Lyna now imports fruit and vegetables from Morocco. They also export top fruit to that country. This Belgian company has been doing so since the beginning of the year. Lyna is based in Tongeren, Belgium.
“My husband was born in Morocco. So, in January, we started with these import and export activities to and from his home country," says Lyna's Liesbeth Hamil. "Last summer, we got a lot of watermelons from Morocco."
"Now we have started importing Moroccan vegetables too. These include tomatoes, courgettes, and cucumbers. From January 2020, we will also begin importing citrus from that country."
Azeddine Hamil between the apples and French beans.
“Jonagolds are popular”
“When it comes to top fruit, Morocco primarily imports apples from France and Portugal. Fewer Moroccans, generally, eat pears. The apples we exported were sold on the early market in Casablanca. Golden apples are very popular in Morocco. However, the reasonably unknown Jonagold and Jonagored apple varieties were also well-liked," continues Liesbeth.
"Pears are another story. Clients were very satisfied with how the Conference and Doyenné du Comice pears tasted. We still, however, have to win them over somewhat regarding the Conference's appearance."
Quota
Belgian apples and pears are very popular among Moroccan consumers. Despite this, that country tries to protect its own market. This is done through quotas. "We are currently selling our pears and apples to my husband's brother. He is still waiting for quota approval."
"Otherwise, we will have to pay 70% import fees. That does the price no good. We believe strongly the Moroccan market is a good place for Belgian apples and pears. As long as you can offer these at a good price," says Hamil.
Wholesalers
“We sell the imported Moroccan vegetables to wholesalers. These are at the Brussels early market or in the city of Liège. We also work with independent supermarkets. We have noticed that it does not matter to our buyers from where a product comes. They do not care if their bell peppers come from Spain, Italy or Morocco. As long as the quality and price are good. We are well pleased with this."
"We were in a sorting center in Agadir (Morocco) recently. There we saw that all the good quality fruit and vegetables get exported. The rest stays in Morocco. A lot of money is being invested in that country's fruit and vegetable sector. You can see it in the export volumes' quality," concludes Liesbeth.
For more information:
Liesbeth Hamil
Azeddine Hamil
Lyna
21 Guldenbodemweg
3700 Tongeren, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 483 084 061
Email: azeddine.hamil@hotmail.com