Malagasy companies at BIOFACH 2022

COLEACP exhibited in the Organic Africa Pavilion at this year’s BIOFACH – the world’s leading trade fair for organic food – which took place from 26 to 29 July 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Madagascar had its own stand at the event, and 11 companies, members of the Syndicat Malagasy de l’Agriculture Biologique (SYMABIO), were able to promote organic products “made in Madagascar”. The stand was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Harifidy Ramilison, Madagascar’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, who met with all SYMABIO partners on 26 and 27 July.

During the exhibition, Malagasy exhibitors were able to promote their products – vanilla, ginger, fruit juices, dried fruits, spices, to name but a few – make contacts through business-to-business meetings, target new markets and exchange ideas with visitors and other exhibitors about the latest developments in the organic sector, including changes in European Union organic regulations.

This was an opportunity for COLEACP to meet new Malagasy companies and to maintain links with those companies already benefiting from COLEACP activities. In particular, it was helpful to obtain feedback on the two training sessions organised by COLEACP prior to the fair for exporting companies and member business organisations to help them prepare for participation in such an event. Three Malagasy companies attended this training and were able to apply their theoretical knowledge. When interviewed, the companies confirmed the benefit of the training whilst at BIOFACH.

A working meeting with SYMABIO regarding ongoing activities concerning a feasibility study at the Organic Observatory and possible collaborations on sanitary and phytosanitary aspects, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, was also organised.

The COLEACP team was also able to present its new programme, Fit For Market +, launched in early July 2022.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market + and Fit For Market SPS programmes, implemented by COLEACP in the framework of the development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.