Chat - Ksenia Evdokimova

I was able to chat with Russia market rep Ksenia Evdokimova this afternoon. She is leading a big group of Russian importers to PMA, notwithstanding economic challenges in both countries....

4:08 PM me: Hi Ksenia are you there

4:09 PM Ksenia: Hi, Tom!

me: How are you? Do you have a coupla minutes to talk about the upcoming trip to PMA?

Ksenia: With pleasure

4:10 PM me: Tell me about the group that is coming to Orlando - mostly importers, I presume?

Ksenia: Well, we have recruited over 30 importers to come to PMA this year. I assume we will be the most impressive group from so far abroad.

4:12 PM me: That is a big number -- what's the mood of the import community over there since these big swings in the financial markets

4:15 PM Ksenia: Everyone is more careful with buying, not just from the U.S. but in general. We also expect some affects on the retail market (that was booming for the past years, but is currently facing obstacles with the credits taken for their expansion). More or less nothing serious has happened yet on the market. Probably late October/November will tell us more on how things are

4:18 PM me: Yes, there is a lot of caution it seems in the U.S. as well..how fast the market loosens up is an unknown.... do you think the falling oil prices will make consumers in Russia more price conscious and possibly look to smaller fruit faster than they would have before?

6 minutes

4:24 PM Ksenia: Consumers all over the World will be affected by the results of the crisis and Russian consumers will face same problems. There will be higher unemployment and less spare money. However, good news is that top Russian fruit importers are heading to Orlando next week and this means that they expect the market to stay profitable. Florida has a wonderful climate, but unless US fruits were interesting among the Russian buyers - they wouldn't have decided to come this season.

4:26 PM me: Ksenia, tell me about the logistics of getting such a large group from Russia to Orlando - when will you start and how long will it take? Where will you be staying in Orlando?

4:30 PM Ksenia: Group members are professional travelers, so it is best not to press on anyone with schedules. The plan is for most of the group to take a trip to California to see beautiful table grape vineyards, then head to Orlando, participate in all kinds of retail tours, educational seminars, receptions and after this explore the FL citrus groves.

4:32 PM me: Sounds like a winning plan. What are you personally looking forward to the most in your trip? Is there anything you "dread"?

4:35 PM Ksenia: Personally, I dream about seeing the whole group in one place together. It has been a lot of preparation and to see your group is a reward! Most unpleasant thing is if somebody gets in trouble, sick or lost - this can spoil mood.

4:37 PM me: Ksenia, what's the latest update on your company - what clients do you represent currently from the U.S.?

4:38 PM Ksenia: All the tasty stuff: California Table Grape Commission, Pear Bureau NW, US Apple Export Council as well as several other non-fruit friends

4:39 PM me: Very good. If we are lucky, we will see you and your group from Russia. Safe travels and good luck at the show

4:40 PM Ksenia: I hope so too. Now you know about the group - so won't be surprised where all these Russians come from. Expect them at the show and hopefully this show brings successful business! See you next week!