Access to export markets for Marula fruit products will require manufacturers and marketers to satisfy international regulators responsible for consumer food safety.

For example, ingredients and products intended for the European Union will require compliance with EU Novel Foods Regulation [EU 2015/2283].

This is a priority task for the Marula Fruit Products Association, which will learn from the experience of the Baobab sector. Development of a strong Baobab economy in southern Africa was enabled by EU Novel Foods authorisation, Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the USA through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and approval for the Canadian Market through Health Canada.

EU Novel Foods authorisation requires the establishment of a Food Business Operator (FBO), a role which will be played by the Marula Fruit Products Association.

The FBO will be the entity responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations governing the introduction of food and drink products on the EU market.

The strategy of the MFPA is to secure authorisation in the EU and then use it to access the United States market through the FDA's GRAS regulations.

Compliance with Chinese market access regulations can also be supported by these dossiers and data.

The MFPA will liaise with regulatory authorities in southern Africa to ensure coherence between local and export market approaches and standards.