Local wholesalers have been expressing their concerns about the quality of produce from the Dominican Republic and their doubts about whether this nation would have the volume needed to satisfy the demand for fruit and vegetables for St. Maarten. They voiced these concerns during a recent meeting with Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Omar Ottley. The wholesalers also recommended price control on freight for products, reducing the retail cost of fruit and vegetables even when purchased in Miami.
Ottley said in a press release that shipping options and a consistent supply of products are also critical moving forward. He said wholesalers had requested that produce from the Dominican Republic be consolidated for each importer to have variety in one container. Doing so will help with the high shipping cost of importing goods to St. Maarten.
He said that currently the Dominican Republic produces oranges, which are shipped to Florida but not to St. Maarten. The wholesalers’ consensus is that the Dominican Republic has the best quality of pineapples, but it must improve its consistency in supply.
Concerns raised by the wholesalers included quality of produce and whether the DR would have the volume needed to satisfy the demand for fruits and vegetables in St. Maarten. “These healthy discussions help to improve the level of our industry. I am convinced that open dialogue will arm the ministry with sufficient information to put together a meaningful solution to the high cost of food products in St. Maarten, which is the ultimate goal,” said Ottley.
Source: thedailyherald.sx
