The dti in Germany on Mission to Position SA as Fruit And Veg Supplier of Choice
A delegation South African companies comprising of 22 companies and three industry associations has arrived in Berlin, Germany on a mission to position the country as the fruit and vegetable supplier of choice at the Fruit Logistica Trade Fair, that will be taking place from 6-8 February 2019.
The companies will be showcasing the finest fruits and vegetables at the South African Pavilion that will be hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).
The Director of Export Promotion at the dti Mr Luke Govender says the mission is solidified by virtue of a public-private partnership arrangement that comprises of the dti, the Fresh Produce Exporter’s Forum, Fruit South Africa, the Perishable Products Exports Control Board and the Agricultural Research Council that have collaborated in order to enhance South Africa’s export of fruit and vegetables into the European regional market.
“Our value proposition is essentially the opportunity of counter seasonality and the sectoral comparative advantages that we have as a country. We will also be leveraging the opportunities presented in the Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC EPA) whereby improved market access into the European Union has been granted for more than 30 products, particularly the agricultural products,” said Govender.
The Industry Affairs Manager at Fruit South Africa (FruitSA), which is a non-profit organisation registered as an umbrella for different fruit associations, Ms Vuyolwethu Gxotiwe said that her main reasons for showcasing at Fruit Logistica were linked to trade promotion, the strengthening of current trade ties and the absorption and learning of new techniques.
“Chief among our strategic objectives is the transformation of our industry, which includes agricultural economic development based on value-chain approach, and to address the socio economic imbalances and challenges in rural areas in partnership with the public sector. We are hopeful that we will come across like-minded entities that will be able to share expertise on how to achieve these objectives we have set for ourselves,” she said.
The Fruit Logistica Berlin, which is regarded as the world’s leading international trade fair for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, covers every sector of the international fruit and vegetable supply chain from production, distribution and marketing, through to the point of sale including global players as well as small and medium sized suppliers from all around the world.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
