How to respond to COVID-19 in grains, pulses and oilseeds sector – study published by CBI

My client CBI just published this study on COVID-19 in grains, pulses and oilseeds, which I wrote. The short report contains 12 steps for companies to follow in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It distinguishes between the immediate response and adapting to ‘the new normal’. I hope it comes in time and proves useful. Let … Read more

Chia imports stable at 17.5 thousand tons

Volume of imports Imports of chia seeds into the European Union (EU) increased only 0.2% by volume in the period October 2017– September 2018 (Figure 1). Figure 1: Chia imports in tons per year, 2014/15 – 2017/18, year ending September Paraguay remains the biggest exporter to the European Union with 5417 tons, followed by Bolivia … Read more

New rules for placing novel foods on the European market

As of 1 January 2018, the new Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods (the new Regulation) is applicable. It repeals and replaces Regulation (EC) No 258/97 and Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 which were in force until 31 December 2017. According to the new rules, all products previously approved are now included in a ‘Union List’ … Read more

Bolivian chia sector unfolds initiative for clean chia

By Freek Jan Koekoek At a well-attended meeting parallel to SIAL Paris in October, the Bolivian chia sector presented its vision to develop ‘clean chia.’ It also provided a production forecast. Bolivia has become one of the leading producers, along with Argentina and Paraguay, of this superfood rich in omega 3, which is experiencing a … Read more

Chia imports into the European Union almost triple while prices recover slightly

Chia imports into the European Union increased by an amazing 185% in the year ending February 2016, as compared to a year before. The four main chia exporting countries in Latin America, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico, exported a total of 12701 MT chia to EU countries.   The average chia import price has been … Read more

Novel Food Notification for chia seed for our client GCP Import & Export in Bolivia approved

Our client GCP import & Export from Bolivia has recently obtained the Novel Food Notification for chia. This means that GCP is now licensed to export chia seeds directly to all European buyers. Chia seed is classified as a Novel Food in the European Union due to a lack of history of consumption in the … Read more

Come meet us at Biofach 2016

Mercadero will be present at Biofach 2016 supporting international companies, thus upholding the tradition of participating in this largest trade fair of the organic industry. Freek Jan will be coaching his clients from Indonesia and the Philippines in the CBI Pavillion in Hall 4 (Stand 4-471). Inge will be promoting chia seeds, quinoa, sesame seeds and … Read more