[Press Release] Global Fresh Produce Coalition To Address Cost Increases Impacting Industry

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Fresh produce associations from around the world have formed an international coalition to address increased costs for fresh produce production and trade, which have led to significant concerns about the economic viability of the sector and its capacity to cope with new sustainability requirements.

Fresh produce associations including Afruibana (West Africa), the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (China), COLEACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific countries), Copa-Cogeca (European Union), the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (Canada), the International Fresh Produce Association (United States), Freshfel Europe (European Union) and the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters (Latin America, Oceania and South Africa) have agreed to form a global coalition to address increased costs for fresh produce production and trade.

The global coalition will proactively voice the concerns of the global industry regarding the increased supply chain disruptions and propose common solutions. The group has identified a range of key challenges that all fruit and vegetable operators around the world are currently facing. The concerns include increased costs of logistics, inputs, fertilizers, packaging materials, energy, delays in the supply chain and an overall shortage of labor. Furthermore, all of these aspects have additional implications arising from the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains.

The coalition will therefore collaborate to raise its concerns publicly and work toward establishing multilateral dialogues with key policymakers and the supply chain including the maritime shipping and retail sectors. The group will also look to raise awareness amongst consumers on this issue whilst promoting the importance and value of fresh produce given its contribution to public health and a plant-based diet.

Through the combined efforts of these important international trade entities, the coalition hopes to have fruits and vegetables recognized as an essential public good and support those initiatives that promote a sustainable, affordable and economically viable fresh produce sector.

Images: Afruibana, CFNA, COLEACP, Copa-Cogeca, CPMA, IFPA, Freshfel Europe, SHAFFE