Argentina ► Nearly 40 companies from the Argentine fruit sector will exhibit this year at Fruit Logistica. These companies represent a country that annually produces around five million tons of fruit on an area of over 500,000 hectares. The geographic extension of 4,000 kilometers, from the tropical rainforests of the northeast to the southern tip of Patagonia, allows for year-round fruit production of great diversity, as different ecosystems offer advantages for various fruit varieties.
The Argentine ambassador in Germany, Fernando Brun, emphasizes the key role of FRUIT LOGISTICA for fruit producers in his country: “The Berlin fair is the central platform for connecting with customers, attracting buyers from all over the world. Our range of products includes citrus fruits such as lemons, mandarins, oranges, and grapefruits, available from March to December, as well as apples and pears, available all year round. Regarding berries, we supply blueberries, strawberries, and cherries from September to late year, and grapes from July to March.”
Argentina supplies early and late varieties to more than 100 countries. It favors sustainable production methods that have a positive impact on the environment and productivity. Brun highlights the duality of tradition and innovation in Argentine fruits and sees the fair as an opportunity to showcase his country’s advances in sustainability standards. The diplomat emphasizes the importance of the organic sector for Argentina: “We are the world’s second-largest producer of organic food, supported by favorable climatic conditions and progressive legal framework. Thanks to high quality and compliance with international standards, Argentine products can seamlessly integrate into the value chains.” Argentina is therefore one of the few third countries whose organic standards are recognized as equivalent by the EU.
Blueberries: Flexibility and Commitment to Sustainability
Blueberry production in Argentina recorded an increase of almost 50% in fresh blueberry exports in the 2023 season, reaching over 6,100 tons compared to 4,200 tons the previous year. Although the country had proposed to switch to maritime transport, in the 2023 season, the market demanded air freight, largely due to the El Niño phenomenon. Carla Ginobili, Manager of the Argentine Blueberry Association (ABC), highlights Argentina’s ability to adapt as a reliable supplier: “Argentina knew how to respond flexibly to the new market demand. This was reflected in the production matrix. Although the volume total export has not changed to previous seasons, there has been an increase in fresh exports with respect to the IQF”.
In the field of sustainable agriculture, the Argentine blueberry sector introduced a social compliance system four years ago focused on preventing child labor and promoting education. “We want to offer attractive, value-added fruit that not only stands out for its excellent flavour and quality but also for its traceability in terms of social and environmental responsibility.” Even in the organic sector, Argentine blueberries stand out: “The production capacity of organic blueberries exceeds 65% of the total volume. There are already fields whose production is 100% organic, both fresh and frozen blueberries,” explains Carla Ginobili proudly.
Artículo revista Fruchthandel Magazin 02.02.2024