With over 185,000 metric tons of apple exports, Moldova was one of the top 10 apple exporters worldwide in 2020. Moldova’s horticulture has been investing over the last few years in new technology, for cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest handling, packaging and logistics. On the 18th of February you will have the chance to make a virtual tour of three Moldovan production locations.
Moldovan businesses have made a series of transformations to adapt to international standards, from planting to delivery. "Each year, prospective buyers who visit our country are amazed to see our facilities and the outstanding quality of fruit that Moldova has to offer" says Adrian Cojocaru, Moldova Fruct marketing director. Beside apples the main fruits for export are grapes, plums, sweet and sour cherries and apricots.
"I believe there are great opportunities for Moldovan apples on the British and Scandinavian markets. The competition is fierce but the taste of our fruits really can make a difference. I am also optimistic about the German market, especially considering the fact that, in the last few years, we have succeeded in establishing strong partnerships with several German traders to whom we exported increasing quantities of plums," says Cojocaru.
The total area dedicated to apple production did not change a lot over the last decade, however the export more than doubled. From 2015 to 2019, Moldovan apple exports grew by 125%, which made them one of the world’s fastest-growing apple exporters. According to Cojocaru this happened because ‘huge investments were made in state-of-the-art plantations, modern cold storage facilities, and, most importantly, the knowledge base of the people involved in the business.'
Regarding export to the EU and UK, Cojocaru says: “Due to a Free Trade Agreement with the EU we can export 40 thousand tons of apples, without customs duties. After Brexit, 2,000 tons of apples are exempt from customs duties in UK. So, there are good prospects for export development in the EU. It is true that crossing our border with the EU (Romania in our case) may take some time, but good planning can help to avoid any problems when just-in-time deliveries are required.”
The virtual event will happen on the 18th of February, at 11:00 (Moldovan time, GMT+2). The event has a scheduled duration of 90 minutes.
The event consists of four parts:
- An introductory talk about Moldova and the Moldova Fruct Producers and Exporters Association.
- Guided virtual reality excursions to three leading Moldovan apple producers.
- A Q&A session
- Contact exchanges and B2B discussions
To be part of the event, you need to fill in the form before February the 15th.
For more information:
Adrian Cojocaru
Moldova Fruct Association
Email: acojocaru@moldovafruct.md
Viber/WhatsApp: +373 69140614
Tel: +373 60429929