Fruits and Vegetables Imported at Lower Prices from Europe

Cabinet has welcomed a new arrangement facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture, to procure fresh fruits and vegetables from European markets at lower prices.

The government says the arrangement with Paradise Foods is part of its continuing efforts to diversify the country’s food supply sources and improve the availability and affordability of produce.

Cabinet was informed that the first official shipment of fruits and vegetables from Europe arrived in Antigua this week, marking an important step in establishing new trade links and expanding the range of food products available to local consumers.

Paradise Foods says the new arrangement could provide fruits and vegetables at prices approximately 35 to 40 per cent lower than those currently obtained through other source markets. The arrangement is therefore expected to create opportunities for savings in the procurement of fresh produce while reducing the country’s dependence on traditional supply channels.

The company explained to cabinet on Wednesday that its supply network draws on agricultural production across several locations, including Germany, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Peru.

It says its extensive sourcing and production arrangements allow it to provide a broad variety of fruits and vegetables, with fewer intermediaries involved in the supply chain.