U.S. Hosts International Business Mission on Cranberry Exports as Annual Harvest Begins
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis.-(Business Wire)-September 24, 2009 - The Gottschalk family cranberry marsh today welcomed 18 trade representatives from 12 countries to learn about the fall cranberry harvest and different ways to use cranberries worldwide. The international guests – from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Japan and South Korea – tried their hands at harvesting and toured the cranberry marshes on the ground and from the air. The tour was especially timely as the most recent reports from the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) show that cranberry exports increased by more than 18 percent in the last year.
“This is a great way for one of America’s traditional fruits to be shared on the world stage by educating these guests on how the fruit is grown and harvested, and encouraging them to take this knowledge back to their countries,” said Tom Lochner, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA).
Wisconsin produces more than half of the world’s cranberry supply. Other states – like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington – as well as Canada and Chile, also grow cranberries. Approximately 45 million pounds of cranberries were exported last year. The largest exporters are Germany, France, Australia and Mexico.
“We’re seeing tremendous growth in all 12 countries, especially those in Europe. In fact, Germany is the central distribution point for all of the European countries, especially for sweetened dried cranberries,” said David Farrimond, executive director of the CMC. “We’re also seeing trends that suggest people in other countries, not just the U.S., want more healthy food options, and cranberries are part of a healthy diet.”
The marsh experience is part of a four-day visit to the United States for the representatives to share best practices for cranberries in a global marketplace. WSCGA coordinated the visit with the CMC.
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