From left to right: Jens Pawlik, Manager Landgard Fruit & Vegetables Chemnitz-Dresden, Thomas Bittel, Manager Landgard Fruit & Vegetables Holding, Karl Voges, Board Member Landgard, Armin Rehberg, CEO Landgard, Shi Mingde, Ambassador of China in Germany, Manfred Nüssel, President of the German Agricultural Cooperation, Bert Schmitz, Chairman Landgard and Weifeng Yang, Director of Xiamen Rayen Co. Ltd.
The already existing relationships with suppliers and customers can be lastingly expanded with the foundation of a local company. The process is actively supported by the Chinese government. And that is why the Chinese Ambassador to Germany, Shi Mingde, came to the Landgard stand to sign the agreement. During a meeting with the board of Landgard the future plans of Landgard in the People's Republic of China were discussed in detail and the contract of the joint venture was signed.
“Until now we mainly focused in our economic relations between Germany and China on industries. How ever agriculture is an important factor in the Chinese economy. If Landgard, an important producers cooperative, will be active in China that will be is an important pilot project. And we will positively support and monitor it. Because I see great potential for future cooperation,” states ambassador Shi Mingde.
The company will have its headquarters in one of the largest pomelos growing regions in China and they will continue the professionalization of their relationship with more than 100 new Chinese member companies. In the future the cultivation planning and quality management are managed according to German standards by specialized staff locally. In addition to pomelos the Chinese companies produce nashi-pears and ginger, not only regularly grown but also organically grown.
The foundation of the Chinese company accelerates the international expansion of Landgard. Last year the first Chinese and Vietnamese producers became members of Landgard. And now the cooperation will be expanded further. Although the core business of Landgard will remain the marketing of German produce, the products of Chinese companies will be an important addition to the range. Customers and consumers desire these products with their year-round availability, which are an addition especially during the winter.
“We are proud, that our German producers' cooperative we can lead the way in this direction,” states Armin Rehberg, CEO of Landgard. “We believe in this partnership, and I hope that we succeed in a gradually and lasting expansion of the cooperation. I am grateful to ambassador Shi Mingde for the constructive support without the red tape and look forward to continued cooperation in China.”
Landgard markets and sells the produce of more than 3,200 national and international member companies. China plays a central role in the international production of oversees produce. And the implementation of appropriate quality management and quality standards provide compliance with European standards.