Resumption Of Exports To France And Spain And Negotiations Underway With These Countries

The President of the Algerian Association of Beverage Producers, Mr. Ali Hamani, confirmed that Algeria has officially resumed exporting juices and beverages to a number of European countries, primarily France and Spain, with progress recorded in negotiations to expand the operation to other European countries, after a hiatus of more than a year, due to the European Union’s pretext of not meeting the condition of integrating recycled plastic into bottles intended for export.

Mr. Hamani explained in a statement to “Echorouk” that the return of exports came after Algerian producers adapted to the new European measure, which mandates the use of 25 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) material in bottles starting from January 2025.

This previously caused fluctuations and a temporary halt in exports, given that Algerian laws do not permit the use of this type of bottle for products destined for the local market.

The spokesperson indicated that operators reached a technical and regulatory formula allowing the production of bottles compliant with European standards exclusively for products intended for export, while respecting national legislation for products marketed domestically. This enabled the restoration of trust with European partners and the official resumption of commercial operations.

The President of the Association revealed that the beverage sector in Algeria produces the equivalent of 4.7 billion liters annually, reflecting significant industrial capabilities capable of external expansion.

He added that the association includes 49 producers representing about 90 percent of the total national production, while the number of producers registered in the commercial register is approximately 1700, including small and medium-sized industrialists.

Regarding the figures, Mr. Hamani explained that beverage exports reached 28 million dollars last year, compared to 38 million dollars in a previous period, considering that the goal today is to gradually exceed these figures by establishing a presence in the European market and opening new markets.

He affirmed that demand for Algerian products is increasing in several European countries, in addition to growing interest from Arab and African markets.

He also pointed out that the association is currently setting a strategy to develop the sector, primarily based on exporting to Africa, in addition to Europe, Canada, and Asia, benefiting from large production capacity, improved product quality, and factories’ adaptation to international standards.