The fourth edition of Freshconex, Europe's only trade fair for the fresh produce convenience segment, has proved a success, attracting a higher number of visitors than the previous edition in 2010.
From 9-11 February, more than 11,000 industry experts from across the globe (up from 7,000 in 2010) came to obtain a concentrated market overview of products and services, offered by 100 exhibitors from 18 different countries.
As part of the three-day trade fair, the Freshconex Business Forum, which was organised by Fresh Convenience Magazine and the United Fresh Produce Association, presented information on the latest trends in fresh convenience products via a range of expert speakers.
Event organiser Messe Berlin said in a new release that most Freshconex exhibitors participated in the trade fair to meet new customers, present their companies and build their image, strengthen existing customer customer relations and present information to an audience of trade specialists.
According to the group, more than 84 per cent reported positive results from their participation at the trade fair, with some 40 per cent able to achieve new orders and 82 per cent saying that they expected very good or at least satisfactory post-trade fair business.
More than 82 per cent of Freshconex trade visitors came from outside Germany, with most coming from EU countries (75 per cent), primarily Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
Five per cent travelled to Berlin from other European countries, 8 per cent came from the Americas, 6 per cent from Africa, 5 per cent from Asia, and 1 per cent from Australia and Oceania.
Statements from FRESHCONEX 2011 exhibitors
Christèle Demeunynck, Sales Manager, Cellpack Packaging: 'Our trade fair debut at Freshconex was a big success. We were able to meet nearly all of our customers from the Americas and Africa here. This really helps us save a lot on travel expenses.'
Herman Schepers, Managing Director, Deliva: 'Freshconex gives us the opportunity to meet all four of our key customer groups at one location: the food service industry, B2B, B2C, and the food retail industry. This is the ideal place to strengthen existing contacts and develop new sales markets, particularly on an international level.'
Pavel Stobba, Sales Manager, Fructofresh: 'We don’t have to travel far to reach Freshconex from Poland, and we are able to meet our most important customers from the high-end restaurant sector. Our premium fruit salads and mixed fruit are also bringing us increased attention from food retailers. This makes an attendance at Freshconex an absolute must very year.'
Koos Ruijgrok, European Sales Manager, HiFi Industrial Film: 'This was our first time at Freshconex and we are surprised at the number and quality of new business contacts. We managed to meet with key representatives from the fruit and vegetable packaging industry here.'
Scott Woolfert, Managing Director, Sealed Air: 'It’s our first time at Freshconex, and we are delighted by the discussions with representatives from the fresh produce packaging industry. In our opinion, no other trade fair offers such a concentrated focus on this market.'
