Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia has taken a significant step in its agricultural export industry by launching its first-ever shipment of refrigerated fruits and vegetables to the European market. This milestone, spearheaded by Ethiopian importer and exporter Ethio Vegfru, involves the export of sugar snap peas and mangetout to the Netherlands via advanced refrigerated containers.
The inaugural shipment was celebrated in the presence of Sofia Kassa, Ethiopia’s state minister of agriculture, marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to penetrate global markets with high-quality perishables.
Leveraging Ethiopia’s Agricultural Potential
Ethiopia’s year-round favorable climate allows its farmers to grow a diverse range of vegetables, including sugar snap peas and mangetout, alongside fruits such as mangoes, grapes, and oranges. This natural advantage positions Ethiopia as a promising player in the global fresh produce market.
Tsegaye Abebe, managing director and founder of Ethio Vegfru, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
“Twelve tonnes of sugar snap peas and mangetout will be transported from Koka to the port of Djibouti using a container equipped with modern refrigeration technology. From there, the produce will reach the Netherlands within 23 days.”
This operation highlights Ethiopia’s budding cool logistics corridor, a game-changer for the country’s perishable exports.
A New Era of Sea Freight for Perishables
Traditionally reliant on air freight for its exports, Ethiopia is now embracing sea freight as a cost-effective alternative for reaching international markets. The Ethio-Djibouti transport corridor serves as the backbone of this logistical advancement, enabling timely and efficient delivery of perishables to Europe.
Abebe noted that the transition to sea freight not only opens up new global opportunities but also underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure and logistics.
“Ethiopia has immense growth potential in export markets. Modern logistics and increased efficiency are key to tapping into this potential and ensuring competitiveness in the global arena,” he added.
A Bright Future for Ethiopian Agriculture
This pioneering shipment signals a promising future for Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. By establishing a reliable cool logistics chain, Ethiopia aims to strengthen its presence in international markets, boost export revenues, and enhance the livelihoods of its farmers.
As the first refrigerated container heads to Europe, Ethiopia is sending a clear message: its agricultural industry is ready to compete on the global stage.
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