples or cherries, so they are working with DEFRA to get into markets where there are clearly good opportunities, such as China and India.
“This is one of the issues with exports out of the UK, there are a number of markets which we are precluded from at this stage. There is not much fruit exported from the UK therefore access has never been applied for,” explains Mark. “There is no telling when or if access to China will be granted but you have to start at some point.”
China may not yet be an option, but the UK does have access to may other Asian countries. The Orchard Fruit Company has done some apple exports to Asia over the years.
“We will continue to export to Asia and look for new opportunities here. This market is good for Royal Gala as long as you have good coloured fruit and can price competitively against the French and Italian fruit.
Royal Gala is the largest grown variety in the UK and best known in the markets and it is a good product to sea freight for 30 days.
“We are not looking to grow varieties specifically for the Asian markets as some other countries are doing, we grow apples predominately for the UK market, which is where the majority of the sales will continue to be, saying that it is important to look elsewhere for opportunities,” states Mark. “There are also opportunities closer to home, Europe for example, Scandinavia is one.”
For more information:
Mark Culley
The Orchard Fruit Company
Tel: +44 1206848621
Email: mark.culley@orchardworld.co.uk