FOOD MARKET REPORT - Food for Thought

Market Report - Food for Thought

July 29, 2014

Fruitful Practices and Emerging Issues

It’s summer in North America and Europe where one can enjoy the plentiful selection of tropical fruits at your local supermarket or fruit market.  Whether you enjoy trendy fruit salads, refreshing smoothies or a “fruit cocktail”, there are numerous selections of the world’s highest quality tropical and exotic fruits to choose from.

At BRANDAID Food we have just completed the procurement program to launch Costa Rican and/or Ivory Coast Pineapples into the European marketplace and the decision is not an easy one.  We have steep competition from lower priced Ecuadorian pineapples that also have great features besides price point. 

Both suppliers have the following “best practices”:

·        Quality systems to assure ripeness, defect tolerances, cleanliness, color, appearance, size

·        Food safety programs that incorporate HACCP systems (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

·        Logistics in freight are equal in terms of timelines to reach the wholesaler so shelf life of the fruit remains the same at 2 weeks after delivery

·        Landed costs referred to as CIF (Customs/Insurance/Freight) are the same

·        Annual plant audits by third party independent auditors and customers are excellent!

·        Global Gap certified growers.  GlobalGap (EuropGap) stands for the requirements that are made on a worldwide level of agricultural and market gardening businesses in terms of food safety, shelf life and quality.  There are universal standards, requiring a lot or paperwork and annual re-certifications.

·        Programs that support their artisanal growers…this satisfies BRANDAID Food’s mission statement.  Check out our website at www.brandaidfood.com for all the details.

·        Good working conditions for all involved

So our decision is not an easy one.  Have a closer look and you vote! Send me an email with your comments to: bmacdonald@brandaidfood.com