About Project
The “Garden of Europe” campaign is a 3-year project (2024-2027) that aims to boost the market presence and consumer awareness of European kiwis from Greece and European apples from Poland to Indonesia, Israel, and India. The primary goals are to increase exports to these countries and highlight these fruits’ high quality, safety standards, and nutritional benefits.
To achieve these objectives, the campaign will focus on showcasing European produce’s superior quality and strict safety standards, the sustainable farming practices used in their cultivation, and the versatility and health benefits of consuming European kiwis and apples. The campaign includes a variety of activities such as establishing PR offices in the target countries, developing a dedicated website and social media presence, distributing promotional merchandise, creating promotional videos, participating in trade fairs, organizing B2B meetings, conducting study trips to Europe, and hosting tasting days to engage consumers and industry stakeholders.
The expected outcomes of the campaign include enhanced demand for European kiwis and apples, resulting in a stronger global presence for EU fruits. Additionally, the campaign aims to foster a positive image of European produce, potentially increasing demand for other EU fruits in the target markets and promoting a diversified and sustainable export strategy.
The beneficiary of the campaign is the consortium between the Agricultural Cooperative of Neapoli Agrinio “AS NEAPOLIS” and the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors “FRUIT UNION”. (More information about the beneficiaries can be found in the “Beneficiaries” section.)
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Beneficiaries
AS Neapolis
The Agricultural Cooperative of Neapoli-Agrinio, located in Neapoli Agrinio, Greece, is renowned for producing high-quality agricultural products, particularly asparagus and kiwis. The Cooperative leverages the fertile lands and unique microclimate of the Acheloos river region, combining traditional farming knowledge with modern technological advancements. Being a cooperative organization, its main concern is not only the commercial exploitation of the products produced by its members-growers, but also the preservation of the high quality of these products. Established with a commitment to sustainable agriculture, it aims to produce nutritionally rich and safe foods without pesticide residues, while also protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity. The Cooperative implements integrated crop management, focusing on reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability.
Products:
- Kiwis: Characterized by their rich flavor, grown in fertile soil, and harvested with advanced techniques ensuring high quality.
Certifications:
- Global G.A.P. for farming practices.
- BRC and IFS for packaging facilities.
Fruit Union
The Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetable Distributors, known as the “Fruit Union,” has been supporting the fruit and vegetable sector in Poland since 2010. The organisation promotes the exceptional quality and taste of Polish products, which are sustainably produced in harmony with nature. The “Fruit Union” Association continually equips its members with the necessary knowledge for development and promotion through collaborations with various domestic and international institutions. It provides its members with current market data, trends, and prices.
We cultivate the heritage, importance and position of fruit farming in Poland.
We provide legal and economic advice related to producing and selling fruits and vegetables.
We are working to develop favourable standards and uniform rules for the operation of entities in our sector.
Our efforts also focus on enhancing the presence of local producers in international markets and advocating for better export terms.
We take pride in the growing recognition of our association within the Polish fruit and vegetable community, and efficiency is at the core of our operations!
Why European fruits
EU Standards for Safe, Sustainable, and High-Quality Apples and Kiwis
European apples and kiwis are more than just fresh fruits — they are a result of a rigorous system of standards that protect public health, support environmental sustainability, and ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. These standards apply not only within the European Union but also to global exports, making European fruits reliable and trusted by consumers and importers alike.
Ensuring Food Safety — In Europe and Beyond
In Europe, food safety is a top priority. Every apple and kiwi produced within the EU is carefully regulated to ensure it is safe to eat. These safety measures apply not only within the EU but also to exports, ensuring that the same high standards are met when the fruits reach international markets. Producers, processors, and sellers are all responsible for making sure that their products are safe at every stage, from cultivation to the point of sale.
Food products are required to meet these safety standards, and if any issues are identified, they are dealt with swiftly through coordinated systems that allow for quick recalls and alerts. These systems ensure that consumers can trust the quality and safety of their food, no matter where it is purchased.
Traceability Throughout the Food Chain
Traceability is a fundamental principle in the EU food system. Every apple and kiwi is traceable from its origin on the farm all the way to the point of sale. This level of traceability helps ensure the integrity of the product and allows authorities to quickly identify and address any issues should they arise. For exporters, this traceability is essential in proving the product’s authenticity and compliance with safety standards, offering reassurance to international customers and partners.
Transparent Information and Honest Labelling
Transparency is a core value in the EU food system. Every food product must be clearly labelled with honest and clear information, allowing consumers to make informed choices. Labels provide essential details, such as the product’s name, country of origin, ingredients, storage conditions, and any allergens. This ensures that there is no confusion or misleading information regarding what is being sold, making the purchasing process transparent for consumers and supporting trust in the product.
Sustainability as a Legal Obligation
Sustainability is at the heart of modern farming in Europe. Farmers who produce apples and kiwis are required to adopt practices that protect the environment, such as reducing emissions, preserving biodiversity, and improving soil health. These measures not only help protect the environment but also ensure that the farming practices are sustainable in the long term. Additionally, farmers must adhere to principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), prioritizing natural pest control methods over chemical treatments, which reduces the environmental footprint of production.
Guaranteed Quality and Flavor
European apples and kiwis are guaranteed to meet high standards of quality. These fruits are carefully selected and inspected to ensure that only the best reach consumers. They must be visually appealing, properly ripe, and free from significant defects. This commitment to quality ensures that the fruit is not only safe to eat but also delicious and fresh, offering a superior experience for every consumer.
Good Agricultural Practices that Go Beyond Compliance
In Europe, good agricultural practices go beyond mere compliance with legal standards. Farmers are required to undergo training and certification to ensure that they apply pesticides safely and responsibly. Furthermore, they must use methods that minimize harm to the environment, workers, and wildlife. By adhering to these practices, farmers contribute to the overall sustainability of agriculture in the region.
Protection of Origin and Authenticity
Many European fruits, including apples and kiwis, are deeply connected to their place of origin. To protect these regional products, certain fruits can be certified under programs that guarantee their authenticity. These certifications protect the integrity of the product and ensure that consumers receive exactly what they are promised — apples and kiwis that are grown in specific regions with traditional farming practices.
Why It Matters
European apples and kiwis are among the safest, most traceable, and most sustainable fruits available globally. Every step, from the orchard to your table, is carefully monitored and documented to ensure the product’s quality, safety, and environmental impact. Whether you are a consumer, importer, or food professional, you can trust that EU-certified fruits meet the highest standards of taste, quality, and transparency.
