Jorunalist & photos by: Natalia Bammatova, correspondent at Eurofresh Distribution

Parity of horticultural import and export value

Poland is a large fruit and vegetables producer. Its export exceeded 3.5 million tons valued 2.34 billion euro in 2019. Notwithstanding large production, the country imports fruit and vegetables at the same large scale: 2.73 million tons (2.6 billion euro) imported last year.

Fruit production in Poland, EU champion for apples and wild blueberries

Exports play a decisive role for the French fruit sector, accounting for 46% of production.

In 2014, the total German food market was worth 186.6 billion euros, but it sees fierce competition because about three quarters of the food market is dominated by the 5 largest retailers, the association of the German food industry (BVE) reports. The total food market amounted to a value of 186.6 billion euros in 2014. Food is largely sold through the retail channel and Edeka, the Schwarz group (Lidl, Kaufland), Rewe, Aldi and the Metro Group, held a 25.2 %, 14.8 %, 14.8 % 12.1 % and 5.8 % percent share of the food sales respectively in 2014. The price level of food has gone up a little.

Being located in the centre of Europe, Switzerland holds a unique position among its neighbouring countries as a non-EU member country. In comparison with Europe, Switzerland has a small fruit and vegetable market. However, it is well developed and stands out for its high quality of supplies due to the high standard of living. Although it may be small, prospects are good for the Swiss fresh produce market. Due mainly to increased health awareness, total consumption of fruit and vegetables there continues to grow. About half of all fruit and vegetables consumed are imported.

The Portuguese fresh produce sector (including plants and flowers) accounts for 33% o Portuguese agricultural production and 61% of plant production and is worth around €2.23 billion (INE, 2013). The most dynamic subsectors are those of the Rocha pear, citrus, kiwi and fresh tomatoes.

Bananas, citrus and pineapples lead Japan’s fruit imports

About a third of all fresh fruit and vegetables consumed in the US now imported