EastFruit
An information portal and Telegram trade channel for agricultural producers
Description
EastFruit is a web-based information and trade app that brings together the knowledge and experience of all participants in the fruit and vegetable market in Central Asia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe. The app provides price information on over 30 fruit and vegetables in the countries of operation, as well as market drivers analyses and forecasts, fruit and vegetable sector news, fundamental market studies and retail audits, with access also to online consultations and success stories and opportunities for participation in trade forums, specialized seminars and conferences for agricultural entrepreneurs, technology specialists, marketers and managers. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development contribute information and data to the app. The app has two adjacent Telegram channels that serve as trading apps for agricultural products and inputs.
Technology
The web-based application is openly available and can be accessed through a computer or mobile phone browser. The app is available in the Russian, Uzbek, Ukrainian and English languages. The linked Telegram channels can be accessed via the app, and no registration is required – anyone can join the groups. The main language in the channels is Russian.
Target
The app and the channels are aimed primarily at small- and medium-sized fruit and vegetable farmers, as well as the producers of fruit and vegetable juices, fruit concentrates, canned fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, and frozen berries and vegetables; exporters, importers, retail chains, the suppliers of seedlings, seeds, inputs, technologies and equipment; and service providers, industry associations and government organizations. The app’s Facebook account has over 56 700 followers and a 4.4 rating based on 17 reviews, as of October 2022, as well as 558 followers on Twitter and over 3600 subscribers on YouTube. The trading channels on Telegram have over 21 000 and 6000 members as of December 2022. In March 2022, producers from 18 countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia promoted their products through the channels.
Business model
The app is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the EU4Business initiative. Access to the site materials and the Telegram channel are free and open.
Impact
The web-based app and channels enhance the market access of fruit and vegetable market participants, serving as a network through which business partners can be found. The tools help to increase the income of producers through the more efficient production, storage processing and marketing of fruit and vegetables, and by cutting out the middleman.
Partners
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); the European Bank for ReconstructionDevelopment (EBRD); EU4Business initiative
Four Betters
Better production
Better life
