Dutch fresh produce trader Levarht is working with a select group of pepper growers with expectations to ship to mainland China next year, provided authorities from both countries can get a working protocol over the line.

Levarht sales representative Jake Sun

At Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, Levarht sales representative Jake Sun told www.freshfruitportal.com the Dutch supply was gaining market share in Hong Kong, where there are no restrictions on imports.

The Dutch peppers have competed with supply from mainland China in Hong Kong, but Sun highlighted the offer was quite different.

"It’s shinier and also it’s more unique in the size. There's also the quality and the safety aspect," he said.

"You know in China people worry about food safety. They think products from Europe are safer, and also we will have a special package."

The company had a wide variety of peppers on display at the fair, including striped, bell and snacking types.

He said market negotiations had been underway for around two years now, and Levarht had made been in discussions with potential buyers.

"Officially the opening of the market for China should be next year around March, but the government from China and the government from the Netherlands are both discussing it and have to sign the papers," Sun said.

"There are several selected growers for the Chinese market because not every Dutch grower can export their product to China. They need to register their farms with the government.

"Shipments would be by airplane from [Amsterdam] Schipol. we use KLM and other airlines could be possible. There are many airlines going from the Netherlands to China."

www.freshfruitportal.com