German importers are actively searching for new Moldovan plum growers every year as a result of the collaboration between German producers and importers that has seen the market share of Moldovan plums rise.
Iurie Fale, president of Moldova Fruit, the organization that represents the country’s fruit growers and exporters, claims that the country’s first plums were shipped to Germany in 2017.
“At that time, 220 tonnes were exported, but the annual volume has constantly been increasing and exceeded 5,500 tonnes in 2021,” East Fruit reports, citing the Agricultural Market Information Agency (AMI) data in Germany.
Even though the late spring frosts reduced the plum harvest, shipments to Germany rose once more in 2022.
“Moldovan plum producers are reliable partners for us. Currently, 30 to 40% of the plums we import come from the Republic of Moldova. We are satisfied with the quality and appreciate that they meet all our requirements for delivery times. Moldovan apricots and grapes have their niche on the German market, but they need to be advertised so that German consumers know them,” writes Kurt Halder from OGA/OGV Nordbaden eG on his Facebook page.
Growing numbers of fruit growers from the Republic of Moldova have earned GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP certifications in recent years, proving that their produce satisfies the standards of EU partners. Three manufacturers received their first SMETA certifications this year.
The Republic of Moldovan producers surpassed the supply dates to all markets despite this year’s reduced plum production, logistical issues, and higher transport prices. Depending on supply and quality, the season of Moldovan plums in Germany begins in mid-late September and lasts until mid-November.
