International import/export company Allfresch will be exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica for the second time in September, although members of the company have been attending for the last seven years.
Allfresh has seen a significant increase in trade both to and from Asia in recent years. Traditionally the main product for the company has been bananas, but they are keen develop their customer base for limes.
Allfresch's main imports to Asia are bananas, limes, oranges and lemons, while the exports include pomelo, chestnuts and ginger.
Ben Reed from Allfresch said that last year they saw a significant increase in demand for Ecuadorian bananas due to the drop in availability from the Philippines. The increase in demand was mainly due to the climatic issues that affected domestic production as weather damaged crops in China and also in the Philippines.
"Every market we deal with is different, yet there are also many similarities.
Asia can be a very ruthless market when there is over supply, but by working with good customers we have managed to build some very strong relationships," explained Reed.
He goes on to say that there will always be challenges in the Asian markets, "We haven't overcome these challenges, but we are learning and will continue to learn and adjust for many years to come.
"One challenge we have is establishing our brand against the already long established brands. We will do this through continual supply of quality product.
We have a joint venture called Intafresh that is based in Asia – which has helped us to overcome some of the challenges we encounter."
Last year Allfresch launched the “Amorita” brand and this year are hoping to gain more traction with organic products, bananas, avocado in particular.
Last year also the opening of two new offices, Fairtrasa China and AFG Mena
