There is a recovery in exports according to the latest data for the first quarter of 2023 published by Fruitimprese. One of the overseas markets that are considered with the most interest is the Middle East. Some signs of opening were also seen in the latest edition of Macfrut, with a good attendance by buyers from the territories of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Among the protagonists there is Granfrutta Zani, who has been able to conquer this destination. Enrico Silighini, head of the foreign sales office, explained: ‘We have been following this market for 15 years. For us, it has stable growth and accounts for 6-8% of the export quota (about 40% of the million quintals of fruit and vegetables distributed each year). It prefers quality, but is also very attentive to price. And it is very competitive: especially in the last 3-4 years, it has become increasingly aggressive, especially for apples and kiwifruits. Since the closure of Russia, many Countries have focused on this market, especially Poland and Moldova for apples’. Apparently, there are no major obstacles. ‘The production requirements of the European Community are enough, respecting, at a phytosanitary level, what the bilateral agreements require. However, these are Countries that dispute if the goods do not meet the required requirements. They want a good product, without aesthetic defects, with a long shelf-life, and high brix degree. They especially ask for red apples, Gala, but also Granny Smith. They prefer sweeter apples: Pink Lady has a limited share, because it is slightly acidic and high listing target, too. Thus, we are trying Joya, which is sweeter and available in May and June, when the other varieties are finished’. With two operating plants between the territories of Faenza and Ravenna and 3 storage centres (Policoro, Latina, Eboli), Granfrutta Zani, 400 member partners, has a turnover of around 105 million Euros and is part of Origine Group. The main fruits exported are peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, Pink Lady to a large extent, Granny Smith, green and yellow Dorì kiwis. ‘Some lines of nectarines and Metis plums are also shipped by plane, but they have very high costs: they account for around 2 Euros per kg. This can only be done for premium products with high added value, not for apples’. Europe, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, and Scandinavian Countries are the main markets, followed by Eastern Countries, France, Belgium. ‘Overseas with apples we also arrive in South America, Brazil, Colombia. And then we have the Middle East, Dubai, the Emirates, Oman. We export kiwifruits to China, Taiwan, and India’.
