Fresh Partners – Department of Agriculture Thailand
Pomelo pilot project.

Thailand is a major producer of pomelo and the flavor and taste of pomelo from Thailand is reckoned as the best of the world. Export of pomelo from Thailand to EU countries is however restricted, because the country is not regarded as a citrus canker (Xanthomonas campestris (all strains pathogenic to Citrus)) free area/country (EC Directive 2000/29/EC) and (Decision 98/83/EC).
Therefore it is not allowed to export pomelo fruits without being in compliance with all requirements in EC Commission Directive.

Beginning 2004 Fresh Partners took the initiative to setup a pomelo supply chain which is in complete compliance with EU phytosanitary regulations.

        

The ambition of Fresh Partners was to develop a supply chain for pomelo fruits produced in Thailand, complying with EU phytosanitary regulations, which can supply export and domestic markets. In line with the principles of social corporate responsibility, which Fresh Partners adheres, this supply chain should provide opportunities to poor farmers in production, transport and post harvest activities (People). In addition this supply chain should achieve environmentally safe production methods (Planet) and extra income should be generated (Profit).

        

Together with Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, Thailand and advice from Agriculture Economic Research Institute (LEI), which is part of Wageningen UR, the Netherlands and Division International Phytosanitary Affairs in the Netherlands, Fresh Partners has setup a pomelo supply chain in compliance with EU phytosanitary regulations, the so-called Fresh Partners – DoA Thailand Pomelo pilot project.

At this moment Fresh Partners has exported several containers of fresh pomelo fruits (Thong Dee) being in complete compliance with EU regulations successfully into the EU. To our knowledge we are also the only company who can do this at this moment.

For more information regarding sales of pomelo (Thong Dee) fruits and possible ways of packing please contact Fresh Partners Europe.