British Ambassador visits one of the largest agricultural exporters to the UK
The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Carolyn Davidson, today visited Planesa, Guatemala’s largest exporter of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries to the UK.
Visit to Planesa
The company employs more than 1,000 workers directly and between 4,000-6,000 indirectly. It also works with over 2,000 growers in other parts of the country, such as Quiche, Chimaltenango, Jalapa, Huehuetenango and Sacatepéquez. Its sales reach the UK’s top supermarkets, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, ASDA and Tesco. The Ambassador met with directors, workers and others that benefit from Planesa’s exporting activity.
The visit comes as the UK and Central America are discussing how to maintain two-way free trade after the UK leaves the European Union (Brexit), using as a base the current EU – Central American Association Agreement.
According to official statistics, in 2017 Guatemala exported agricultural and agro-food goods worth more than US$94 million to the UK. In addition to berries, other products include green beans, green peas, bananas, coffee, limes, sesame seed and avocado, amongst others. Most of these products enter Britain under a zero tariff scheme.
The Ambassador explained that the UK was taking a very proactive approach to forging a successor agreement with Central America, and welcomed the engagement of the Guatemalan authorities in the exchange of information. She underlined, however, that time is critical and the private sector and Guatemalan Government should keep working on this.
The Ambassador highlighted the UK’s commitment to free trade and willingness to work with Central America as a priority partner. In 2017 Britain exported to Guatemala goods for a value of more than US$40 million.