HALL 5

Thought leadership and best business strategies for Asia.

Fresh produce case studies and workshops for business success in Asia.
10:00-10:10
Welcome to Asiafruit Knowledge Centre
10:10-11:00
Asiafruit at 30: taking the temperature of the trade
To mark the 30th anniversary of Asiafruit Magazine, Asiafruit Congress brings together a panel of leading experts to look back at how the trade has evolved these past three decades. Plus, we discuss the future trends and disruptors. How can companies navigate a more volatile trade landscape? How should global suppliers adapt their strategies to remain competitive and relevant in the fast-evolving Asian market?
• Wayne Prowse, Fresh Intelligence Consulting (Australia)
• Felipe Casanova, Copefrut (Chile)
• Steve Quinn, Pivit Global (Canada)
11:30-12:30
Veggie tech: technological shifts in a changing climate
Hosted by Rijk Zwaan

Climate change is reshaping vegetable production in South-East Asia. This session explores the shift towards more tech-driven cultivation for year-round, safe production. Experts discuss innovative solutions, investment challenges, and retailer involvement. How can the extra costs and added value be maintained and monetised at consumer level?
12:45-13:15
Marketing & Consumers
Hong Kong market spotlight
Expert analysis of the latest trends in Hong Kong’s fresh food consumer market. How big is the market? How are the key categories and channels performing? What are the opportunities for fresh produce marketers?
• Edwin Sun, NielsenIQ (Hong Kong)
13:30-14:15
Tech & Innovation
AI powers new solutions for fresh produce
From automation in-field to in the packhouse and beyond, we look at how artificial intelligence is powering game-changing solutions throughout the supply chain.
• Paul Slupecki, Tomra Food (Australia)
• Roland Wirth, Frigotec (Germany)
14:30-15:30
Apple marketing in Asia: a bright future
Home to some of the world’s largest apple import markets, Asia presents exciting potential for premium brands and varieties. What are the ‘white space’ opportunities in the region’s apple category? What are the up-and-coming varieties? What are the keys to building a successful brand? Leading buyers and global marketers discuss the evolving landscape.
• Jason Morris, Pink Lady (Singapore)
• Rochelle Bohm, CMI Orchards (US)
• Brendon Osborn, Heartland Fruit (New Zealand)
15:30-16:00
Logistics & Trade
Banana trade in focus
Spotlight on trends and opportunities in Asia’s banana trade. How are major consumer markets such as Japan and China evolving? How is the supply base shifting with the rise of emerging exporting countries in South-East Asia?
• Kennard Wong, Unifrutti Japan (Japan)
• Eric Zheng, Goodfarmer (China)