FIRST-TIME exhibitor NutriFarm said the positive response it received at the Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin, Germany, was exceptional, thanks to ZimTrade which facilitated its participation.
The largest fresh fruit and vegetable exhibition in the world according to Rumbidzai Makamure, director of NutriFarm, was a market opener for her company's products.
“I just never imagined the scale of the market, that it could be that big and we were actually surprised because the interest just blew us away,” she said.
Of the products on display, Makamure said ginger and garlic were a major hit among buyers, who said the Zimbabwean quality and taste was superior to those from other countries.
Makamure said from the first day, buyers wanted to source from her whenever they tasted her fresh garlic which was organically produced.
“On the first day, some guy came to our stand asking to taste our garlic, which we told him was 100% organic. After the first bite, he said this is exactly what I am looking for and asked if we can supply him with at least six containers every week and he was willing to conclude the deal on that day,” Makamure told ZimTrade.
She added: “Soon after the experience, another buyer came and asked if we could supply him with two containers of garlic every two weeks. This response was overwhelming, and it made us realise that this can be done, it is doable.
“It was an eye-opener, I just didn’t expect my eyes to be opened that much and I realised that this year we really have to work on ensuring our entire products meet international standards.
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“We are also working on our Global GAP and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) certification as these are requirements in dealing with the international market.”
Going forward, NutriFarm plans to expand its production to meet the growing demand for Zimbabwe-grown fresh produce. The business also plans to value add its produce into, for example, spice and paste, which will enable it to earn more from export markets.
The experience by NutriFarm demonstrates the positive impact of Fruit Logistica on local businesses that are looking to tap into the global horticultural market.
Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry, and this year more than 15 Zimbabwean farmers exhibited their products to international buyers.
Fruit Logistica provided a platform for Zimbabwean businesses to meet potential buyers, packagers, handling experts and other interested parties from across the globe.
With over 75 000 trade visitors and around 3 000 companies which participated at the event, Zimbabwean businesses had an opportunity to interact with buyers, hold business-to-business meetings and create new avenues for their products.
Over US$5 million worth of orders were confirmed at the event and around US$15 million worth of orders are under negotiation, according to ZimTrade.
Zimbabwean products on display included ginger, garlic, mange tout and sugar snap peas, pine apples, fine beans, sweet potatoes, avocadoes, macadamia nuts, mangoes, baby corn, blueberries and chilies.
“This year, the exhibition was even better as benefits to participating companies will have spin-off benefits to more players back in Zimbabwe, as demand for fruits and vegetables is growing,” the organisation said.
To meet the huge demand for ginger and garlic, NutriFarm intends to create an outgrower system that will allow smallholder farmers to access international markets.
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