Trends and changes in the European market for tropical fruits and their impact on technology requirements.
Proctor F. J., Cropley J. P.
Author Affiliation: Natural Resources Institute, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK.
: 65-72
Abstract : The European market for the major imported tropical fruits (pineapples, mangoes, avocados and pawpaws) has continued to expand. During the period 1987-1992 there was an 11% increase by volume of imports. The market share of minor tropical fruits has continued to grow but at a slower rate. Changes in market arrangements within the European Union market have enabled the strengthening of trans-European importer/distributors. This, combined with an increasing share being taken by multiple retailers for retail sales of tropical fruits, has influenced the marketing structure, placing new and more rigorous demands upon suppliers. There exists within Europe a heightened awareness on the part of the consumer to issues of product quality and food safety, as well as to the environmental and social impacts associated with food production and marketing. These are addressed in the context of their impact on the organization of fruit export industries, the application of technologies, and the need for investment in infrastructure. The international fruit trade is now strongly market driven, demanding vertical integration and the delivery of produce within a framework of total quality assurance.