February 18 2008, 11:30

Argentina captures the Russian market

Russia has emerged as a key buyer for fruit exports from Argentina. 25% of the 400,000 tonnes of pears and 200,000 tonnes of apples exported by the country in 2006 were destined for the Russian market, with as much as 40% of the 300,000 tonnes of exported citrus fruits reaching Russian consumers. "Argentina is the global market leader in pear exports and number two for citrus fruits", says Patricio Pizzoglio of Fundacion Exportar, the Argentinian organisation for the promotion of exports. And exports continue to grow: Argentina shipped nearly 1.6 million tonnes of fresh produce in 2007, a substantial increase over the 720,000 tonnes exported in 2000. In addition to pome fruit and drupes as the traditional exports, the 50 Argentinian exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA will be presenting their new export bestseller: blueberries, which already achieve annual sales of over 7,000 tonnes. Around 95% of blueberry production is earmarked for export markets. Organic apples and pears are sold almost exclusively to Europe.