Alimentaria 2010 closed its doors last week with a reported 8 per cent increase in initial forecast visitor numbers – some 140,542 industry professionals – as well as close to 4,000 exhibitor companies.
According to organisers, the trade show, which took place at the Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre between 22-26 March, attracted exhibitors from 75 countries, while overseas visitors accounted for an estimated 25 per cent of total visitor numbers.
Almentaria chairman Josep Lluís Bonet said: “Alimentaria has demonstrated the strength and energy of its trade show model, as well as that of a sector which is strategic for the country’s economy.”
Spanish Feshion watermelon association AGF (Asociación Grupo Fashion), which exhibited for the first time at the event, said it received a “high number of visitors” to its stand, where it offered products tastings with the help of a leading chef.
AGF marketing director Crisanto Ampuero said: “Alimentaria is effectively our starting point for the year.
'The event allowed us to present our sales campaign for 2010 and was also a good opportunity for us to take the pulse of the sector, meet our clients personally and make new commercial contacts.”
The association forecasts that it will market over 7,000 tonnes of seedless Fashion watermelons this season, which will be accompanied by a high-profile marketing and publicity campaign for the fourth consecutive year.
