The headquarters of the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce was the venue for a significant revelation for the country’s agricultural sector: a comprehensive market study conducted by Promove Comércio highlighted Mozambique’s potential in the competitive market of nuts and oilseeds in the European Union. This event, which brought together entrepreneurs, journalists, and trade experts, marked a crucial moment for the future of Mozambican agricultural exports.
The study detailed global production and trade of oilseeds, including nuts and almonds, with a special focus on Mozambique’s position as an emerging exporter. With data indicating a global production of 56,088 thousand tons in 2022, the report highlighted the growing demand for healthy and natural products in European markets. The analysis specifically addressed tree nuts and almonds, with Africa, and particularly Mozambique, identified as key regions in cashew nut production.
The study also pointed to an expanding European market where the demand for edible nuts has grown due to increased awareness of health benefits and the popularity of innovative products. The market value of edible nuts in the EU was estimated at €13.183 billion in 2022, with expectations of continued growth.
In addition to providing an overview of the global market, the report detailed specific EU trends, identifying key importing markets such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. It was revealed that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for oilseeds has recovered and even accelerated in some regions, with a renewed focus on healthier and more sustainable food options.
The study highlighted emerging opportunities for Mozambique, emphasizing cashew nuts as a particularly promising product. Due to their nutritional properties and versatility, Mozambican cashew nuts could play a significant role in supplying this growing market. The report also emphasized the importance of strengthened trade relations through the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, paving the way for easier and more favorable access to the European market for Mozambican exporters.
During the event, experts discussed current and future trends in the EU oilseeds market, addressing topics such as product innovations, changing eating habits, and the increasing demand for healthy alternatives. The discussion also focused on the challenges faced by Mozambique, including the need to improve agricultural and post-harvest practices and the importance of strengthening the country’s value chain to ensure the quality and competitiveness of products in the international market.
Moreover, the event highlighted the relevance of initiatives such as the Promove Comércio program, which supports trade and development in Mozambique. This program has played a key role in promoting Mozambican exports, providing technical support, training, and raising awareness of the advantages of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU.
The study opens a range of opportunities for the country in the European oilseeds market. With rising European demand for healthy and natural products, Mozambique is well-positioned to become a key supplier of nuts and oilseeds, leveraging its agricultural potential and the advantages offered by the EU-SADC agreement. The session was an important milestone, signaling a promising future for Mozambican agricultural exports and establishing a path for growth and sustainability in the sector.
MOZAMBICAN ENTREPRENEURS FACE NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE EUROPEAN OILSEEDS MARKET
A recently presented market study at the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce, under the aegis of Promove Comércio, has opened a new chapter for Mozambican entrepreneurs in the European oilseeds market. This study, which analyzed trends and opportunities in the nut and seed market, highlighted the growing European demand for products such as cashew nuts, peanuts, and macadamias, as well as Mozambique’s potential to meet this demand.
The report presented an encouraging outlook: despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the oilseeds market in the EU is on a strong recovery path. The study emphasized that changing eating habits in Europe, with a growing focus on healthy and sustainable options, is opening new avenues for Mozambican exporters. In particular, processed cashew nuts from Mozambique present themselves as a lower-carbon alternative, aligned with growing environmental concerns.
During the event, it was discussed how Mozambique, with its vast agricultural lands and favorable climatic conditions, can become a key supplier in the European market. With 16% of its land suitable for agriculture, Mozambique has considerable potential to increase its share of agricultural exports, especially to the EU market.
The study also highlighted the importance of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, which offers Mozambique easier and more advantageous access to the European market. Experts present at the event emphasized that to fully capitalize on these opportunities, Mozambican entrepreneurs need to focus on improving product quality, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring compliance with the strict food safety and traceability standards required by the European market.
Additionally, the report pointed to the need for Mozambique to establish a strong brand in the European market. This involves not only ensuring the quality and consistency of products but also building trustful relationships with buyers and investing in marketing to promote Mozambican oilseeds as healthy, sustainable, and high-quality options.
The event also served as a platform for discussions on how to overcome logistical and infrastructure challenges that may hinder efficient access to the European market. The importance of investing in robust and efficient supply chains that can facilitate the quick and safe transport of products from Mozambique to EU markets was emphasized.
The study presented at the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce is a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector. It not only underscores the emerging opportunities in the European oilseeds market but also provides a clear roadmap for Mozambican entrepreneurs to make the most of these opportunities. With rising European demand for healthy and natural food options, Mozambique is well-positioned to become a key supplier, capitalizing on its agricultural potential and the advantages offered by the EU-SADC agreement. The presentation of the study was a defining moment, pointing to a promising future for Mozambican agricultural exports and establishing a path for growth and sustainability in the sector.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR MOZAMBICAN EXPORTERS IN THE EUROPEAN ALMOND AND OILSEEDS MARKET
Mozambique’s agricultural sector faces significant challenges on the path to establishing a robust presence in the European oilseeds market, as highlighted in a market study presented at the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce.
The report, an initiative of Promove Comércio, offered a comprehensive view of the obstacles and strategies needed to overcome them, outlining a promising future for Mozambican exporters in the EU market.
The study pointed to the impact of climate change as an imminent challenge, affecting key crops in the value chain in Mozambique. The need to diversify into cash crops, such as oilseeds, was emphasized as a vital strategic response. Other highlighted challenges include managing small production areas, with farmers working in remote plots and often relying on intermediaries, which can impact the quality and efficiency of production.
Particular focus was given to cashew nut production, which faces quality challenges due to aging trees and a lack of adequate phytosanitary treatment. The report stressed the importance of replacing old trees with new seedlings and implementing effective integrated pest and disease management practices.
Additionally, the study revealed that inadequate post-harvest practices were increasing the risk of contamination and interceptions at EU borders, especially due to levels of aflatoxins and pesticide residues. In response, rigorous pesticide control and the implementation of enhanced post-harvest and hygiene practices were recommended.
Another crucial aspect identified was the need to improve the competitiveness of Mozambique’s cashew nut industry. This includes technological upgrades in processing factories, worker specialization, and better industry organization to increase efficiency and product quality.
The study also highlighted the complexity of the oilseeds value chain in Mozambique, with many intermediaries involved, which often results in low prices for small producers. To address this challenge, greater transparency in the supply chain and the implementation of clear traceability systems were suggested.
In response to these challenges, the report provided a series of practical recommendations. This included training on good post-harvest and hygiene practices, the importance of food safety and quality standards, and the need for hygienic packaging and proper storage. The report also advised diversifying cultivation, processing, and segments to better align oilseeds with EU consumer demand and preferences.
The event at the Chamber of Commerce served as a platform to highlight the importance of proactively addressing these challenges to maximize business opportunities with the EU.
The presentation of the study was a crucial step in raising awareness of the critical issues faced by Mozambican exporters and providing a clear roadmap for success in the European market.
The study presented at the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce offered valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for Mozambican exporters in the European oilseeds market. With a focused approach on improving quality, adhering to international standards, and enhancing transparency in the value chain, Mozambique is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles and establish itself as a key supplier in the EU market.