ISHS Acta Horticulturae 269: Symposium on Tropical Fruit in International Trade
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY MARKET FOR TROPICAL FRUIT AND FACTORS LIMITING GROWTH |
| Author: | F.J. Proctor |
| Abstract:
The European Community (EC) market for tropical fruit has grown rapidly over the past five years. For the major fruit namely pineapple, avocado, mango and papaya, growth has been over twofold to a total of 387,675 t (1987) from 1983. The market share for each of the EC member countries differs, as do their specific demands of fruit type and quality. This reflects population, historical linkages with particular sources of supply, ethnic minority groups and their size and market structure. Whilst the greatest growth potential exists for these major tropical fruit, minor tropical fruit such as lychee, carambola, passion fruit, guava, mangosteen, physalis are attracting considerable interest at the retail and consumer levels. Key characteristics of fruit 'new' tropical fruit are identified. Factors influencing the demand for tropical fruit include the growth of market share in retail distribution by multiples, consumer purchasing power, product promotion, consumer education and above all the increased availability, and access to, well presented quality fruit. Tropical fruit industries are characterised as sourcing from developing countries, and requiring a large number of countries of origin due to seasonality of availability for example mango. Aspects relating to factors limiting growth in particular investment risk against size and dynamics of the market are considered. The need for vertical integration in the industry both in commercial market terms and from the post-harvest management viewpoint is emphasised. The extent to which climacteric tropical fruit can be ripened at the market level and offered to the consumer ready-to-eat is limited by technical factors, including lack of knowledge, as well as constraints at the retail distribution level. The establishment of a strong research and development base is a key contributory factor influencing the success of a tropical fruit industry. Areas of priority should include genetic resource evaluation, extension of the season of production, reduction of production costs and the development of optimal post-harvest procedures. | |
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