One of the EU markets which has potential to be greatly affected by the recent proposal to open the US market for apples and pears is Poland. As previously reported, Poland's apple shipments decreased by 18 percent in 2014/2015, almost a direct result of the Russian ban, so opportunity to access a new market would be great news for Poland. However, cracking one of the world's largest markets may not be as simple EU exporters may like.
Marek Marzec, founder and board member of Ewa-bis feels that it's access to the US market wouldn't have a huge impact for Polish exporters due to the very competitive nature of the US market, along with its huge lockout production. Even with its difficulties, it remains a big market which makes it one worth exploring the opportunities.
Ewa-bis started exporting apples to Canada last year, so due to the similarities in the markets, the company does recognise that there is a market for Polish apples. Marek said he would be looking more towards ethnic stores, "the Polish community in the US is one of the biggest foreign communities in the world. This is especially true in Chicago where the Polish community there is larger than in the Polish capital of Warsaw."
Gala is the most popular variety in the US, but there is not much production of that in Poland, although it is expected to increase next year due to recent trends. Marzec believes that Polish exporters should focus on the niche market in the US, with varieties such as Jonagold and Mutsu.
"It will be very difficult for those who are not familiar with the US market as it is a totally different situation than in Western Europe. Some differences, to name a few, are that apples are waxed and retailers are organised differently... exporters would need to be the ones to make changes to adapt to the US market. It will be necessary to find a way to adapt your product to the US market on the grander scale as it will not happen the other way around." concludes Marzec.
For more information about Ewa-bis visit ewabis.com.pl
Publication date: 1/19/2016
Author: Heather Goulooze
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com
http://www.freshplaza.com/article/151940/US-substitute-market-for-Polish-apples?utm_campaign=highlights&utm_medium=email&utm_source=1/22/2016
