Interview with Mr. Krzysztof Kasztelewicz, a board member of the “Sądecki Bartnik” Beekeeping Farm in Poland. In this interview, Mr. Kasztelewicz discusses the benefits and challenges associated with the production and export of European organic food to the Middle East.
What are the advantages of organic production over conventional food production methods?
KK: Organic production ensures the highest quality standards, which is particularly crucial in today’s world of increasingly conscious consumers and rising quality expectations. This enables producers to effectively meet these demands in both domestic and export markets, thereby fostering the growth of their businesses. Organic farming, coupled with the processing and export of these products, facilitates expanded cooperation in both sectors.
What are the most common challenges associated with exporting organic products to the Middle East, and how do you overcome them?
KK: The primary challenges in exporting organic products to the Middle East are mainly related to administrative and documentation issues. In the European Union, we operate under a unified legal system, but in the Middle East, each country sets its own individual requirements. The daily challenge lies in adapting each product to the specific quality, packaging, and documentation standards of various markets, such as the Emirates. This is what I would describe as the most significant daily hurdle.
What is the significance of exporting EU organic food to international markets such as the United Arab Emirates, and what benefits can it bring to both producers and consumers?
KK: The organic food market in the Gulf countries and GCC region is still in its early stages of development. Those who introduce their products first will have the unique opportunity to set trends and raise consumer awareness, fostering market creation and driving sales growth. Currently, these markets are dominated by conventional food. By helping to establish the organic market, we can become pioneers in this sector. In the United States, we face global competition in the organic market, but in the Middle East, we have the chance to build this market from the ground up.
