In a groundbreaking move, Ethiopia has initiated its inaugural shipment of chilled fruits and vegetables aimed at the European market, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture. This venture marks a significant step in the nation’s agricultural export journey.
The launch involves Ethio Vegfru, a private exporter and importer company, which has now started its operations by sending Sugar Snap and Mangetout peas to the Netherlands, an event overseen by Sofia Kasa, the State Minister of Agriculture. This export is not just a transaction but a symbol of Ethiopia’s potential in global vegetable markets.
Ethiopia is widely recognized for its perfect climate for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables all year. You’ll find mangos, grapes, and oranges thriving across its lands. This climate advantage positions Ethiopia as a future powerhouse in agricultural exports.
Ethio Vegfru’s Managing Director and Founder, Tsegaye Abebe, during the launch, enthusiastically shared that approximately 12 tons of Sugar Snap and Mangetout peas are on their way to the Port of Djibouti. They are loaded in state-of-the-art, refrigerated containers ensuring freshness upon arrival in Europe. This journey is expected to take about 23 days, leveraging the efficient Ethio-Djibouti transport corridor.
This shipping venture is not just about logistics; it reflects a strategic leap forward in establishing a ‘cool logistics corridor.’ Such corridors are crucial for transporting perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables by sea, ensuring they remain fresh upon delivery through ports like Djibouti.
Tsegaye, emphasizing Ethiopia’s untapped potential, remarked, “We’ve only scratched the surface in terms of our fruit and vegetable production capabilities.” He highlighted the importance of expanding production and diversifying export destinations, aiming to establish Ethiopia as a formidable player in the global market.
He called for enhanced investment in the sector, underscoring the importance of scaling up fruit and vegetable output. According to him, utilizing sea routes for shipping is a pivotal step for Ethiopia, carving a pathway to broader markets.
Echoing the call for greater efforts, Tsegaye urged for intensifying current initiatives, expanding the product variety, and tapping into new markets. Modern refrigeration technology is the cornerstone of these efforts, ensuring the quality and freshness of shipped goods meet international standards.
With European markets increasingly emphasizing environmental protection, Tsegaye notes a reduced dependency on traditional methods of transport. Modern temperature-controlled shipping solutions present Ethiopia with a grand opportunity to make a name for itself in various European markets.
This bold venture is a testament to Ethiopia’s vision for innovation and expansion within the agricultural sector, setting the stage for future growth and global presence in the industry.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
