Moldovan producers exported over 5,000 tons of sweet cherries as of mid-June.
According to the Moldova Fruct Association of Fruits Producers and Exporters, presently, agricultural producers of Moldova negotiate the sale of sweet cherries on new markets from the European Union.
Entrepreneur Mariana Pislasu from the Ustia village, eastern Dubasari district, manages 50 hectares of orchards planted with modern varieties of sweet cherries, such as: Early Star, Skeena, Black Star, Kordia and Regina. This year, the entrepreneur exports sweet cherries to the Netherlands for the first time ever.
“The sweet cherries have been earlier exported mostly to the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); yet, this year, we have a new experience of export to the Netherlands. We use modern production technologies, we have varieties demanded by consumers, we hold the GLOBALG.A.P. certificate, which confirms the observance of over 200 rigorous requirements in the production process; therefore, we hope to extent the export also to other countries of the European Union,” Mariana Pislaru said.
Last year, the Dutch company bought plums and made imports of Moldovan table grapes and apricots on purpose of testing and this year it showed interest in sweet cherries.
“The sweet cherries from Moldova can compete with those produced in EU countries; yet, there are aspects dealing with the post-harvesting infrastructure, in which the local producers must invest: sorting lines for sweet cherries, packing. We want a long-lasting cooperation with fruits producers from Moldova; nevertheless, we can purchase only fruits certified with GLOBALG.A.P.,” Dutch importer Eric Hendrikx said.
The areas planted with sweet cherries increased from 2.4 thousand hectares in 2011 to over 4,000 hectares in 2021. Varieties demanded on different markets, resistant to cracking and carriage, are planted in the new orchards, with new production technologies implemented. In 2021, about 70% of the overall exports were made to Russia, 23% – to Belarus and 7% – to other markets. (Moldpres/Business World Magazine)