Fluna, a pan-African company with a presence in both East and West Africa, entered the competitive European fresh produce market with a singular mission: Powering the African economy through international trade.
Miguel Sousa Dias, CEO/Co-Founder of Fluna, underscored the company's strategic approach, noting,: "Africa boasts promising origins for fresh produce, yet connecting these resources with European buyers faces significant challenges, leaving a discernible market gap for us to fill. European fruit buyers are particularly concerned about certifications, credibility, and adherence to specifications when exploring new suppliers from the continent. Additionally, African small and medium-sized growers face obstacles such as limited access to financing and capacity building, impeding their entry and sustainability in the fresh export markets."
In response to the capacity gaps, Fluna is developing Fluna Academy, a platform designed to educate growers, aggregators, and exporters on various export-related topics. The platform hosts webinars and video chats covering essential topics such as fruit trade, certifications, logistical challenges, sea and air transport, European quality standards, good agricultural practices, and others. This initiative fosters a symbiotic relationship, benefiting growers through education while providing experts, who serve as speakers in Fluna Academy, access to a pool of potential clients.
"Fluna boasts a diverse product portfolio, comprising both fresh and dry goods. Our core assortment includes avocados, of the Hass and Fuerte varieties, mangos, coconuts, and various pineapple varieties, such as MD2, Smooth Cayenne, and Sugar Loaf. Additionally, we offer exotics like papaya and passion fruit, along with fresh herbs, green beans, and mini vegetables. Many of these products are available year-round from origins such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal. As a result, we offer a wide variety of produce from the entire African continent."
"Employing a multisource strategy to diversify production areas, Fluna meticulously selects farms across Africa's varied landscapes. This strategy aims to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or geopolitical tensions. For instance, while one region may face drought, another may enjoy optimal growing conditions, ensuring a consistent supply chain."
"By playing a pivotal role in the supply chain through expert validators, we add value and ensure that clients' requirements and specifications are met, while providing real-time shipment information," Dias adds.
Strategically positioned commercial offices in the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Dubai bolster Fluna's efforts to penetrate key markets, with Europe being a primary focus. The company's inaugural presence at Fruit Logistica yielded positive outcomes, reaffirming Fluna's long-term vision of emerging as a source for credible African fresh produce.
For more information:
Miguel Sousa Dias
Fluna
Main office +1 4432038536
European Office +31 (0)640062180
Email: [email protected]
https://sourcing.fluna.co/