UGANDA – Charic Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, a long-standing Ugandan exporter, drew significant attention at Macfrut 2024 with a diverse range of produce expanding its market reach.
“We have the Jumbo avocado, which is native to East Africa and much bigger in size than the Hass or Fuerte varieties. We export all these varieties from Uganda as well as pineapples, passion fruit, apple bananas, Cavendish bananas, ginger, pumpkins, beans, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, chilies, and red and green peppers,” explains Charles Mwirumubi from Charic Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Exporters (U) Ltd.
The main markets for Charic Fresh Fruits & Vegetables are the Middle East and South Africa. However, the company is also looking to enter the European market and is finalizing the necessary licenses. Mwirumubi notes, “I am seeing a big interest in my products here at Macfrut.”
Charic Fresh Fruits & Vegetables does not grow its produce. Instead, it supports small farmers by providing them with inputs, advocacy, and training. This support helps farmers produce high-quality crops, which Charic then exports.
“We strive to have the best produce available while supporting the local community and promoting sustainable and responsible farming practices,” Mwirumubi states.
Macfrut 2024, an international showcase for the fresh produce supply chain, began at the Rimini Expo Centre on 8th of May.
The event, which ran until May 10, featured 1,400 exhibitors from around the world. It included thematic salons and over 100 events covering industry trends and the current state of the sector. Additionally, a double test field of about 3,000 square meters showcased fruit and vegetable innovations.
The event had a strong international presence, with 40% of exhibitors coming from abroad making Macfrut the most international agrifood event in Italy.
Thanks to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), 1,500 top buyers were in attendance. The 2024 international partner was the Arabian Peninsula, represented by around 100 buyers. Puglia, the regional partner, showcased its excellent table grapes, the symbolic product of the 41st edition of the fair.
In 2023, exports of fresh and canned fruit and vegetables reached 11.6 billion euros, with fresh produce accounting for 5.7 billion euros.
Italy’s fruit and vegetable sector involves 300 thousand farms covering 1.3 million hectares and producing about 24 million tons annually.
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