Twelve member companies of the Malagasy Syndicate of Organic Agriculture will be represented at BioFach, the world’s largest organic food fair, held from February 14 to 17, 2023 in Nuremberg. They want to take advantage of this to publicize their products and more generally the potential of their country in this sector.
With our correspondent in Antananarivo, Sarah Tetaud
From February 14 to 17, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany, the BioFach, the world’s largest organic food trade fair, takes place. A very important commercial event for players in the sector during which producers, manufacturers, customers, suppliers, partners or simple visitors can meet.
Twelve Malagasy companies, all members of Symabio, the Malagasy Syndicate of Organic Agriculture, made the trip to present under the same flag, the potential of the island in terms of organic labeled products.
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For Malagasy entrepreneurs, this participation is certainly a huge investment. Nevertheless, the expense is worth it, assures Hasina Rabenantoandro, founder of Lytcheeland, the Malagasy leader in fruit drying: “ To date, Madagascar is not known as a country of origin for dried fruits, although we have great potential in terms of quality, quantity and diversity. And for me, it is essential to participate in it to make known the products that we offer and to let companies and importers know that Madagascar can supply quality and certified organic products. »
Increase its visibility, therefore, but also confront the products of the competition. ” It is also one of the missions that I set myself by participating in it: it is to see what is being done elsewhere. And be inspired by the best in others continues Hasina Rabenantoandro.
In Madagascar, a booming organic sector
With 80% of its production exported abroad, including 60% to Japan, Lytcheeland is counting on the show to conquer new markets in Europe. Nevertheless, Franco Risso, founder of Moringa Wave, the main player on the island in the production of moringa (plant with particularly powerful antioxidant properties, Ed.), which exports 50% of its production to France, recognizes that maintaining customer relations at a show like this is essential, but that building new partnerships takes time. Much of the time. This is his 4th participation.
” I saw positive effects in terms of contacts and commercialhe explains. These are very industrial fairs, so you have to come two or three times before you can really sign a contract. Because people are used to coming, to meeting you. The first time is just to make contact, the second time to see that you have a reliable and structured company. And then they trust and can order “.
The Malagasy organic sector is booming. With an annual turnover of 110 million euros, it continues to grow due in particular to its increased international visibility and better access to the world market.
Aware of the importance of this specialized agriculture, in 2020 the country adopted a law on organic farming and a national policy to support exports and the national market; however, 3 years later, the implementing texts have still not been promulgated.
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