The Spanish fruit and vegetable sector increased its exports by 7% in 2020 despite the pandemic, reaching an all-time record of 14,594 million euros. In fact, 70% of the total turnover of the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector is related to foreign markets. Furthermore, according to the same sources, per capita consumption of this type of food increased by 14% last year. Currently, Spanish production in the agricultural business is the leading supplier of fruit and vegetables in the EU with a strong presence throughout the world.
A positive and encouraging outlook in which RFL Cargo, experts in tailor-made logistics solutions and with specific services for all types of refrigerated transport, is closely following this trend. The aim is to be at the service of one of the most stable Spanish export sectors which, in the short term, is facing the challenge of maintaining these positive figures and avoiding, as far as possible, the effects of Brexit.
Brexit: a new timetable for greater adaptation
On 1 January 2022, six months later than initially planned, the introduction of the complete new border control processes, including phytosanitary ones, will begin. This new timetable, the UK government explained, will give more time to prepare for the customs changes and minimise disruption to the now-opening economy.
Prior notification requirements for products of animal origin (POAO), certain animal by-products (ABP) and high risk food of non-animal origin (HRFNAO) will not be necessary until 1 October 2021. Also the export health certificate requirements for POAO and certain ABP will enter into force on the same date. While customs import declarations will continue to be required, the option to use the deferred declaration system, including the lodging of supplementary declarations up to six months after the goods have been imported, will be maintained until January 2022.
As far as physical checks on these products are concerned, they will also not be necessary until January next year. At that time, they will be carried out at border checkpoints. From March 2022, the British government has specified, controls will be carried out at border control posts for live animals and low-risk plants and plant products.
The international event for the sector, in October
From 5th to 7th October, Madrid will be hosting Fruit Attraction, the international meeting point for the world’s main fruit and vegetable operators. It will have a hybrid format, i.e. it will be one hundred percent face-to-face and with digital support via the technological platform “Fruit Attraction Live Connect”.
In addition, cold logistics will be dealt with specifically at the forum, for the first time in person, through “Fresh Food Logistics”, a space with its own identity that will bring together everything to do with the cold chain, from the field to distribution.
Throughout the event, in addition to promoting networking and alliances between companies, another of the most topical issues will also be discussed: the difficult balance between combining environmental sustainability and competitiveness in a sector that is constantly facing new competitors from countries outside the EU.
