AGENDA

THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025

  • HEADLINE HUB

    INFORMATION & INSIGHT

    Our Headline Hub stage delivers first-class analysis of current trends and possible future developments in key areas of the fresh berry business. The Headline Hub is a place for all stakeholders, from breeders and growers to buyers and category managers, to deepen their understanding of today’s fresh berry supply chains.

    08:00
    Registration and networking

     

    09:30
    Welcome and opening remarks

    • Mike Knowles, Fruitnet (UK)

     

    09:35
    Talk: Global briefing
    Our opening speaker sets the scene and explains what to look out for in the next 12 months.

    • Cindy van Rijswick, Rabobank Research Food & Agribusiness (Netherlands)
    • Jenna Martin, Angus Soft Fruits (UK)

     

    10:00
    Discussion: New trends and opportunities in the international berry market
     Leading players from across the berry industry share their thoughts on the overall state of the business.

    • Raffaele Benedetti, Unitec (Italy)
    • Jenna Martin, Angus Soft Fruits (UK)
    • Wyard Stomp, Driscoll’s EMEA (Netherlands)
    • Cindy van Rijswick, Rabobank Research Food & Agribusiness (Netherlands)
    • Sergio Torres, Camposol (Netherlands)

     

    10:45
    Networking break

     

    11:30
    Talks and discussion: Success stories from the world of berry marketing
     A more in-depth look at how companies are finding new ways to sell more berries.

    • Carlos Bonilla, Hortifrut (Spain)
    • Anne Marie Borgdorff, GroentenFruit Huis (Netherlands)
    • Wilco van den Berg, GroentenFruit Huis (Netherlands)

     

    12:15
    Talks and discussion:  Sourcing reports on emerging supply trends
     As suppliers and brands attempt to fill market gaps, where can buyers find the fruit they need?

    • Mike Knowles, Fruitnet (UK)
    •     Brent Walsh, Berries ZA (South Africa)

     

     

  • 13:00
    Networking lunch

     

    14:00
    Case studies: The power of varieties to boost the business
     One of the industry’s top berry variety developers shares their ideas for growth.

    • Mike Knowles, Fruitnet (UK)
    • Alexis Simões, Sekoya (Spain)

     

    14:20
    Case studies: Technological advances that push boundaries
     We select the pick of the latest developments in berry industry tech.

    • David Kat, Neolithics (Netherlands)
    • Duncan Robertson, Dogtooth Technologies (UK)
    • Alejandro Solis Martinez, Independent Advisor (Netherlands)
    • Nico Broersen, Agriplace (Netherlands)

     

    15:30
    Networking break

     

    16:00
    Discussion: The big picture and a look to the future
     A chance to draw conclusions and consider what’s next for berries.

    • Wyard Stomp, Driscoll’s EMEA (Netherlands)
    • Mike Knowles, Fruitnet (UK)
    • Hans Widmann, Früchte Widmann (Germany)
    • Michiel Vermeiren, Coöperatie Hoogstraten (Belgium)
    • Chris White, Fruitnet (UK)

     

    17:00-18:00
    Closing drinks

FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2025 - DELEGATE TOURS

Guided tours for registered delegates to berry facilities. A separate booking form will be sent to all registered delegates to secure their space on the delegate tours. Spaces are on first-come first-basis.

  • TOUR 1

    08.00
    Departure from AHOY Convention Centre
    09.30 – 11.00
    Visit to LBP Rotterdam
    12.30 – 14.00
    Visit to Wageningen University & Research
    15.30
    Arrival to Rotterdam Centraal

  • TOUR 2

    08.00
    Departure from AHOY Convention Centre
    09.30 -11.00
    Visit to blueberry nursery plant by Schrijnwerkers Plants B.V.
    12.00 – 13.30
    Visit to Wageningen University & Research
    15.00
    Arrival to Rotterdam Centraal