GEPA Deepens Global Trade Partnerships at Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin, Germany

DCEO in charge of Marketing & PR, Raymond Rashid Kramer together with some executives of IPD

The Fruit Logistica, widely regarded as the world’s leading trade fair for the global fresh produce industry, was held in Berlin, Germany, from 5th to 7th February 2026. Since its inception, the exhibition has grown into a premier global marketplace that brings together more than 2,500 exhibitors and over 60,000 trade visitors from across 140 countries, covering the entire value chain of the fresh produce sector, from production and processing to packaging, logistics, and marketing.

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), in line with its mandate to promote and diversify Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports, participated in this year’s edition of the fair with a strong delegation of exporters and officials. The Authority leveraged the platform not only to showcase Ghana’s export potential but also to hold strategic bilateral meetings with key international partners aimed at unlocking new opportunities for Ghanaian exporters in the European market.

Strengthening Exporter Capacity Through Partnership with Import Promotion Desk (IPD)

A key highlight of GEPA’s participation was its strategic engagement with the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), a German initiative that supports the sustainable import of goods from developing and emerging countries into the European Union.

During the meeting, both institutions discussed practical ways to enhance the capacity of Ghanaian exporters to meet EU market standards and buyer expectations. The IPD expressed strong commitment to collaborate with GEPA to deliver structured training programmes for selected Ghanaian exporters, focusing on quality standards, certification requirements, traceability, packaging, and market intelligence.

In a significant show of support, IPD agreed to fully finance the cost of training these exporters, removing a major barrier that often limits participation of small and medium-scale exporters in international markets. Beyond training, the collaboration will also facilitate direct linkages between Ghanaian exporters and vetted European buyers, ensuring that beneficiaries of the programme have real market entry opportunities.

This partnership is expected to significantly improve the readiness and competitiveness of Ghanaian fresh produce exporters within the EU market.

Expanding Market Access Through Engagement with Afrika-Verein der Deutschen Wirtschaft

GEPA also held a high-level meeting with Afrika-Verein der Deutschen Wirtschaft (Afrika-Verein), the German-African Business Association, together with a delegation of German and European businesses exploring trade and investment opportunities in Ghana.

The discussions centred on:

• Creating sustainable export channels for Ghanaian products into Germany and the wider EU market
• Exploring investment opportunities in Ghana’s agribusiness and horticultural value chains
• Promoting joint ventures and partnerships between Ghanaian exporters and European firms
• Addressing standards, certification, logistics, and regulatory requirements needed to access EU markets

GEPA used the platform to present Ghana’s comparative advantages, including its favorable climate for year-round production, improving logistics infrastructure, and government-backed export promotion initiatives. Particular emphasis was placed on Ghana’s growing potential in fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and value-added agricultural products.

The Afrika-Verein delegation expressed keen interest in deepening trade relations with Ghana and supporting Ghanaian exporters to better position their products within European retail and wholesale markets.

Other Engagement

Exporters were also taken on a brief tour of an EDEKA supermarket in Germany to observe packaging, labelling, and product presentation standards in the European market, helping them better align their products with international market expectations.

Positioning Ghana as a Competitive Export Hub

GEPA’s participation at Fruit Logistica 2026 forms part of a broader national strategy to increase export volumes, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create sustainable jobs through non-traditional exports.

Through engagements with institutions such as IPD and Afrika-Verein, GEPA continues to:

• Build exporter capacity
• Facilitate market access
• Promote value addition
• Strengthen international trade partnerships

The outcomes from these meetings are expected to translate into practical programmes, technical support, and new business deals that will benefit Ghanaian exporters across the horticulture and Agribusiness sectors.

Looking Ahead

As global demand for fresh and sustainably produced food continues to rise, GEPA remains committed to ensuring that Ghanaian exporters are well-positioned to compete favorably on the global stage.

The Authority will continue to leverage international trade fairs such as Fruit Logistica to connect Ghanaian businesses to global buyers, attract strategic partnerships, and drive inclusive export growth for the country.