Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.

"Despite being a landlocked country, Rwanda continues to leverage its strength and expertise to access global markets like ’Fruit Logistica’ in Berlin," he said.

Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager also highlighted the significance of the event: "We are excited to participate once again in this trade fair, as it is one of the largest platforms where we secure market opportunities, engage with buyers, and exchange knowledge."

This year’s edition features 91 participating countries, with over 115,000 exhibitors and visitors, including farmers and buyers from around the world.

"It is also a valuable learning experience, allowing us to understand best practices in handling and transporting fresh produce," she added.

Basiima also emphasized RwandAir’s critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of Rwanda’s fresh produce to global markets. "Fruits and vegetables require specialized transport as they are highly perishable. RwandAir helps us ensure efficient deliveries," she noted.

"For destinations beyond RwandAir’s coverage, we rely on KLM and Ethiopian Airlines. Recently, we conducted trial shipments for avocado exports to Dubai, and if successful, we may expand it."

Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR), underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.

"We engage with international partners to expand our markets. Being here also allows us to assess our progress and set future goals for increasing export volumes. I appreciate the government’s support in securing opportunities like these for us."

Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at ’Fruit Logistica,’ shared her experience: "Every year, we gain new insights, whether in marketing technologies, climate change adaptation, or advanced farming techniques."

Rwanda exports fruits and vegetables to countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, Rwandan exhibitors showcased avocados, chili, French beans, and passion fruit.

In 2024, Rwanda exported 97,165 tons of fruits and vegetables, generating $75.1 million (over RWF 104.5 billion), accounting for 8.95% of the country’s total agricultural exports.

The country’s agricultural exports continue to grow, with revenues surpassing $839.2 million (over RWF 1.162 trillion) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Key export products include coffee, which generated $78.71 million, and tea, which brought in over $114.88 million in 2023/2024.

In addition to the rising fresh produce sector, which contributed over $75.12 million, Rwanda earned $562.43 million from value-added agricultural products and livestock exports, while pyrethrum exports generated $8 million.

According to NAEB, between 2020 and 2024, Rwanda exported 261.6 million kilograms of horticultural products, including 170.8 million kilograms of vegetables, 86.4 million kilograms of fruits, and 4.3 million kilograms of flowers.

These exports earned Rwanda $233.6 million (over RWF 317 billion), with vegetables contributing $128.5 million, fruits $79.5 million, and flowers over $25.4 million.

During an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.

Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at 'Fruit Logistica,' shared her experience.

Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager during an interview with IGIHE.

Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR),underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.

Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager - NAEB

Photos showing other countries’ exhibitions

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