ABioSA supported development of a strategy for Marula fruit products to gain access to new global markets, starting with the European Union. This builds on many years of work by ABIOSA to build the Marula fruit sector.

South African producers currently only have certification to export Marula oil into Europe. This will contribute to opening access to other markets including Brazil, India, China and the United States.

Entry of Marula fruit products into the EU requires an application for EU Novel Foods authorisation and the identification or formation of a Food Business Operator (FBO) to ensure compliance with regulations governing the introduction of food and drink products.

Different types of organisation can qualify as an FBO. A future trade association has been evaluated as a potential FBO and establishment of the Marula Fruit Products Association (MFPA) has been discussed with industry stakeholders.

The association could represent many companies as part of the FBO, enabling small businesses in the sector to achieve wide reach into global markets.

The MFPA could also take ownership of the Marula fruit product components of the wider Marula Sector Development Plan.

The new association will work with harvester communities, cooperatives, product developers, exporters, traditional knowledge holders, government agencies, trade associations, food scientists, regulators, research institutions, investors and funders.

It will engage regulatory authorities on ABS compliance, and ensure conservation and sustainable use supported by ecological, economic and social baseline data and monitoring.

Access to export markets for Marula fruit products will require manufacturers and marketers to satisfy international regulators responsible for consumer food safety. This is a priority task for the MFPA, which will learn from how the Baobab sector secured regulatory approval in the EU, US and Canada.

The ripe yellow fruit of the Marula tree is traditionally used to make beer and juices. It is now being explored for its flavour, fragrance and nutrition potential. The sector has potential to expand production, stimulate rural development and create jobs.

The MFPA will help industry to present scientific evidence and data in support of claims about the nutritional and phytochemical properties of Marula fruit juice, pulp and skin.