The dialogue between the parties of future trade cooperation was organized by Optim project, with the support of the Swiss Government and Helvetas Moldova Foundation.
“There is a great export potential for Moldova’s fruit sector on the Swiss market, especially in periods when demand can no longer be satisfied by local production,” says Tariana Burca, head of the consulting company Export Agency. – During the dialog with importers and Swiss retail operators, we realized that the interest in our fruits has increased. But it can be translated into a practical area provided certain established conditions related to seasonality of supplies and conformity of products to local standards are met”.
Priority is given to stone fruits
According to Tatiana Burka, the increased interest from Swiss traders is shown in stone fruits: plums, apricots and cherries, which meet the requirements of Swiss supermarket chains in terms of quality, food safety and delivery time.
Swiss retailers had previously tested Moldovan plums through import platforms and reported satisfactory results. The product requirements relate to maximum permissible residue levels, which are in line with European Union standards, and international certifications such as GlobalG.A.P. and GlobalG GRASP social responsibility standards are considered necessary for access to Swiss store chains”.
Opportunities opened up by EFTA
Last year, following the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries on April 1, 2025, Moldova made its first deliveries of fruit to the Swiss retail network. The plums were delivered in end-consumer packaging in kilogram flow-pack containers. Sales were finalized in November, with quality remaining high throughout the delivery period.
In order to continue the efforts to bring Moldovan fruit to the Swiss market, Fruit Logistica initiated a dialog on cooperation between the Moldova Fruct Association and the Swiss Fruit and Vegetable Trade Association. The purpose of this dialog is to facilitate the exchange of information on market requirements, regulations and compliance expectations.
