During a royal trade mission to Norway, Belgium showcased its agricultural prowess with a particular focus on its strawberry exports. The event highlighted the significance of the agri-food sector in strengthening Belgium-Norway trade relations, aiming to capture market share from Dutch competitors.
In a bid to strengthen Belgium’s trade ties with Norway, Belgian strawberries were prominently featured during a royal trade mission, as reported by Vilt.be. This mission, aimed at bolstering the country’s image as a key partner and gateway to the European market, included a strong emphasis on the agri-food sector.
The Flemish Center for Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing (VLAM) led a robust promotional campaign during the event, hoping to increase Belgium’s market share in Norway, traditionally dominated by Dutch exports. VLAM highlighted that for every kilogram of strawberries Belgium exports, the Netherlands exports five. This disparity underscores the competitive landscape Belgian producers face.
The four-day mission in Norway involved a delegation of 450 business leaders, ministers, and academics. Key players from the fruit and vegetable sector, including VLAM, the Boerenbond (Farmers’ Union), and the three largest Flemish horticultural cooperatives, were present. Their goal was to position Belgium as an attractive trading partner and to leverage its strategic position within the European market.
Strawberries were the star of the promotional efforts. Filip Fontaine, CEO of VLAM, emphasized, “Strawberries are an important export product for the Belgian fruit sector to Norway.” The significance of this market is evident, with Norway being the seventh-largest foreign buyer of Belgian strawberries. In the previous year alone, Belgium exported 1,000 tons of strawberries valued at €4.6 million to Norway.
The promotional activities aimed to showcase the quality and appeal of Belgian strawberries, hoping to attract more Norwegian consumers and thereby increase export volumes. By focusing on the unique selling points of their strawberries, such as superior taste and stringent quality standards, Belgian producers aim to differentiate themselves from their Dutch counterparts.
The royal trade mission to Norway provided a significant platform for Belgium to promote its strawberries and enhance its agricultural exports. By focusing on quality and strategic marketing, Belgium hopes to increase its market share in Norway and strengthen its position in the European agricultural market.
