FOOD RETAILERS AND BROKERS

Developments in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry have resulted in a host of new market opportunities for food industry retailers and brokers. The PFID—F&V team provides the needed technical expertise to realize these opportunities. Experts from throughout the supply chain:

• Identify exporters, farmers, and farmer associations that can supply fresh, partially processed or fully processed fruits and vegetables year-round;
• Assist farmers meeting specific food safety standards and improving product quality and supporting traceability implementation;
• Organize farmer groups to negotiate effectively with brokers and retailers.
• Assist in the research and adaptation of existing Information Technologies to link supply and demand across borders, catalogue offerings, order processing while meeting EUREPGAP and American standards;
• Reduce obstacles in the supply chain and governmental regulations;
• Build linkages between retailers and brokers in industrialized nations;
• Build added value and new foods offering new taste experiences; and,
• Assist in the sourcing of organics.

Ongoing research on opening market opportunities results in increased access to critical market information for PFID—F&V industry partners. The risk to entering new markets is thereby reduced.