Cameroon opens up to imports

The Cameroonian company UNAPAC, which produces bananas and pineapples, was one of the African market’s representatives invited to the French fair Medfel as importers.

“We have also begun our fruit import activity with French apples this year, with to 2 or 3 containers a week,” said Jean-Marie Sop.

With 23 million inhabitants, Cameroon is one of Africa’s stable markets and is accessible to imports, with a 20% customs duty. “The big retailers have also begun to get established, generating more imports,” Sop said.

Several French channels such as Casino, Leader Price and Système U are already present. UNAPAC also imports pears, table grapes and plums from Europe, as well as citrus from Morocco. France, Italy, Belgium and Spain are the main suppliers.

“The transit time from Le Havre is about 15 days, but we are hit by high freight cost that’s too high, around €3,500 per container.”