The new plum season is around the corner for Moldovan producers and the Moldovan Fruct Association is optimistic about the season, as the volumes are expected to be better than they were last year. The association is also setting up a digital event to allow businesses to meet some of Moldova’s producers and exporters.
According to Adrian Cojocaru, marketing director for Moldova Fruct Association, the upcoming plum season should be a good one: “After a difficult season last year, we are optimistic for this next one. First, we have better moisture in the soil compared to one year ago. Also, considering last year’s lower yields, the trees have more resources, and under normal conditions, we expect to have a better crop this year. We expect to reach at least 110 thousand metric tons of plums.”
Although Russia is the main market for plums from Moldova, Cojocaru states that some new markets have been entered last season as well. “Russia is the main market for Moldovan stone fruits, but the exports to this market are rather unstable. On the other side, we have seen a continuous increase of plum exports to Romania, with a peak of over 12,000 tons in 2019, and we still managed to export 10,000 tons in 2020 despite overall lower yields. However, the most promising markets are Germany and Austria, where exports have doubled each year since 2017. In 2020, exports exceeded 2,600 tons and 1,900 tons, respectively. Last season, we even made some shipments to less traditional destinations for us, such as Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The feedback was positive, especially regarding the taste of our produce.”
Cojocaru explains that the latest directives from the EU means that growers will have to use new methods to protect their crop: “Crop protection will be the biggest challenge for the current season. This is due to the fact that the growers will have to use new means for crop protection, considering that an important part of the active substances will not be allowed for use, according to the last directives taken at EU level. So, this year, Moldova Fruct Association will put a special emphasis on providing its members with the most up-to-date solutions related to Integrated Pest Management.”
Competitor countries are not the main issue for the plum exporters in Moldova. Their greatest competition would be from local producers, Cojocaru says. “In general, the main competition comes from local producers in the destination markets, but considering different timing when the crops are ready for harvesting, there will be windows of opportunities for everyone. The growing season has just begun. We hope for no bad surprises like spring frosts or other weather hazards. At the same time, our producers are investing in post-harvest infrastructure so that our members will be able to provide more retail-ready packaging options, such as flow pack, clamshells, or other requests from buyers.”
The association has set up a digital event to allow importers to meet Moldovan producers and exporters, taking place on April 15: “In context of travel restrictions dictated by the pandemic, the Fruit Producers and Exporters Association of Moldova created an alternative way for you to meet some of Moldova’s producers and exporters. Using 3D panorama imaging technology and videos, buyers that are interested in Moldovan fruit can ‘step into’ our orchards and post-harvest facilities. Applying this tool, on April 15, we invite you to join a unique adventure, making a guided ‘visit’ to three Moldovan plum and cherry producers right from your computer. Register for our event and meet your potential stone fruit suppliers.”
“The event will also include a brief introduction of Moldova Fruct Producers and Exporters Association along with a few plum, cherry, and apricot suppliers, as well as a Q&A session, and an opportunity for contact exchange/B2B discussions. The event will take place via Zoom on April 15, 2021 at 11:00 (Moldovan time, GMT+2), with a scheduled duration of around 90 minutes.” Cojocaru concludes.
To be part of the event, participants must complete this registration form before April 12th.
For more information:
Adrian Cojocaru
Moldova Fruct Association
Email: acojocaru@moldovafruct.md
Viber/WhatsApp: +373 69140614
Tel: +373 60429929