The partnership between Lidl Portugal and Portugal Fresh helped hundreds of local producers to export 22,300 thousand tonnes of fruit and vegetables to nine European countries.
Around 20 different Portuguese fruit and vegetables were exported to Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Slovakia, the discounter added.
The p of Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO, a type of pear, amounted to 11,200 tonnes during the year.
Jorge Pierre Silva, director of fruit and vegetables at Lidl Portugal stated, “These numbers once again reflect our commitment to the country and our commitment to supporting national production, in an area that we consider critical: fruits and vegetables.
“The quality of national production is differentiating and is what wins over other European consumers. Our mission, together with Portugal Fresh, is to encourage its constant presence in our international store network, helping our partners to grow.”
Other Exports
The partners exported almost 2,900 tonnes of citrus fruits (orange and lemon) from the Algarve PGI.
Stone fruit – plums, nectarines and peaches – export reached 2,300 tonnes, while red fruits – blackberries and raspberries – amounted to 1,800 tonnes.
Other exports include pumpkin, chestnut, white cabbage/cabbage, heart cabbage and melon, among others.
2023 also marked the commencement of exports of Persimmon, with 123 tonnes exported to Germany.
Gonçalo Santos Andrade, president of Portugal Fresh added, “The 2023 results clearly demonstrate the dynamics of the national agri-food sector, and its ability to offer consumers around the world products of high quality, safety and diversity.
“Diversification is, in fact, increasing, positioning Portugal as one of the main European players in the fruit and vegetables sector. Partnerships like the one we have had for a decade with Lidl are fundamental for the internationalization and growth of national producers.”
Lidl ensures that all national fruit and vegetable producers for the brand have Global GAP and GRASP certifications as part of its 'Mais Lidl' Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.
