The Export and Investment Promotion Authority of Panama (ProPanama) estimates that Panamanian companies will increase their exports of fruits and vegetables to Europe by between 5% and 20% in one year. This was expressed by Yelsica Caballero, Head of Exports of ProPanama, at the inauguration of their stand at Fruit Attraction in Madrid.
Attending the opening was the director of the fair, María José Sánchez; Diego Ortiz de Zevallos, deputy general administrator of ProPanama; and Anayansi Rodríguez Vega, Head of Business and Consular Affairs of the Embassy of Panama. ProPanama supports 10 Panamanian-certified export companies, with four other companies in the process of exporting who exhibited their products.
"The presence at the event of this governmental authority seeks to help these companies find a specific niche in Europe that consumes the product with the characteristic sweetness and quality that marks its seal of distinction. Their strategy is to show potential clients the diversification of the Panamanian exportable offer, publicizing the trending products in European consumption, such as black ginger or passion fruit," states Caballero.
Passion fruit, flagship fruit
Passion fruit is the flagship fruit chosen by the Government of Panama for its stand this year to respond to a change in the trend of European consumption.
According to Caballero: "After the pandemic, we have seen how fruits with 'high nutrient content' are a trend worldwide. ProPanama is promoting strategies for producers to plant these types of products."
Kevin Martínez, owner of Chiriquí Passion Fruit: "Passion fruit is a 'revolutionary fruit' worldwide that has evolved to find applications in a wide variety of industries."
Diego Ortiz de Zevallos, deputy general administrator of ProPanama, highlighted the potential of passion fruit and Panamanian fruit in the European market: "It has a special sweetness achieved by the characteristics of the soil and by the proximity to the seas. It is very important that these producers exhibit their product at this fair because it is a reference at the European level."
Dora Espinosa, from the Tropical Fruit Company in Panama.
Focusing on a specialized market niche is the objective of pineapple exporter Tropical Fruit Company, says its leader, Dora Espinosa, who has thanked the Panamanian Government for their support.
Potuga Fruit Company, a Panamanian melons exporter, closed two agreements with companies in Portugal and Ireland on the first day: "For us, it represents a great opportunity to expand to other markets," said Carlos Campos, the owner.
The Spanish market is also a target for the melons and papaya exporter Panama Squash. Danis Santana, owner: "Spain is the entrance to Europe, the fair is the honey for exporters and producers to enter the European market."
Other Panama exhibitors: Estrada Company, Natulac Foods, Agro Export Pacific, Greenlab Biotechnology, Producción Agrícola Internacional, and A.P.S.E.C.U., those in the process of exporting: Pithaya Brothers, Golden Fruits Panamá, Dragon Fresh Fruits, and Gradum.
For more information:
Yelsica Caballero
ProPanama
Email: [email protected]
www.propanama.gob.pa