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Enza Zaden wins Innovation Award
Egyptian exports
Chile – Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country
Honduran Trade Minister praises Fruit Logistica
AFCO: stable packaging for sensitive fruit
South Tyrol: fresh, juicy and attractive
Extremadura promotes organic fruits
Murcia marks huge success at Fruit Logistica
Sardinian grower seeks new markets for saffron and oregano
Savid bananas: From the plantation to the table in eight days
Malaysia introduces new papaya
Fresh Service looks to meet new customers
USA: POM Wonderful aims at continental Europe
The Netherlands: Continuous export growth
Sicilian exhibitor tests torpedo and zebra tomatoes
Germany is Spain's key trading partner
Lazio: Development agency introduces new software
DFHV: Industry turnaround imminent
Gambia: New contacts with European companies
Fruit Logistica a success for Russian importer
Euro Pool seeks new partners for distribution system
Poland seeks non-European partners
Argentina: Biggest Latin American exhibitor
Three Landgard Group players under one roof
Serbia debuts with 36 companies
China: Sanlong presents peanuts and walnuts
Japan promotes natto
Croatia already meeting EU standards
India seeks trading partners for first time
Algeria's presence continues to grow
Hand-picked Calanda peaches from Aragon
Ecuador good at growing more than bananas
Tunisian potatoes and dates popular in Europe
Asociex: Juicy tangerines from Spain's oldest citrus region
Biodegradable packaging presented
Premiere for Lebanese packaging manufacturer
MAF Roda: Automatic fruit recognition in fractions of a second
Giró: Packaging solutions from a single source
Italy’s Minister of agriculture opposes cheap imports
Fyffes promises more organic and Fairtrade bananas
South Tyrol Apple PGI becomes a TV star
Chiquita To Go
'5-a-Day' at work
Kiwifruit defy financial crisis
Carmel Agrexco: Economic crisis and weather
Brazil: European debut for new papaya packaging
CSO reports successful Mr Fruitness campaign
Russian company builds on trust
GlobalGAP: Small farmers to be more directly involved
Cyprus: Germany now principal customer for agri products
Brussels region present again with joint stand
Mexico focuses on the EU market
Turkey: exports at 2.1m tonnes
COLEACP connects European importers and ACP exporters
Bremen Wholesale Market: Personal discussions highly valued
Senegal seeks new markets
Hungary: More fresh produce
Madagascar: Lychees for winter festival season
South Africa to the Mediterranean: 10 days instead of 20
Fruit Logistica premiere for Korea King Oyster Mushrooms
The Comoros looking to enter lychee market
Vitamin-rich tour for German State Secretary Heinen
German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner opens Fruit Logistica 2009
Univeg: Customer contact is the main objective at Fruit Logistica
Dole introduces special environmental campaign
Market launch for smoothies from Chiquita
AFFELDT: innovative packing machine saves work steps
Costa Rica: new papaya for demanding German market
ULMA, a specialist in high-performance packaging
Ceroz seeks new markets
SIPPO helps small businesses gain access
Greek companies observe change in the market
Calabria counting on full order books
Total Produce on track for further growth
Manioc from Columbia launches new product
Hungary strives to become EU logistics centre
Peru promotes grapes and citrus fruit
South Africa's optimism restrained
Uzbekistan debuts at Fruit Logistica
Enzafruit Jazz apple in great demand
Newtec presents high-speed cherry weighing machine
Crisp sprouts and cool cress from the Netherlands
Gasa Group debuts at Fruit Logistica
Fruit & Games at Fructinale 2009
Syngenta teaches correct use of pesticides
Cool-Fit: More cooling, less cost
New technology extends fresh-cut shelf-life to 14 days
Graz Giants live at Fruit Logistica
Software reduces non-compliance
Germans still not eating enough fruit and veg
Boruszewski predicts positive growth for sector
Global fruit and veg production continues to rise
Germany's most international trade fair
Germany leads the way in product safety
Per capita annual consumption in Germany: 208kg
Anecoop sales top EUR 420 million
US cranberries continue to sweep Europe
Dole spotlights CSR activities
Switzerland: Building export markets with organic veg
CMA presents full range of services
BVEO hopes for prompt dialogue
France: More vegetable exports to Germany
Belgian produce brought fast and fresh to the table
South Tyrol apple growers produce record yields
Cobana Fruchtring: Kiwifruit generate new perspectives
School fruit pilot programme in Germany
GFI: Focus on bananas and citrus fruit
Accurate weather forecasts via Internet
Styrian sold in more than 30 countries
Fruchthof Berlin: 215,000 tonnes stock turnover
ZMP presents online services
Inter Weichert presents premium products
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Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for Sweet Green Pepper from the Netherlands
Industry experts selected the Sweet Green Pepper from the Dutch company Enza Zaden as the most innovative new product at Fruit Logistica. Gerald Lamusse, Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager, and Robert Broadfoot, Managing Director of FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE (Düsseldorf), presented the coveted Fruit Logistica Innovation Award to Chris Groot, Marketing Project Manager at Enza Zaden. 'We are extremely proud of this award. It's a big compliment to our seed breeding department and to the grower', Groot said of the result. Sweet Green Pepper has a bright, green colour and contains 30% more sugar and vitamins than conventional pepper varieties.
The School Apple Project sponsored by the Association for the Promotion of Organic Fruit from the Altes Land Region of Germany took second place honours in the competition. This project also received the special jury prize. Third place went to the T.R. Turoni company of Italy for its portable DA-Meter ripeness tester. This year marked the fourth time the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award was presented by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel Magazine.
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Egypt: Fruit Logistica companies generated 70% sales volume in produce sector
Export sales of fresh fruit and vegetables from Egypt totalled EUR 80 million in 2007. This figure increased to rose to EUR 100 million last year. 'Seventy per cent of this sales volume was generated by the companies here at Fruit Logistica', said Dalia Kabeel, Portfolio Manager for the Egyptian Exporters Association. This year, 48 companies are presenting their products at the leading trade fair for the international fresh produce trade. Accounting for 50% of all exports, Germany is the main market for of Egyptian strawberries, green beans and other produce, followed by Great Britain, the Netherlands and Russia. (Hall 4.2, stand D-03. Contact: Dalia Kabeel, Tel. +2-(0)-25271010, e-mail: dkabeel@expolink.eg)
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Chile is Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country
Under the auspices of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, Chile's fresh produce industry was present at Fruit Logistica this year for the sixth time. The country's first trade fair appearance was in 2005 with 20 companies. This year, more than 100 exhibitors from the Fruit Logistica partner country presented an impressive array of products. This dynamic development reflects the exceptional growth in exports of Chilean produce. Chile's annual food exports currently total USD 12 billion. This corresponds to about 15 percent of the country's total exports. The Chilean government has its sights set on becoming one of the world's top-10 food exporters. 'Chile's participation as the Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country is an excellent opportunity to show the world how the country's fresh produce industry is growing. At the same time, it highlights the potential that can still be activated through our ongoing cooperation between the public and private sectors', explained Minister of Agriculture Marigén Hornkohl.
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Honduran Trade Minister praises Fruit Logistica's role model function
'At Fruit Logistica we can show the world the wide variety of good products our country has to offer', said Fredis Cerrato, Honduran Minister of Industry and Trade. 'The trade fair also encourages our producers to enter the export market'. Ambassador Roberto Martínez praised Fruit Logistica's role model function: 'In the past, it was difficult to promote organic production in our country. But since the producers have seen in Berlin what an enormous market there is for these products, there has been a change in thinking'. Six Honduran exporters are presenting a selection of products at Fruit Logistica ranging from melons and sweet potatoes, to grapefruit and chili peppers. Honduras is the leading supplier of chili peppers to the USA. (Hall 25, stand B-02, Contact: Gabriel Molina, Tel. +504- 235-3073; e-mail: gmolina@sic.gob.hn)
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AFCO: Stable packaging for sensitive fruit
'Fruit Logistica is the only international trade fair in which we exhibit. And we are very satisfied: Yesterday we had the highest number of customer contacts in the entire history of our company“, said Ignacio Carro, General Director of AFCO. Fifteen companies are organised under the Spanish association of corrugated cardboard manufacturers. In addition to being extremely resistant to moisture and crushing, their integrated Plaform packaging system is also completely recyclable. In the past year, AFCO has sold nearly 400 million Plaform cartons. This makes the company the market leader in Spain, with a market share of 45%. About half of the production volume is exported, primarily to Germany, with the Metro Group topping the list of customers. British and French supermarkets are also strong AFCO customers. (Hall 11.2, stand A-10. Contact: Ignacio Carro, Tel. +34-(0)-609723370).
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South Tyrol: fresh, juicy and attractive
Freshness, juiciness and appearance are the key criteria for German consumers when it comes to buying apples. These were the findings of a survey conducted by Facit marketing research, which was commissioned by Export Organisation South Tyrol (EOS). According to the responding merchants, brands from the country of origin are given 46% greater significance from the customer's perspective than are private labels (15%). Some 39% said that consumers want to know details about the growing region and country of origin when buying. 61% of the retailers rated advertising and sales promotions as important factors. (Hall 4.2, stand A-09. Contact: Dr. Paul Zandanel, Tel. +39-0471-945694, e-mail: zandanel@eos.handelskammer.bz.it)
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Extremadura promotes organic fruits
'We want to create a niche market with our organically grown products and are taking advantage of the Fruit Logistica to introduce our peaches and plums, nectarines and apricots, pears and melons to the European market', says Haciendasbio sales representative Miguel Aceituno. With over 260 hectares of cultivated land, the company is Spain's largest supplier of organic fruit. Around 4,000 tonnes of stone fruit are produced annually. 'We are especially interested in the German market, but we also see great potential in Great Britain, Ireland, Holland and France'. The Extremadura region is represented at the trade fair by 17 companies and two growers' associations. The Afruex association brings together 95% of the fruit growers of Extremadura, who produce over 300,000 tonnes of fresh fruit annually, half of which are plums and around 25,000 tonnes of cherries. (Hall 8.2, stand A-02; Contact: Marisol Hurtado, Tel.+49-(0)-179-7566641)
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Murcia marks huge success at Fruit Logistica
The company from the Spanish region of Murcia will be returning home from Fruit Logistica highly satisfied. 'We have had more visitors than we had last year and our fears about the economic situation were unfounded', says Teresa Torres Sarabia, Ministry of Agriculture for the Murcia region. Murcia is the largest growing region for lemons in Spain. 30 companies are exhibiting their products this year at Fruit Logistica. (Hall 18, stand A-08, Contact: Teresa Torres Sarabia, Tel. +968 36 27 10 629, e-mail: mteresa.torres@cam.es)
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Sardinian grower seeks new markets for saffron and oregano
Zafferano di Turri of Elverio Picchedda and Sons is exhibiting at Sardinia's joint stand for the first time at Fruit Logistica. Limited so far to the domestic market, the herb and spice plant grower is looking for new markets, not only for saffron, but also for chili peppers and oregano. Regular guests in Berlin from Sardinia are the Santa Margherita Cooperative, which produces more than 4,000 tonnes of tomatoes annually, and Agrisarda Cooperative with an annual yield of more than 8 million artichoke flower heads. (Hall 4.2, stand A-06, Contact: Sandro Picchedda, Tel. +39 0783 95 101, e-mail: zafferanoditurri@libero.it)
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Savid bananas: From the plantation to the table in eight days
No banana arrives in Europe faster than those from the Dominican Republic: 'Our shipment takes eight days. Transports from South and Central America take three weeks', says Julie Vermeiren, General Manager of Savid International B.V. at Fruit Logistica. This gives them more time to ripen naturally. 60% of the six million crates of Savid bananas are both organically grown and sold in compliance with fair trade principles. 'This makes us the world's largest exporter of this type of banana', Ms. Vermieren adds. The bananas are popular in the USA, Japan and Europe. (Hall 25, stand C-02, Contact: Julie Vermeiren, mobile: +31-(0)-62-9339790, e-mail: julie@savidinternational.com)
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Malaysia introduces new papaya
With a 13-degree Brix content, a shelf life of more than seven days and firmer flesh, Malaysia is introducing the 'Paiola' papaya for the first time at Fruit Logistica. This year, the Malaysian Agrifood Corporation is planning to produce 2,000 tonnes of the fruit. Exports to a major department store chain in Great Britain have already been successfully launched. The company is at Fruit Logistica this year to build contacts with other wholesalers, says Sekar Shanmugam, Director of Sales and Marketing. Even growers from Columbia are interested in the papaya. Agrifood is planning to have the fruit produced by contract growers in Australia. (Hall 8.2, stand A-04, Contact: Sekar Shanmugam, mobile: +6012-(0)3073658, e-mail: sekar.s@mafc.com.my)
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Fresh Service: British logistics specialist attends trade fair to meet new customers
'We are at Fruit Logistica for the third time because this is where we can meet all of our customers in one place and establish new business contacts', says Angie Scott of the British logistics firm Fresh Service Limited. Conveniently located close to the channel tunnel and various ports in Dartford in the county of Kent, the company handles storage and distribution of fresh and chilled products. Agricultural products from continental Europe and South America are distributed nationally from Cornwall to Northern Scotland. (Hall 7.2, stand A-08, Contact: Angie Scott, Tel. +44 1322 27 98 86, e-mail: ascott@frehservice.co.uk)
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USA: POM Wonderful aims at continental Europe
In line with the 'Antioxidant Superpower' theme, the U.S. company POM Wonderful is now planning to conquer the European mainland with its California-grown pomegranates and pomegranate juice sold pure or mixed with mango or blueberry juice. The company has invested more than USD 25 million in research into how the fruit helps prevent various diseases. POM Wonderful products have been sold in British supermarkets for the past four years. Now, the company has appointed new marketing representatives for Germany and the Benelux countries. The joint U.S. exhibition stand at Fruit Logistica 2009 is where they are working to establish the right business contacts. (Hall 23, stand B-03, Contact: Natasha Jennings, Tel. +31 (0) 6 46 01 31 25, e-mail: njennings@pomwonderful.com)
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The Netherlands: Continuous export growth in the fresh produce sector
Despite the difficult global economic situation, fruit and vegetable retailers in the Netherlands reported a 10% increase in exports worldwide. Exports to Germany have risen by 3% to around EUR 2.5 billion. Exports to Great Britain, on the other hand, have declined, according to Willem Baljeu, Managing Director of the Frugi Venta retail platform at Fruit Logistica. The 450 member companies generate EUR 7.8 billion in annual sales, which is 77% of the total fresh fruit trade turnover in the Netherlands. Exports to Russia totalling EUR 500 million are reduced due to import restrictions. (Hall 3.2, stand D-10, Contact: Willem Baljeu, Tel. +31 (0)70 - 33 55 010, e-mail: info@frugiventa.nl)
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Sicilian exhibitor tests torpedo and zebra tomatoes
Vittorio Gona from the Alba Bio company based in Marina di Ragusa Sicily uses the opportunities at Fruit Logistica to test trade visitors' responses to the latest tomato varieties. These include a small red variety called Torpedino, which is indeed shaped somewhat like a torpedo, and a dark, striped variety named Zebrino. With an average annual sales volume of EUR 300 million, Sicily's share of Italian fruit and vegetable exports has traditionally been small. Speaking at a Fruit Logistica press conference, Minister of Agriculture Prof. Giovanni La Via says that the regional government is planning to ensure its growers' competitiveness on increasingly globalised markets with a series of ambitious financial assistance programmes. He explained that the emphasis will be on quality rather than achieving the lowest prices. Alba Bio has signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE), which coordinates the trade fair presence of 19 exhibitors. (Hall 7.2, stand B-02. Contact: Dagmar Schumann, Tel. 49 (0) 171 447 36 93, e-mail: dagmar.schumann@wirkomm.de)
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Germany is Spain's key trading partner
Germany is still the number one buyer for Spain's fresh produce sector. 22% of total exports are shipped to Germany, followed by France (around 20%), Great Britain (around 13%) and the Netherlands (around 9.5%). In 2007, Spanish exporters sold 9.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables with a total value of EUR 7.686 billion. The major crops were tomatoes, lettuces and cucumbers, citrus fruit, stone fruit and melons. German fruit imports from Spain dropped in the first half of 2008 by 8% in terms of weight, while the sales value rose by almost 10%. It was the other way around in the vegetable sector, where there was a rise of over 12% by volume but a 7% drop in sales value. 'Our exhibitors are very pleased with the Fruit Logistica because they meet all their business associates over the course of just a few days', says Manuel Uzcanga, head of the agrifood department at the Spanish Consulate General. 'We also conclude a lot of business deals here, many of them in organic produce.' (Hall 11.2, stand A-07. Contact: Manuel Uzcanga, Tel. +49-(0)-211-4936653)
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Lazio: Development agency introduces new software
Arsial, the agency for agricultural development in the Italian region of Lazio near Rome, is represented at the Fruit Logistica with 26 companies. The agency exports fruit and vegetables with a total value of around EUR 200 million per year. Innovations presented during the trade fair include the newly developed computer software S.E.F.ORT. for agriculture and the 'Sustgreenhouse' project in support of sustainable agricultural production methods. (Hall 4.1, stand A-06. Contact: Natalia Lubomirkski, Tel. +49 (0)30, 27 59 04 56, e-mail: cz@communicazione.de)
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DFHV: Industry turnaround imminent
'This year's Fruit Logistica is very exciting. The international industry is in many respects poised for a distinct turnaround, which will have an impact here in Germany. I'm not talking so much about the ubiquitous financial crisis. This is about the global shift in demand for fresh produce and the anticipated pressure for sustainable farming and energy-efficient logistics. It is very interesting to see the future strategies being presented here. The DFHV has already positioned itself accordingly with a whole new emphasis on professional development, public relations, quality management and biomonitoring'. Dr. Andreas Brügger, Director of the German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV).
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Gambia: New contacts with European companies
Momodou A. Ceesay has come to Fruit Logistica for the first time. His company Gambia Horticultural Enterprises produces mangos, chillis, aubergines and Asian vegetable varieties, which are already being exported to Great Britain. Now he hopes to expand his business relations to include continental Europe. Ceesay is very pleased that he has already been able to establish a number of promising contacts at the trade fair with companies from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The potential for expansion to meet rising demand is evident – currently only 20 of 100 hectares of available acreage are being farmed. (Hall 5.2, stand D-13. Contact: Momodou A. Ceesay, Tel. +220 990 50 88, e-mail: gamhort@qanet.gm)
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Fruit Logistica is a success for Russian import company
Fruit Logistica has been a resounding success for Baltfruit, one of Russia's five largest fresh produce import companies. 'This is where we meet all our business associates and have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face dialogue on strategies and problems'. This is the positive conclusion drawn by Anatoly Forsyuk from Import Departement. Baltfruit uses its own transport fleet to supply chain stores and retail outlets throughout Russia. (Hall 23, stand F-07. Contact: Anatoly Forsyuk, Tel. +7 812 335 66 00, e-mail: caf@baltfruit.ru)
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Euro Pool seeks new partners for its distribution system
Euro Pool System International B.V., Europe's largest logistics service provider for returnable transport packaging, is represented once again at this year's Fruit Logistica with a view to generating new partners for its distribution system. The integrated depots are combined with the return centres for retailers. This allows the containers to be directly processed without an additional distribution centre for food retailers in between, says Stella Montfoort, PR & Communications Director for Euro Pool System. 'This saves transport and handling costs'. In 2008, 30% of all crates in the Benelux countries were returned to integrated depots. This figure is expected to rise for these countries as well as in Germany. (Hall 20, stand B-01. Contact: Stella Montfoort, Tel. +31-(0)-70-3014130, e-mail: stella.montfoort@europoolsystem.com)
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Poland seeks non-European partners at the Fruit Logistica
'Poland's joint stand at Fruit Logistica 2009 has grown again. We are continually getting bigger and better', says Marian Zalewski, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The neighbouring country values Germany as its key export partner for fresh produce, while 80% of its produce goes to the countries of the European Union. The 43 companies ranging from growers to export companies aim to find partners who are also based outside the EU, Zalewski says. 'That is why they are here at the Fruit Logistica'. (Hall 6.2, stand D-02. Contact: Marian Zalewski, Tel. +48-(0)-22-6231513, e-mail: marian.zalewski@minrol.gov.pl)
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Argentina: Biggest Latin American exhibitor at the Fruit Logistica
With 37 exhibitors, Argentina is more strongly represented at the Fruit Logistica than any other Latin American country. Despite the generally poor economic situation, the world's largest lemon exporter is optimistic about the future. 'For us, the Fruit Logistica is the most important trade fair in the world. Nowhere else do we meet our customers from all over the globe in just three days', says Lic. Patricio Pizzoglio, Promoción Comercial, Fundación EXPORT-AR. (Hall 25, stand B-07. Contact: Patricio Pizzoglio, Tel. +(5411) 4315 4841-255)
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The three LANDGARD GROUP players under one roof at the Fruit Logistica
Three major players in the fresh produce sector, LANDGARD, GODELAND and PETER VETTER, have joined forces and are for the first time represented jointly at the Fruit Logistica as LANDGARD GROUP FRUIT & VEGETABLES. The group is international in orientation and in addition to brands that are already on the market, also features a comprehensive selection of trendy convenience products and quality dried fruit. The product range encompasses regional, national and international products from a single source. (Hall 20, stand C-02. Contact: Frank Zeiler, Tel. +49 (0) 2839 59-1120, e-mail: frank.zeiler@landgard.de)
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Serbia debuts at Fruit Logistica with 36 companies
36 Serbian companies were represented at Fruit Logistica with the support of the American government agency USAID. This is the first time Serbia is represented as an independent country at the world's leading trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing. USAID has been working in the Balkan nation since 2004 and supports the ministry in analysing the regional market situation and improving it for local producers. Fruit Logistica offers companies a chance to gain insight into successful marketing models. 'Fruit Logistica is the world's most important trade fair for fresh fruit. You simply have to be there', says Remer Y. Lane, Head of Marketing and Exports for the USAID Agribusiness Project. (Hall 21, stand A-03. Contact: Remer Y. Yale, Tel. +381 (0) 11 243 66 11, e-mail: lane_remer@agrobiznis)
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China: Sanlong presents peanuts and walnuts
Ginger and garlic from the Sanlong Vegetable and Fruit Company from Jining in the Chinese province of Shandong are already available in Germany, France and the Netherlands. The company, which was founded in 1998, has been coming to Fruit Logistica for four years to establish new business contacts and develop markets. This year it also brought peanuts, walnuts and chilli peppers to Berlin for the first time. (Hall 5.2, stand B-10. Contact: Debra Zhang, Tel. +86 537 2907302, e-mail: debrazhang@sanlong.cn)
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Japan promotes natto
Trade visitors had the opportunity to taste natto at the exhibition stand sponsored by the Japan Agriculture Corporations Association. Bases on a thousand-year tradition, the fermented soya beans have are rich in enzymes, vitamins and amino acids. They also help prevent heart disease, strokes, cancer and osteoporosis. Eiji Monden from the company Kawaguchi Nattou is trying to introduce Europeans to a food that is very popular in Japan. The Japanese association represents 1,700 companies and is present at Fruit Logistica for the first time this year. Its chief aim is to develop new markets in Europe with classic products including Sekai Ichi, the world's biggest dessert apple, the new, deep-red Daikouei variety, which is already exported to Switzerland, as well as with oranges and mandarins. Hong Kong, the USA and Taiwan are currently the main export countries for agricultural products from Japan. (Hall 7.2c, stand A-05. Contact: Atsutoshi Takusu, Tel. +81 3 6268 9500, e-mail: takasu@nca.or.jp)
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Croatia already meets EU standards for fruit and vegetable cultivation
Croatian farmers are advancing into European markets. The ARGROFRUCTUS umbrella association organises the production, purchasing and sale of fruit and vegetables from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Macedonia. Although Croatia has yet to become an EU Member State, but it already supplies fruit and vegetables that are certified according to EU standards. 'We are extremely pleased with our first visit to Fruit Logistica', says ARGROFRUCTUS Quality Manager Damir Karakas. (Hall 4.1, stand B-03. Contact: Damir Karakas, Tel. +385 1 2799 940, e-mail: damir.karakas@agrofruct.hr)
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India seeks trading partners for the first time at Fruit Logistica
Seven exhibitors from India marked the country's debut at the leading trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing. Pomegranates, fine Alphanso mangos and pineapples are all produced to global GAP guidelines. 'We are here to get a feel for the European market', says Vinita Sudhanshu, Assistant General Manager of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an Indian government body. According to Sudhanshu, India currently exports fruit and vegetable products valued at USD 690 million to Europe and has its sights set on becoming a global player. (Hall 10.2, stand B-03. Contact: Vinita Sudhanshu, Tel. +91-(0)-11-26534175, e-mail: agmpr@apeda.com)
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Algeria's presence continues to grow
In the past, Algeria was represented at Fruit Logistica by only one exhibitor. This number has increased to ten at this year's trade fair. Producers of dates, strawberries, figs and vegetables are in Berlin to present their wares to trade visitors. 'Fresh produce from Algeria is primarily sold in Europe. We are currently planning to place these products in North and South America', says ALGEX Operational Manager Nouara Toubal, who also works for Optimexport. This governmental organisation provides training for exporters and supports their presence overseas. 'We have already had enquiries about our products from Singapore, Bulgaria and Morocco', she adds. (Hall 4.1, stand B-05. Contact: Nouara Toubal, Tel. +213-(0)-21-520486, e-mail: ntoubal@optimexport-dz.org)
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Hand-picked Calanda peaches from Aragon
Calanda peaches are cultivated in the autonomous Aragon region of north-eastern Spain. The fruit is deep yellow, sugar-sweet, extremely crisp and proudly bears a mark of origin. In order to meet the extremely high quality standards, 70% of the peaches are hand-sorted on the tree. The best fruits are individually placed in plastic bags to protect them insects. 'This enables us to reduce our use of pesticides by up to 90%', says Javier Tello, President of the Melocotón de Calanda producers' association. In the past, nearly all of the 25 million kg harvested each year have been sold on markets in Spain. The growers are at Fruit Logistica this year to attract the interest of German traders to their hand-sorted products. (Hall 8.2, stand A-09. Contact: Miguel Mainar, Tel. +34-6-18257735, e-mail: mmainar@sirasa.net)
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Ecuador is good at more than growing bananas
The banana is undoubtedly Ecuador's number one export product. One in every three bananas consumed around the world comes from Ecuador. 80% of the bananas imported by Russia come from Ecuador. In 2008, the country exported bananas worth about USD 1.5 billion. A tenth of the 200,000 hectares of banana plantations are certified according to ecological cultivation guidelines. But this Latin American country has much more to offer. In 2009, the 15 export companies united under the private export promotion organisation CORPEI hope to impress trade visitors at Fruit Logistica with the quality of their mangos, papayas, pineapples and limes. 'Fruit Logistica is the prime international trade fair in Europe for our lime exporters, and they are looking forward to outstanding results', says CORPEI Product Manager Maria Reyes. (Hall 25, stand C-11. Contact: Maria Reyes, Tel. +593-4-2287123, e-mail: mreyes@corpei.org.ec)
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Tunisian potatoes and dates are popular in Europe
Germany and France have proved to be Tunisia's main export partners for fruit and vegetable products. While Germany is the largest importer of potatoes (57%), more than 70% of the country's dates are sold in France. Tunisian oranges are rapidly gaining popularity on the Russian market, says Bouzaïen Mohamed Sghaïer, Cooperation and Promotion Manager of the Agence de Promotion des Investissements Agricoles Tunisie). Rich in vitamins, Nour dates have a high potassium content and are considered a delicacy. 'Dates are so healthy that the WHO has recommended that they be planted in arid regions around the globe', producer Ghazi Rouissi proudly reports. (Hall 4.1, stand A-07. Contact: Bouzaïen Mohamed Sghaïer, Tel. +216-(0)-71772338, e-mail: bouzaïen.ms@apia.com.tn)
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Asociex: Juicy tangerines from Spain's oldest citrus-growing region
The Spanish export organisation Asociex Castellón is making its third appearance at the Fruit Logistica. Asociex Castellón represents 120 producers and cooperatives with a total cultivation area of 50,000 hectares yielding 1.5 million tonnes of tangerines a year and generating annual sales of EUR 5 billion. What's so special about these bright orange vitamin-packed fruits from Castellón province? 'The great quality!' says Asociex Secretary General Enrique Ribes. Scientific research has shown that the local 'clemenules', a mutation of the seedless 'fina' variety first discovered in the province in 1953, contain the most vitamin C and have the most intense flavour of any citrus fruit. 'Europe and the United States are our most important trading partners', Ribes says. 'Two years ago, we began exporting to Russia, thanks to contacts made at Fruit Logistica. The Russian market is becoming more and more important to us'. (Hall 11.2, stand B-03. Contact: Enrique Ribes, Tel. +34-(0)-629-228434)
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Biodegradable packaging presented
The biodegradable packaging material introduced by S&B Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH is getting a lot of attention at Fruit Logistica. Together with its joint partners, S&B supplies ready-to-use systems for automating everything from incoming raw materials to loading up the final product. In addition to conventional packaging machines, S&B sells optoelectronic sorters, automated filling systems for secondary packaging, and palletising and pallet securing technology. (Hall 1.1, stand C-16. Contact: Thomas Carta, Tel. +49 (0) 6047 96 37-16)
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Premiere for Lebanese packaging manufacturer
Somoplast Industrial Co. has become the first Lebanese company to exhibit at Fruit Logistica. Somoplast makes PET packaging in more than 50 sizes and shapes. Manager Wadih E. Riachy says the company has come to the leading fresh produce trade fair to make contact with business partners from around the world. Somoplast is the only company of its kind in Lebanon. It manufactures an average half a million shells, baskets and egg trays a day and exports them to neighbouring countries as well as Spain and Greece. 'We only use top-quality raw materials for our products', says Riachy. (Hall 4.1, stand B-09. Contact: Wadih E. Riachy, Tel. +961-(0)-8-930718, e-mail: SOMOPLT@inco.com.lb)
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MAF Roda Agrobotic: Automatic fruit recognition in fractions of a second
The French company MAF Roda Agrobotic is a newcomer to Fruit Logistica. The company is here to present its Globalscan V calibration system. Globalscan V can automatically sort apples and other fruit into eight different quality grades and colours. Thanks to its lightening-fast scan rate, the system analyses and classifies up to 15 fruits a second. Another innovation on the market is the Speed Packer V6. This packaging machine for citrus places the fruit in preformed carrier trays that perfectly match the size of the product. From there they are picked up by rubber suction cups and packed in layers according to the machine settings. With 950 employees at 18 plants worldwide, the family-owned business generated sales of nearly EUR 105 million in 2006. 'If you're not at Fruit Logistica, you're not really in our industry', says Communications Director Sophie Dragusanu. (Hall 1.1, stand A-04. Contact: Sophie Dragusanu, Tel. +33-(0)-5-63632770).
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Giró: Packaging solutions from a single source
The product range offered by the Spanish Giró Group includes everything from knitted packaging nets in various shapes, colours and strengths (the company says it is the world leader in this field), to packing sleeves, weighing equipment and packaging machinery. 'We now offer a completely biodegradable type of net', says Michael Weinbrenner, Managing Director of Giró Germany. This is just one of the new products on show at Fruit Logistica. Another innovation is the 'spotless detection' system. This does away with the marks that are generally required on sleeves to ensure that printed labels are properly centred. 'Instead of relying on outsourced products, we produce everything ourselves – from the plastic granules to the finished machine', Weinbrenner adds. Giró currently has 700 employees and generates annual turnover of EUR 100 million. (Hall 1.1, stand B-14. Contact: Michael Weinbrenner, Tel, +49-(0)-221-9486440, e-mail: weinbrenner@giro-gmbh.de)
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Italy’s Minister of agriculture opposes cheap imports
Luca Zaia, Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, spoke out at Fruit Logistica against imports of low-quality agricultural products from low-wage countries. Referring to the high quality of Italian fruit and vegetables, he pointed out that 45 of the 145 European products with protected geographical indication come from Italy. He spent several hours visiting the Italian exhibitors and was very enthusiastic about their presentations. Italy is again the foremost participant at the trade fair, with 437 companies and an increased total stand area of 9,000m2. 34% of the country's fruit and vegetable exports are destined for Germany. This equates to a turnover of EUR 1.2 billion, Zaia says. (Halls 2.2, 4.1, 4.2 and 7.2. Contact: Gertrud Schmitz, Tel. +49 (0) 160 787 12 58, e-mail: food@dusseldorf.ice.it)
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Fyffes promises more organic and fair trade bananas
Fruit distributor Fyffes plc announced its intention at the Fruit Logistica to increase its sales of organic and fair trade bananas. These non-conventional fruit currently account for around two to three percent of the product range according to Ralph Fischer, Marketing Manager of the partner company Inter Weichert & Co. KG, speaking for Fyffes plc. The second largest European player in the banana trade, Fyffes currently distributes 700,000 boxes of the yellow fruit each week and ranks among the top three with 100,000 boxes of pineapples. In line with the organic products on show, the displays are made of wood and environment-friendly paper and painted with food-safe colourants. (Hall 5.2, stand A-04. Contact: Ralph Fischer, Tel. +49-(0)-40-329000, e-mail: r.fischer@interweichert.de)
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South Tyrol Apple PGI becomes a TV star
The South Tyrol Apple PGI will soon be appearing on German television. In conjunction with consumer tastings in retail outlets, a 10-second commercial will run on major television stations including ARD, ZDF, RTL, VOX and Sat.1 in February and March 2009. These adverts will be aired as a reminder of the ongoing television campaign promoting South Tyrol as a holiday destination. 'The South Tyrolean apple industry is increasing its advertising activity in Germany with this commercial. Current activity already encompasses measures to promote sales through food retailers, in business to business advertising and in PR campaigns as well as participation and sponsoring of the Fruit Logistica in Berlin', explains Dr. Paul Zandanel of the Export Organisation South Tyrol from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. (Hall 4.2, stand A-09. Contact: Dr. Paul Zandanel, Tel. +39-0471-945750, e-mail: zandanel@eos.handelskammer.bz.it)
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Chiquita To Go
Chiquita is presenting the diversity of its core business at Fruit Logistica. This ranges from the classic premium bananas to Chiquita Minis and the newest addition 'Chiquita To Go'. These individually packed bananas meet consumer demand for healthy, natural and practical snacks in the out-of-home sector and are specifically designed to encourage impulse buying. 'Chiquita To Go' will initially be introduced in the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain and Switzerland. (Hall 25, stand C-09. Contact: Johanna Wiese, Tel. +49-(0)-40-37479833, e-mail: johanna.wiese@edelman.com)
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'5-a-Day' at work
In addition to the school fruit pilot programme, the '5-a-Day' campaign also provides information on the '5-a-Day at work' promotion. 'Preliminary pilot projects and the growing demand for information material on healthy nutrition at work indicate that many companies and workers are looking for ideas on how to implement a balanced diet in the workplace', says '5-a-Day' management board spokesman Helmuth M. Huss, speaking at Fruit Logistica. Partners are still being sought for pilot projects as part of the new campaign. 'The promotion will culminate in a large-scale campaign week planned for the end of 2009 and will focus on a workplace diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables', Mr. Huss says. (Hall 20, stand C-11. Contact: Thomas Erdmann, Tel. +49-(0)-621-33840114, e-mail: info@5amtag.de)
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Kiwifruit defy financial crisis
The marketing company Zespri International Ltd. is once again reporting record harvests for green, gold and organic kiwi fruit in 2008, says Jean-Louis Warnimont, Marketing Services Manager Europe, speaking at the Fruit Logistica. 'Over 50 million crates were produced in New Zealand alone', he adds. The market leader represents around 2,700 New Zealand kiwi fruit growers, but also produces the fruit in Southern Europe and Chile. The company is confident that demand for kiwi fruit will grow despite the current global economic crisis. 'Kiwi has moved from being an exotic fruit to one that is eaten every day'. (Hall 7.2c, stand B-02. Contact: Jean-Louis Warnimont, Tel. +32-(0)-3-2010812, e-mail: jean-louis.warnimont@zespri-europe.com)
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Carmel Agrexco: Economic crisis and weather complicate fresh produce business
Five days of frost in January 2008 ruined some of Israel’s fruit and vegetable harvest. 'The cold weather affected all varieties and resulted in smaller harvests', says Taly Sive-Lahav, Marketing & Sales Promotion Manager at Carmel Agrexco. The company markets Israeli produce throughout the world. Sales in Europe and Great Britain – Carmel’s key markets – are also declining as a result of the economic crisis, Ms Sive-Lahav says. Harvests are now stabilising in the current season that began in October 2008. 'We are again satisfied with most areas', the manager says. (Hall 3.2, stand A-14. Contact: Taly Sive-Lahav, Tel. +972-(0)-3-5630947, e-mail: talyl@agrexco.com)
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Brazil: European debut for new papaya packaging
Papayas in new packaging are celebrating a European debut at Brazil’s Fruit Logistica exhibition stand. The packs of four in a plastic tray and the double packs in a special polythene bag developed in Israel were previously only available on the U.S. market. The packages protect the fruit from improper handling, increase shelf life, and allow for the addition of recipes and information about ripeness, says Rodrigo Lima from UGBP. The joint stand organised by the Brazilian Fruit Institute (IBRAF) has once again increased in size this year. The country is represented with 60 exhibitors, eight more than in 2008. Other new products include dried fruit along with Kabocha pumpkins, cush-cush yams and other vegetables typical of Brazil. In 2008 the country exported 888,000 tonnes of fresh fruit with a total value of USD 724 million. 76% of this was destined for Europe. 'Nowhere do we have a greater presence than at Fruit Logistica', IBRAF spokesperson Luciana Pacheco says. (Hall 25, stand C-10. Contact: Luciana Pacheco, Tel. +55 11 76 45 81 72, e-mail: luciana@ibraf.org.br)
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CSO reports a successful 'Mr Fruitness' campaign
CSO, the Italian fruit and vegetable service centre, reported on the success of its 'Mr Fruitness' campaign at Fruit Logistica on Thursday. The project is aimed at preventing obesity in children. Since 2006, the green superhero has been encouraging children in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Poland and Sweden to eat more fruit. He draws his strength for the battle against snacks, sweets and sugary drinks from eating peaches, nectarines, pears and kiwi fruit. 7,500 sales campaigns have been held in supermarkets and retail outlets to date. Two million CDs with video games have been distributed and the interactive website (www.fruitness.eu) has recorded a million hits from 60 different countries. CSO President Paolo Bruni hopes for more funds to continue the campaign, which is supported by the EU and the Italian government, for another three years. The CSO represents 50 producers, commercial enterprises and associations in the Italian agricultural industry. EUR 1.3 billion or 11% of the industry’s turnover is generated by fruit and vegetables. (Hall 2.2, stand A-03. Contact: Elena Vincenzi, Tel. +39 059 786 38 94)
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Russian company builds on trust
FRUIT BROTHERS, one of Russia’s leading fresh produce import companies is taking advantage of the opportunities at Fruit Logistica to consolidate and increase trading partner confidence. FRUIT BROTHERS supplies fruit and vegetables throughout Russia. The company is looking to work with new traders and hopes to establish personal contacts at Fruit Logistica. 'Not everything can be done over the telephone. Fruit Logistica gives us a chance to meet people face-to-face. That's what makes the trade fair so valuable for us', says FRUIT BROTHERS Import Manager Katerina Syurtukova,. (Hall 23, stand F-11. Contact: Katerina Syurtukova, Tel. +7 (812) 71 86 300, e-mail: syurtukova@fruit.spb.ru)
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GlobalGAP: Small farmers to be more directly involved in certification
GlobalGAP, the private-sector certification initiative for good agricultural practice, is presenting two of its current projects at Fruit Logistica. In order to pay closer attention to production conditions on small farms in the certification process, GlobalGAP has joined with GTZ, an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development, and DFID, the British government’s developmental aid ministry, to launch the Africa Observer Project. With its help, training manuals are being developed to make it easier for small farming organisations to introduce GlobalGAP standards. GlobalGAP will also cooperate in the future with the Global Food Safety Initiative – GFSI – which is coordinated in Paris. Some 94,000 farms in more than 100 countries have already been certified in accordance with GlobalGAP guidelines. (Hall 5.2, stand C-14. Contact: Alexandra Bach, Tel. +49 (0)173-2957108)
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Cyprus: Germany is now the principal customer for agricultural products
'Germany has overtaken Great Britain in the past two years as the principal importer of agricultural products from Cyprus', said Loucas E. Symeonides, head of the Cypriot Embassy’s trade section. According to the most recent figures, sales volume grew from EUR 5.9 million in 2006 to EUR 7.4 million in 2007 with citrus fruit and potatoes topping the list of imports. Fruit Logistica is the most important trade fair for Cypriot exporters, explained the embassy counsellor, which is why the country’s presence has grown continuously over recent years. This year, 13 companies are represented. (Hall 23, stand D-04. Contact: Loucas E. Symeonides, Tel. +49 (0) 30 284 45 96, e-mail: info@zypern.com)
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Brussels region represented once again with a joint stand
Brussels Export, the marketing organisation for Belgium’s capital region, has once again organised a joint stand at Fruit Logistica. The six firms represented here are all located in the Brussels-based European Centre of Fruit and Vegetables, where 600,000 tonnes of farm products are traded each year in an area covering more than 13 hectares. (Hall 6.2, stand C-07. Contact: Eric van den Berghe, Tel. +32 499 86 72 62, e-mail: evandenberghe@mrbc.irisnet.be)
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Mexico focuses on the EU market
'Fruit Logistica has helped us increase our exports to the EU', said Blanca Villarello of Mexbest, a Mexican trade promotion organisation. 'We primarily use the opportunities at this trade fair to keep our importers and traders up-to-date on our product innovations and on current trade regulations'. From January to September 2008 Mexico supplied EUR 43 million worth of vegetables and EUR 48 million worth of fruit to the EU. The most important crops were limes (9,400 tonnes), onions (8,200 tonnes), avocados (6,000 tonnes), mangos (5,100 tonnes), grapes (3,800 tonnes) and garlic (2,200 tonnes). Villarello sees strong potential for Mexican blackberries, grapefruit and chilli peppers. (Hall 25, stand C-06. Contact: Blanca G. Villarello, Tel. +52-(0)1553871-7407, e-mail: blanca.villarello@aserca.gob.mx)
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Turkey: 2.1 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables exported
In the past year, Turkey has exported 2.1 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables with a total value of USD 1.52 billion. Tomatoes are the top export, followed by lemons, grapes, tangerines and cherries. The most important export countries are Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia. For the sixth time, the Mersin-based Mediterranean association of exporters organised the Turkish joint stand at Fruit Logistica where the theme this year is 'Fresh Turkish Delights in Berlin'. Twelve companies are exhibiting their agricultural and packaging products and will be signing numerous new contracts, according to Mümin Tasyürek of the Antalya Exporter Union. (Hall 21, stands B-01, B-02, C-01 and C-02. Contact: Mümin Tasyürek, Tel. +90 (242) 244 01 20, e-mail: tasyurekm@alb.org.tr)
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COLEACP brings European importers together with ACP exporters
COLEACP is a mainstay at Fruit Logistica. The goal of the association, which is based in France, is to simplify access to European markets for fruit and vegetable exporters from countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Interested exporters can set up contacts with importers in the EU on the COLEACP website. The association also offers its 280 members market analyses, tips on crop protection and information about sanitary and phytosanitary standards. 'Fruit Logistica is an important platform for us to attract new members to our association. We also meet with our partners from around the world here', COLEACP Delegate General Catherine Guichard said. In 2007, the EU ordered 1.256 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables from ACP countries. (Hall 25, stand A-15. Contact: Catherine Guichard, Tel. +33-(0)-6-87708275)
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Bremen Wholesale Market: Personal discussions are highly valued
The Bremen Wholesale Market focuses on customer care at Fruit Logistica. Along with other central wholesale markets, Bremen is exhibiting at the joint GFI (German Wholesale Market Association) stand in Hall 21. 'We are making ourselves available to customers for personal discussions and information sharing. We also arrange contacts with retailers not involved in the European foreign trade if required', explains Claas Türke, company officer for the Bremen Wholesale Market. (Hall 21, stand D-18, Contact: Claas Türke, Tel. +49 (0) 421 5 36 82-27, e-mail: c.tuerke@grossmarkt-bremen.de)
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Senegal seeks new markets
Senegal is represented at Fruit Logistica for the first time and is looking for new markets. The presentation is organised by four African producers through ASEPEX, the government export promotion agency. Green beans, mangos, cherry tomatoes and melons are the key export products in the agricultural sector, according to Ndiassé Ngom, the department director responsible for agriculture. So far France has been the main importer. The goal is to establish new trade contacts at Fruit Logistica. (Hall 5.2, stand D-13, Contact: Ndiassé Ngom, Tel. +221 33 869 20 21, e-mail: ndngom@asepex.sn)
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Hungary: More fresh produce
Nearly 100 growers' associations were established in Hungary up to 2004. Since then, consolidation has reduced this number to around 50 associations that currently account for a 20% share of the Hungarian fruit and vegetable sector. The aim is to gain a 40% share of sales by the end of the decade. As a result of major changes in the market environment over the past several years, the previous ratio of 60% processed products to 40% fresh produce has shifted in favour of the fresh produce and is currently estimated at 45% to 55%. (Hall 21, stand E-03 and F-03, Contact: ágnes Vattamány, mobile: +36 703389567, Tel. +36 13811022, e-mail: agnes.vattamany@fruitveb.hu)
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Madagascar: Lychees for the winter festival season
'With our harvest in the European winter months we can cover the entire winter festival season, from Thanksgiving and Christmas through the Chinese New Year to Valentine's Day. This sets us apart from other suppliers', says Yvan Razakandisa, Managing Director of Quality Mad and representative of GEL, the association of Madagascan lychee exporters. With a 70% market share, the island is Europe's foremost lychee supplier. Key importers are France and Germany. Only one-fourth of the roughly 100,000 tonnes of fruit produced annually is exported. 'Above all, we must persuade more producers to obtain certification in compliance with GlobalGAP standards. This is mainly a question of price'. So far, 13 of the 40 GEL companies have been certified. 'For us, exhibiting at Fruit Logistica is a must', said Madagascar's Ambassador Alphonse Ralison during his trade fair visit. 'This is where all our potential business partners are represented'. (Hall 5.2, stand D-03; Contact: Simon Rakotondrahora, Tel. +33-(0)-615056821, e-mail: gel.mada@moov.mg)
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Fruit from South Africa to the Mediterranean takes ten days instead of twenty
Sea Link transports fruit from South Africa to the Mediterranean Basin in nine to ten days. In the past, this journey took twenty days. 'We operate conventional ships and refrigerated container ships with cargo capacities ranging from 3,850 to 4,500 palettes. The freight is loaded in Maputo and Durban in South Africa', said Sea Link CEO Ayman El-Said speaking Fruit Logistica. The ships head for Spain and Italy, and from there the goods are shipped to North-Eastern and Eastern Europe. Sea Link also transports cargo to Russia. 'Ten days earlier at the port of destination means ten days of added shelf-life for retailers', explains El-Said. (Hall 5.2, stand D-09, Contact: Ayman El-Said, Tel. +27-(0)-83-3571418, e-mail: ayman@sealinklines.com)
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Fruit Logistica premiere for King Oyster Mushrooms from Korea
A mushroom the size of a human hand is being introduced this year at Fruit Logistica. Sold under the name 'Eringii', the mushroom is crunchy, rich in proteins and often used as a meat substitute in Korea. Thanks to its high vitamin content, the mushroom strengthens the immune system, says Kim Jong-Hae, President of Hansarang Co., Ltd. The company produces the popular mushroom in large quantities; up to 20 tonnes are be allocated for export each week. Jong-Hae would like to sell the mushroom throughout Europe to high-class restaurants, hotels and supermarket chains. (Hall 7.2c, stand B-07, Contact: Kim Jong-Hae, Tel. +82-(0)-51-7515193, e-mail: alp-kjh@hanmail.net)
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The Comoros looking to enter the lychee market
The Comoros are making their debut at Fruit Logistica this year. 'We'd like to establish contact with potential lychee importers. We are also taking a look at how other exporters work and what possibilities there are for packaging', says Aboubacar Abdoul-Wahab, Managing Director of Delta International. The European lychee market is new territory for the company director. Up to now, the company has concentrated on the export of cloves, cinnamon and bourbon vanilla. In this sector, the Comoros are the world's second largest producer after Madagascar. Yet the drastic decline in prices and new competitors from India, China and Brazil have caused a severe drop in export income. Abdoul-Wahab believes the prospects are good for lychees in the European market. (Hall 5.2, stand D-13, Contact: Aboubacar Abdoul-Wahab, Tel. +49/ (0)1522-7783539)
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Vitamin-rich tour for German State Secretary Heinen
Ursula Heinen was treated to a serving of healthy nutrition and exercise during the opening tour of Fruit Logistica 2009. 'Fruit Logistica includes everything that we want to achieve with our Initiative for Healthy Nutrition and Exercise', said Heinen, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. 'This is also in line with the school fruit programme we are introducing'. Secretary Heinen and Katrin Lompscher, Berlin’s Senator for Health, Environment and Consumer Protection, were accompanied on the tour of the exhibition by Messe Berlin Managing Director Dr. Christian Göke and Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager Gérald Lamusse. During their tour, the group met top representatives from international fruit and vegetable companies. The politicians sampled top-quality juices and fruit varieties and gathered information about many aspects of fruit and vegetable farming and sales. (Contact: Wolfgang Rogall, Tel. +49-(0)-30-303889706, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de)
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German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner opens Fruit Logistica 2009
'Many consumers in Germany know the price of fruit and vegetables, but unfortunately are not aware of the value', commented German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner at the Fruit Logistica 2009 opening ceremony at ICC Berlin. Fresh fruit and vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet that improves the quality of life. The minister is promoting the '5 am Tag' (5-a-Day) campaign to help narrow the gap between the current reality in Germany and the country's goal. A European Union school fruit programme is currently being implemented in the federal states of Germany. Moreover, Aigner is quite pleased that Chile, the Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country, also has a woman in charge of their agricultural policy: Agriculture Minister Marigén Hornkohl.
Minister Hornkohl’s impressive opening remarks left little doubt of her capabilities. Chile is now the world’s market leader in the export of table grapes and is also advancing in the production of avocados. The 150 Chilenean companies exhibiting at Fruit Logistica 2009 represent the entire range of the country's products. According to Minister Hornkohl, the primary goal over the next few years is to become one of the 10 largest exporters of fresh fruit, farm products and foods for the whole world. Some 6.5 million people already drink a glass of fruit juice from Chile each day, and 7 million people drink a glass of Chilean wine daily.
Gert Schambach, a member of the EDEKA AG board of management, also sees significant potential for growth in the fresh produce segment. As Germany's market leader in grocery retailing, annual purchasing volume for the EDEKA fresh produce unit totals EUR 1.5 billion. Fruit Logistica is the company's most important dialogue platform. In keeping with the principle of working in partnership in order to tap market potential, Schambach is appealing to growers: 'Talk to us. Explore the possibilities for cooperation, regardless of whether it’s in the area of quality assurance, social responsibility or selection of produce'. In return, Mr Schambach promised excellent markets that properly showcase the produce with elaborate lighting concepts and taste testing. This helps boost sales volume, revenue and earnings while developing new potential.
'Everybody’s here', commented Katrin Lompscher, Senator for Health, Environment and Consumer Protection in Berlin, noting the even greater international presence at Fruit Logistica 2009. There are companies from 80 countries exhibiting this year. Berlin’s Senate also places special emphasis on consumer protection and healthy nutrition. The foundation for the future was laid for both at Fruit Logistica. The focus is on high-quality, safe products that strengthen consumer confidence.
Messe Berlin's Managing Director Dr. Christian Göke underscored the impressive Fruit Logistica track record with a vivid comparison: 'If International Green Week has been transformed from a tractor to an Audi A6 Quattro, Fruit Logistica has evolved from a Mini Cooper to become the Lamborghini of trade fairs'. The share of international exhibitors at this year's trade fair reached 89%. 'This makes Fruit Logistica the most international trade show this year in Germany, maybe even in the world,' Dr. Göke said. He is even more proud of the quality of the fair than he is of its international aspect and size. No other event in the fresh produce sector brings together worldwide representatives so effectively. In closing his speech, Göke wished the assembled decision-makers many 'fruitful' meetings at the trade fair.
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Univeg: Customer contact is the main objective at Fruit Logistica
The Univeg Group is exhibiting for the first time at Fruit Logistica 2009 in an area covering 500m². As a fresh produce trading company with more than 1,000 employees, Univeg customers include marketers as well as German and European grocery retailers. Its services include ripening fruit varieties, as well as packing, storing and commissioning goods. 'While participating in Fruit Logistica, the Univeg Group is concentrating on direct, close customer contact', said Chairman Hein Deprez. (Hall 5.2, stands A-02 and A-03. Contact: Nancy Goovaerts, Tel. +32-(0)-15324296, e-mail: nancy.goovaerts@univeg.com)
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Dole introduces special environmental campaign
Dole has developed a special environmental campaign for Fruit Logistica. Interested customers and employees of the company can do something specific for the environment. Participants will receive a certificate for the greenhouse gas emissions created on their journey to the trade fair. Dole will compensate their equivalent value by financially supporting the planting of trees in Costa Rica. (Hall 6.2, stand A-02. Contact: Sylvain Cuperlier, Tel. +33-(0)-1-44173060, e-mail: dolecsr@eu.dole.com)
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Market launch for smoothies from Chiquita
Chiquita is presenting its natural vitamin C and natural antioxidant super fruit smoothies at Fruit Logistica 2009. The company will introduce the smoothies to the German market in April. The processed “super fruit” contained in the smoothies contain either an extraordinarily high level of vitamin C or antioxidants. A new flavour will also be added to the classic range of Chiquita smoothies starting in February: the Chiquita blackberry-raspberry-yangmei smoothie features a berry-flavoured, sweet-and-sour and exotic taste. The company guarantees the quality of all its smoothie flavours: 100% pure fruit – and nothing else. (Hall 25, stand C-09. Contact: Johanna Wiese, Tel. +49-(0)-40-37479833, e-mail: johanna.wiese@edelman.com)
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AFFELDT: innovative packing machine saves work steps
AFFELDT is presenting an innovative bag forming, filling and sealing machine at Fruit Logistica. The machine provides fully automated processing of preassembled mesh-film web combinations with an opening for carrying. This eliminates the need for various processing steps in packing operations and allows machine capacities to be utilised more efficiently. All sensitive drive elements are encapsulated for dust-free operation. 'We’re using Fruit Logistica as a platform for in-depth communication with our customers. We’re never as close to them as we are at this trade fair', said Bert Lindenberg, sales manager of AFFELDT Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH. (Hall 1.1, stand D-04. Contact: Bert Lindenberg, Tel. +49-(0)-4121-296326, e-mail: b.lindenberg@affeldt.com)
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Costa Rica: a new variety of papaya for the demanding German market
European premiere at Fruit Logistica: Costa Rica introduces Pococí papaya variety to the European market. 'Thanks to its unique flavour and sweetness, the fruit has already conquered the Canadian market', says Alfonso Murillo of the Costa Rican export promotion organisation Procomer. 'We are now focusing primarily on demanding German consumers'. Last year, the fruits presented at the trade fair – papayas, bananas and pineapples, along with roots and tubers such as chayote, manioc, malanga and tiquisque – accounted for nearly two-thirds of Costa Rican agricultural exports with a value of EUR 1.023 billion. Bananas alone accounted for nearly EUR 518 million. Murillo is convinced that the EU will soon surpass the USA as Costa Rica's most important trading partner. When it comes to agriculture, the Central American country is committed to compliance with high environmental and social standards as well as certification under ISO 9000 and 14000, EurepGap and the guidelines of the Rainforest Alliance. (Hall 25, stand B-03, Contact: Alfonso Murillo, Tel. +49-(0)1577-8124830, e-mail: amurillo@procomer.com)
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ULMA, a specialist in high-performance packaging
ULMA, a specialist in high-performance packaging solutions, will be presenting no fewer than five packaging concepts for fruit and vegetables at Fruit Logistica. These include horizontal and vertical bag forming machines as well as deep-drawn, stretch film and shrink film wrapping equipment. Founded 40 years ago in Spain, the company specialises in the manufacture of equipment and services for the packaging industry. ULMA has 80 branches in more than 30 countries worldwide. (Hall 1.1, stand C-12, Contact: Jesus Maria Del Rio, Tel. +49-(0)-7303 / 90 19 96-63, e-mail: jmdelrio@ulmapackaging.de)
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Ceroz seeks new markets
'We are at Fruit Logistica to meet suppliers and customers, learn about the latest industry trends and develop new markets', says Zuzana Sindelarova of the Czech Ceroz Group. Marking its fourth time at the Berlin trade event, the company has once again expanded its exhibition space and is highlighting its expertise as a competent partner for the fresh fruit and vegetable trade in Central and Eastern Europe. (Hall 5.2, stand D-17, Contact: Zuzana Sindelarova, Tel. +420 725 719 944, e-mail: Zuzana.Sindelarova@ceroz.com)
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SIPPO helps small businesses gain access to European markets
The trade fair presence at Fruit Logistica looks promising for SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme). The organisation has established trade promotion programmes aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transitional countries gain access to Swiss and other European markets. The idea is to strengthen the competitiveness of production in these countries. At Fruit Logistica, SIPPO is supporting Jordan, Macedonia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kosovo, Ukraine and Vietnam. (Hall 7.2B, stand A-05, Contact: Constantin Kostyal, Tel. +41 44 365 52 68, e-mail: ckostyal@osec.ch)
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Greek companies observe a change in the market
'The market has changed significantly', says George Frangistas, President of the Association of Greek Export and Consignment Enterprises for Fruits, Vegetables and Juices. Greece is represented at the trade fair this year by 20 companies with a joint stand organised by the Foreign Trade Board. 'In Germany, retailers demand higher prices for better quality', says the association president. It is difficult for producers to adjust to the new, short-term trends. 'You can't change the plants and packaging systems overnight. Fruit Logistica is a global event. If you don't participate here, you are an outsider', says Frangistas, who is also the managing director of the Gefra company. 'This is the only trade fair on our calendar'. (Hall 3.2, stand B-19/C-19, Contact: George Frangistas, Tel. +30 693 220 12 72, e-mail: gf@gefra.gr)
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Calabria is counting on full order books
'We are confident our exhibitors will begin their homeward journey with full order books', said Mario Pirillo, Minister of Agriculture for the Italian region of Calabria, on Wednesday in Berlin. Expectations are high at Fruit Logistica, which is a very important event for the Calabrian agricultural economy. With an annual production of 1.66 million tonnes, the main emphasis is on citrus fruits. Added to this are fennel, potatoes, kiwis, peaches and nectarines. Famous for its sweet taste, the red onion from Tropea, last year was deemed worthy of protected geographical product status. (Hall 7.2., stand A-01, Contact: Dagmar Schumann, Tel. 49 (0) 171 447 36 93, e-mail: dagmar.schumann@wirkomm.de)
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Total Produce on track for further growth
'Following our purchase of Redbridge in Britain and the more recent acquisition of the Dutch company Haluca, we've grown by 50%,' says Vincent Dolan, the European marketing manager of Ireland's Total Produce Group. Last year's presence at Fruit Logistica was the company's first solo appearance following its spin-off from the Fyffes Group. Total Produce is on track for further expansion. Its proprietary brand, Total Produce TOP has also become firmly established on the market. Dolan says that major corporations can react to price pressures triggered by the current financial crisis by increasing efficiency and capitalising on synergy effects. With representatives from 13 countries, Total Produce is in Berlin to maintain contacts with customers and suppliers. (Hall 5.2, stand A-11. Contact: Vincent Dolan, Tel. +353 86 820 49 36)
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Manioc from Columbia: New product at the trade fair
'We're presenting manioc at this year's Fruit Logistica for the first time', says Andrea Castellanos, a business consultant from the Columbian foreign trade office. 'But, I don't yet know whether we'll be successful with it.' Many German consumers still have a lot of catching up to do in terms of traditionally 'exotic' fruits. Many of them have never heard of baby bananas or pitahaya (dragon fruit), passion fruit, feijoa (pineapple guava), lulo (naranjilla) or tamarillo (tree tomato). This may be due in part to the high prices domestic supermarkets charge for these fruits. That's why Castellanos is pleased that Columbian companies have finally managed to develop a packaging system that allows their export hit, the cape gooseberry, to be transported by sea. It takes 14 days to ship the decorative fruit to Europe, where they are particularly popular in German and Holland. (Hall 25, stand B-05, Contact: Andrea Escobar, Tel. +49-(0)69-13023832, e-mail: ancastellanos@proexport.com.co)
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Hungary strives to become EU logistics centre
'Placing 3 to 3.5 million tonnes of fresh produce on domestic and regional markets in Eastern and Central Europe, which is the level they were at before the fall of communism, seems to be a realistic objective' Bela Mártonffy, Managing Director of the Hungarian inter-professional organisation FruitVeB, explained at the Fruit Logistica. Hungary exports nearly 50% of the fruit and vegetables it produces. 'We believe that this export share will remain unchanged, and hope that Hungary can capitalise on its geopolitical advantages and become a new fruit and vegetable logistics centre for the European Union', Mártonffy added. (Hall 21, stand E-03 and F-03. Contact: ágnes Vattamány, mobile phone: +36 703389567, Tel. +36 13811022, e-mail: agnes.vattamany@fruitveb.hu)
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Peru promotes grapes and citrus fruit
Talking about his country's participation at this year's Fruit Logistica, William Arteaga of the Peruvian Export Promotion Commission Promperú said, 'We are already well-positioned on the market with mangos and asparagus. Now we want to demonstrate how strong we are in grape, citrus and avocado production'. The world's leading exporter of asparagus has just concluded a free trade agreement with China and is now hoping for a similar agreement with the European Union. The first exports to Japan are planned for next year. The South American nation's major advantage is its virtually year-round growing season. This is complemented by favourable climatic conditions – a tropical climate with low rainfall – which is of particular benefit to organic banana farming. 'There is still a huge amount of potential in this segment. We are currently unable to satisfy global demand', Arteaga says. (Hall 25, stand A-06. Contact: William Arteaga, Tel. +49-(0)163-1426577, e-mail: warteaga@promperu.gob.pe)
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South Africa's optimism restrained
South Africa's Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum reported at Fruit Logistica that there has been a significant increase in demand for fruit from the southern hemisphere in the markets of Russia and the Middle and Far East. At the same time, production, packaging and logistics costs have also risen dramatically and events on the financial markets have dampened optimism in the industry, says chairman Alastair Moodie. The Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum has set up a series of financial assistance programmes to support small and medium-sized growers, integrate ethical trade practices and minimise quality losses in the supply chain, says CEO Stuart Symington. (Hall 5.2, stand C-02. Contact: Stuart Symington, Tel. +27-(0)-21-9143018; Israel Nemaorani, mobile: +27 (0)828190445, e-mail: easyfarm@telkomsa.net)
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Uzbekistan debuts at Fruit Logistica
Uzbekistan is represented at Fruit Logistica for the first time this year. The SERGORUS company serves as a broker for fruit and vegetables in fresh, dried or concentrated form from the Central Asian country for partners. The produce is then transported to Europe using the company's own lorry fleet. SERGORUS is currently the only transport operator in Uzbekistan providing this service. 'Fruit Logistica is a perfect place to introduce our company to European audiences', says SERGORUS Operations Manager Andrius Petraitis. (Hall 7.2C, stand A-07. Contact: Andrius Petraitis, Tel. +370 46 38 01 24, e-mail: auksas@sergorus.lt )
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Enzafruit Jazz apple in great demand
Sales are up 61% on the previous year. The winter harvest was sold out two months earlier than planned. No sign of an economic crisis. here 'Our 'Jazz' apple is priced at the high end of the market', says Tony Fissette, Managing Director of Enzafruit New Zealand, speaking at Fruit Logistica 2009. The company holds the exclusive rights to the apple that is cultivated from October to February in France and from May until late September in New Zealand, its country of origin. Even in difficult times, consumers are not willing to forego good quality. (Hall 7.2C, stand B-06. Contact: Tony Fissette, mobile phone: +32-(0)-11-689422, e-mail: tony.fissette@enzafruit.be)
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NEWTEC: Danish company presents high-speed weighing machine cherries
NEWTEC, accompany based in Denmark, is presenting two newly-developed weighing machines at Fruit Logistica. The first is a cherry weighing machine (model 3009MD/NBM61F) that tares the weight of different packaging materials in fractions of a second and protects the extremely delicate fruit from bruising. The second is a machine that weighs mixed content such as carrots, onions, leeks and celery (model 2009PCB-2B). 'As machine manufacturers, Fruit Logistica is an ideal platform for presenting our latest developments', says Newtec Marketing Director Thomas Heinicke. (Hall 3.1, stand A-04. Contact: Thomas Blicher Heinicke, Tel. +45 66 15 84 44, e-mail: th@newtec.dk)
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Crisp sprouts and cool cress from the Netherlands
The crisp 'Greenpeez' taste like peas, 'China Rose' like radishes – Theo van der Plas from the company of the same name is introducing a host of exotic seedlings and sprouts at Fruit Logistica 2009. 'Most of them are young plants from the seeds we grow hydroponically', van der Plas explains. Haute cuisine chefs are looking forward to the latest creations from Koppert Cress. These include a salmon-pink flower with petals that have the acidic taste of green apples. The cup-shaped 'Venus Vase' is a novel way to serve aperitifs. 'Everything is packed in the new 'Top Seal' series packaging, designed especially for transport to the Far East', says marketing specialist Anneke Cuppen says. (Hall 3.2, stand B-14. Contact: Theo van der Plas, Tel. +31-(0)-226-332999, info@vanderplassprouts.nl; Contact: Anneke Cuppen, Tel. +31-(0)-610468241, anneke@koppertcress.com)
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GASA GROUP debuts at Fruit Logistica
Exhibiting at Fruit Logistica for the first time this year, the Denmark-based GASA GROUP regards selling flowers as a matter of emotion, not price. As an international trading firm that specialises in customised plant solutions, the GASA GROUP covers the whole supply chain from seed to shelf. For instance, the business offers chain stores colour-coordinated flower arrangements to accentuate product presentations. The GASA GROUP generates annual turnover of EUR 3.3 billion in agriculture, forestry and horticulture. (Hall 1.2, stand A-11. Contact: Claes Bastrup, Tel. +45-87-45-21-37, e-mail: clb@gasagroup.com)
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Fruit & Games at Fructinale 2009
German wholesale markets and the GFI are providing an exceptional platform for 'healthy' networking on the evening of 5 February dubbed the 'Fructinale 2009'. 'The Berlinale is an event for the film industry. We are sending a fresher signal and celebrating life's true stars: fruit and vegetables. We have created Fructinale 2009 as a major event for all companies in the fresh produce sector. Everybody who is anybody meets at the Fructinale. The blend of comedy, fresh catering, networking and the distinctive location makes our event truly unique', explains GFI board member Andreas Foidl. Cabaret artist Gabi Decker will provide live entertainment with her 'Fruit & Games' show. (Hall 21, stand D-18. Contact: Andreas Foidl, Tel. +49-(0)-30-3989610, e-mail: andreas.foidl@grossmaerkte.org)
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SYNGENTA teaches correct use of pesticides
The Swiss agribusiness company SYNGENTA has developed a programme for South Africa to teach locals how to use pesticides correctly. The company is presenting parts of the programme at Fruit Logistica. SYNGENTA is committed to sustainable farming through innovative research and technologies. The company leads the market in pest control and ranks third on the global market for high-quality commercial seeds. Turnover in 2007 totalled around USD 9.2 billion. (Hall 8.2, stand A-08. Contact: Martin Kodde, Tel. +41 61 323 11 11, e-mail: kodde@syngenta.com)
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COOL-FIT: More cooling, less cost
Georg Fischer GmbH presents a complete, pre-insulated plastic piping system for cooling and refrigeration piping systems at this year's Fruit Logistica. COOL-FIT is easy to install and has numerous applications in the food industry. The water and vapour proof piping system is corrosion-resistant and can be used with glycol or saline solutions from -50°C to +40°C at an operating pressure of up to 10 bar. The UV-resistant piping system is also suitable for outdoor applications. (Hall 21, stand C-03. Contact: Hartmann Schiefer, Tel. +49-(0)171-2226217, e-mail: hartmann.schiefer@georgfischer.com)
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New packing technology extends shelf life of fresh-cut products to 14 days
Hefestus Ltd. of Israel is presenting a new packaging system at Fruit Logistica 2009. The company's patented, no-vacuum process extends the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables to 14 days. Even highly sensitive products appear to suffer no negative effects in terms of structure or appearance when packaged using the system, which creates a protective atmosphere containing just one percent oxygen. The innovation will enable producers to supply new, more distant markets with fresh products. Hefestus also supplies the right packaging machinery for the new technology. The new Hera can process up to 1200 units an hour, which the company says makes it one of the fastest packaging machines in the world. (Hall 4.2, stand A-03. Contact: Ron Golan, Tel. +972-4-6271835, e-mail: Hefestus1@Hefestus-slb.com)
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Graz Giants live at Fruit Logistica
The Turek Graz Giants, Austria's #1 and Europe's #2 American football team will appear at Fruit Logistica at 12:30 on the second day of the fair (5 Feb.). The Giants will be promoting their favourite apples as part of the Styria champagne reception at the OPST stand A-17 in Hall 20. With energy and power the team members will show how Styrian apples have contributed to their personal and professional success. 'Nutritious Styrian apples help us stay in shape to strike fear into the hearts of the other American football teams in Europe', says Angelo Barsuglia, the Managing of the Turek Giants Graz. (Hall 20, stand A-17. Contact: Franz Schaden, Tel. +43-(0)-3112-36414, e-mail: office@opst.at)
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Software reduces non-compliance
The alert™ program from Delta Technology & Software LLC based in England enables companies to automate standard testing in production for suppliers and consumers. The software helps reduce the risk of non-compliance by making the supply and value-added chains visible and controllable. Delta Technology was founded to help consumer goods manufacturers manage product compliance more effectively and prevent product recalls. (Hall 23, stand F-04. Contact: Kim Batcheler, mobile phone: +44 7776 250768, e-mail: kbatcheler@deltatechsoft.com)
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Germans still not eating enough fruit and vegetables
Despite the widely-publicised '5-a-Day' advertising campaign and the Brigitte magazine diet, Germans are still not eating enough fruit and vegetables. In fact, consumption figures are decreasing slightly. The World Health Organisation and the German Nutrition Society (DGE) both recommend eating at least 650 grams of fruit and vegetables every day. The average German citizen consumes far less than the recommended amount and fares particularly badly when compared with his fellow Europeans. In Spain and Italy, consumption of fruit and vegetables is about twice as high as it is in Germany. Nevertheless, Jürgen Boruszewski, the President of the German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV), is confident that consumption of fresh produce will increase significantly in Germany. 'Consumer awareness is bound to change,' he says. 'After all, the debate about climate change, water and sustainability leads directly to the issue of fruit and vegetables.' Boruszewski believes that the European Union should kick-start the upswing in fruit and vegetable consumption by providing financial support to school fresh-produce programmes. (Contact: Wolfgang Rogall. Tel. +49 (0)30 3038 2218, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de)
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Boruszewski predicts positive growth in fresh produce sector
Consumption of fresh produce is likely to increase despite the current financial crisis. Speaking at the Fruit Logistica 2009 opening press conference, German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) President Jürgen Boruszewski said, 'The trend towards healthy eating will continue. Consumers are more and more concerned about the quality of the products they buy. As a result, sustainable agriculture and environment-friendly production of fruit and vegetables are becoming increasingly important issues'. Boruszewski also believes that small packages will satisfy the demand for more information about the country of origin, the degree of ripeness, and the best-before date. (Contact: Wolfgang Rogall. Tel. +49 (0)30 3038 89706, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de)
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Global fruit and vegetable production continues to rise
According to the latest figures on global output released by the German Central Market and Price Reporting Office (ZMP), 800 million tonnes of vegetables (excluding melons) and 630 million tonnes of fruit were produced in 2007. Six percent of this was traded internationally. Russia in particular has expanded greatly in this area. Between 2005 and 2007, imports of fresh produce to Russia rose by a quarter to just under 7 million tonnes. The EU, United States and Japan remain the world's leading importers of fresh fruit and vegetables. Domestic output of fruit by the EU reached almost 36 million tonnes in 2008, 4 percent up on the previous year. This is primarily due to production increases in Eastern Europe. The EU's vegetable harvest remained essentially unchanged at 64 million tonnes. Spain is the leading exporter of fresh vegetables in the EU with a total of 3.8 million tonnes exported in the 2007-2008 season. The Netherlands also boosted its exports by nearly 10 percent. At 1.3 million tonnes, Germany's fruit harvest was slightly smaller than the previous year, while vegetable production increased to 3.5 million tonnes. According to ZMP estimates, the 2,400 fresh produce traders in Germany generated turnover of around EUR 19 billion in 2007.
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Germany's most international trade fair
Speaking at the opening press conference on Tuesday, Messe Berlin Managing Director Dr. Christian Göke said that Fruit Logistica is not only the biggest, most important event for the fresh produce trade, with 89% of this year's exhibitors coming from outside the country, it is also the most international trade fair in Germany – and probably the world. With 2,288 exhibitors from 80 different countries, the fresh produce industry's leading event is one of the largest trade fairs in Berlin, second only to the International Tourism Exchange (ITB). Fruit Logistica 2009 is expected to attract an estimated 50,000 trade visitors from 125 countries. (Contact: Wolfgang Rogall. Tel. +49 (0)30 3038 2218, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de).
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Germany leads the way in fruit and vegetable product safety
Speaking at the Fruit Logistica opening press conference, German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) President Jürgen Boruszewski said that Germany's fruit and vegetables are the world's safest. This is a direct result of the EU Plant Protection Products Directive, which was amended at the end of last year. In addition to harmonising the legal framework across Europe, the directive reduces the number of pesticides available on the European market. Boruszewski said that German traders went much further than required, introducing their own restrictions on pesticide residues. The current levels are up to two-thirds lower than the maximum permitted under EU legislation. To monitor compliance, more than 100,000 fruit and vegetable samples were tested for residues last year.
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Per capita annual consumption of fruit and vegetables in Germany: 208 kilos
The average German household consumed a total of 83.6 kilograms of fresh fruit and 63.5 kilograms of fresh vegetables last year. Theses findings, compiled by the GfK, a German consumer research organisation, were presented by Messe Berlin at Fruit Logistica 2009. The survey shows that the apple is clearly Germany's favourite fruit (19.8kg), followed by bananas (16.4kg), oranges (9.3kg), grapes (5.5kg) and tangerines (5kg). Tomatoes ranked at the top of the vegetable list (10.5 kg), followed by carrots (7.8kg), cucumbers (7kg), onions (6.6kg) and peppers (4.9kg). Factoring in processed products, per capita consumption of fruit and vegetables in Germany in the 2006-2007 season averaged 208 kilos.
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Anecoop sales top EUR 420 million
'With the recent campaign, we achieved sales of more than EUR 420 million and marketed 620,000 tonnes of produce', Anecoop Sales Manager Francisco Borrás Escribá reported at Fruit Logistica 2009. Some 95 cooperative farms throughout Spain are members of the company. Anecoop is the national market leader in sales of fruit and vegetables and ranks among Europe’s top companies in this sector. Anecoop brands incöuding Bouquet and Black Cat are known around the world. According to Mr Escribá, 'Anacoop is the leading citrus supplier in Europe. Our products are supplied to more than 50 countries'. (Hall 11.2, stand B-07. Contact: Francisco Borrás Escribá, Tel. +34-9639 385 29, e-mail: pborras@anecoop.com).
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Cranberries from the U.S. continue to sweep Europe
The USA pavilion at Fruit Logistica hosts 25 exhibiting companies. Five of them are newcomers to the trade fair: California Prune Board; DELTATRAK, INC., Spring Acres Sales Company, Inc., Tom Lange Company, International Inc. and Wisconsin Cranberry Cooperative. Nuts, cranberries and cranberry products continue to sweep the European market. Today, one of every four cranberries grown in the US is exported – primarily to Europe. Anjou pears, dried fruit and other typical U.S. products are also gaining popularity. (Hall 23, stand B-03. Contact: Christel Wagner, Tel. +49-(0)-30-83051158, e-mail: christel.wagner@usda.gov).
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Dole spotlights CSR activities
Dole Food Company, the world’s largest producer and merchandiser of fresh fruit and vegetables, is concentrating this year on its CSR activities, which represent one of the company’s core values. Sylvain Cuperlier, Vice President, Director of Worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility, explains: 'During Fruit Logistica 2009 we’ll be presenting a selection of CSR programs, some of which were developed with the support of key customers in Europe. This is our way of reacting to the growing desire on the part of retailers to contribute to the communities where fruit and vegetables are produced'. The company will also present Planet Dole, an innovative Internet tool that makes the supply chain transparent for consumers. (Hall 6.2, stand A-02. Contact: Sylvain Cuperlier, Tel. +33-(0)-1-44173060, e-mail: dolecsr@eu.dole.com)
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Switzerland: Building export markets with organic vegetables
For years, Switzerland’s top fruit export has been the plump, rosy-cheeked Golden Delicious variety of apple. This fruit is exported to France under the name Golden Victor. 'Other Swiss varieties, including Rubinette, Mairac? and Diwa?, known by the brand name Junami?, are also popular on internation markets', said Swiss Fruit Association Marketing Director Bernadette Galliker speaking at Fruit Logistica 2009. Switzerland is striving fir a leadership role leader in organic farming. 'Efforts are also being aimed at quickly developing the export market with Swiss organic vegetables'. (Hall 20, stand A-15. Contact: Bernadette Galliker, Tel. +41-(0)-41-7286870, e-mail: bernadette.galliker@swissfruit.ch).
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CMA presents full range of services for fruit and vegetable industry
'Along with the variety of services, the focus is on the entire value chain – from cultivation to the store shelf', said Managing Director Markus Kraus describing the Fruit Logistica 2009 presence of CMA, the central agricultural marketing association in Germany. Key features include a presentation of the “5 am Tag” (5-a-Day) campaign and the QS food inspection system for quality assurance across multiple phases of food production. CMA is also presenting a complete portfolio of export services, which include establishing contacts between German exporters and international importers. (Hall 20, stand A-09. Contact: Michael Wanhoff, Tel. +49-(0)-228-847221, e-mail: presse@cma.de).
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BVEO hopes for prompt dialogue
The German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BVEO) hopes to launch a dialogue as soon as possible to come up with an alternative regulation following the repeal of 26 EU marketing standards with effect from 1 July 2009. BVEO Managing Director Karl Schmitz plans to organise a round table discussion of this topic at Fruit Logistica. 'The elimination of marketing standards for 26 types of fruit and vegetables cannot, and must not, be the final word. It would create the same kind of patchwork policy among final distributors that we are already seeing with the maximum residue limits'. The application of UN/ECE standards, possibly in a simplified and pared-down form, will be discussed as an alternative. (Hall 20, Stand C-08. Contact: Dr. Markus Nöthen, Tel. +49-(0)-30-303881185, e-mail: noethen@drv.raiffeisen.de).
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France: More vegetable exports to Germany
French vegetable exports to Germany have grown steadily to reach a value of around EUR 362 million and marking an 8.1% increase to 416,301 tonnes in 2007. Tomatoes, potatoes and lettuces are the major vegetable varieties exported from France to Germany. Summer fruit, apples, dried fruit and preserved fruit top the list of fruit exports. According to a Sopexa estimate, there are around 89% more French exhibitors at Fruit Logistica 2009 than there were two years ago. An additional five companies are present at FRESHCONEX. Along with local growers, convenience product manufacturers and numerous organic growers are strongly represented among the 188 exhibitors and marketing associations. (Hall 22, stand D-09. Contact: Isabella Lacourtiade, Tel. +49-(0)-211-4980827, e-mail: isabella.lacourtiade@sopexa.com).
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Belgian produce brought fast and fresh to the table
Fresh vegetables from Belgium reached an export value of EUR 650 million in 2007. Fresh fruit accounted for EUR 2 billion and foreign trade in potatoes and seed stock amounted to EUR 130 million.
'Belgium has a number of major advantages including fertile soil, a temperate climate and very stringent quality standards that ensure top-quality produce. Added to this is the fast and personalised services offered by the exporting companies. Thanks to the country's location at the heart of Europe, Belgian produce reaches consumers quickly and in an extremely fresh condition', says Paul Coenen, Manager of the German VLAM office, speaking at Fruit Logistica 2009. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Paul Coenen, Tel. +49-(0)-221-254857, e-mail: vlam.belg.agrar@t-online.de).
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Apple growers in South Tyrol produce record yields
Apple growers in South Tyrol surpassed yields of the previous two years and closed 2008 with a harvest of 959,376 tonnes of apples. This represents an increase of 68,053 tonnes compared to 2007. Season favourites include Fuji, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious. 'South Tyrolean apple growers are somewhat wary about the 2008/2009 marketing season. Unlike the 2007 season with its heavy frosts, Poland, Hungary and other major fruit-growing countries in the EU recorded good harvests again in 2008', said Dr. Paul Zandanel of the Export Organisation South Tyrol from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce at Fruit Logistica 2009. While he does not expect the 2007 price trend to continue, he says that the fruit industry in South Tyrol is expecting a satisfactory season for fruit growers. (Hall 4.2, Stand A-09. Contact: Dr. Paul Zandanel, Tel. +39-0471-945750, e-mail: zandanel@eos.handelskammer.bz.it).
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Cobana Fruchtring: Kiwifruit generate new perspectives
'Cobana Fruchtring has particularly valuable contacts with the renowned Zespri organisation', says Marketing Manager Stephan Schlick, speaking at Fruit Logistica 2009. 'Suppliers of the superb kiwi fruit, which are now marketed by many other countries as well as New Zealand, have enjoyed a good season with Cobana Fruchtring and have high hopes for the upcoming 2009 campaign.' This is why the theme of the latest issue of the company’s magazine 'B hoch 3' is 'Kiwi fruit – the ‘Columbus egg’ of the fruit trade'. The magazine includes details of the fruit’s success, growing tips, and the latest research objectives for kiwi fruit, a product group with strong prospects. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-05. Contact: Stephan Schlick, Tel. +49-(0)-40-30305270, e-mail: marketing@cobana-fruchtring.de).
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School fruit pilot programme in Germany
The '5 am Tag' (5-a-Day) campaign provides information at Fruit Logistica about '5-a-day at work' and the school fruit pilot programme during the first half of the current school year. The experience gained in this project will lay the foundation for the introduction of a nationwide school fruit programme. 'We want to bring fruit and vegetables straight to the consumer and demonstrate how easy it is to implement the 5-a-day rule in our daily lives. For the target group of children, we are making great strides towards a nationwide school fruit programme,' says Helmut M. Huss, 5-a-day chairman. (Hall 20, Stand C-11. Contact: Thomas Erdmann, Tel. +49-(0)-621-33840114, e-mail: info@5amtag.de).
GFI: Focus on bananas and citrus fruit
One of the main trade fair objectives for the GFI, an organisation devoted to promoting the interests of Germany's wholesale markets, is to enhance relations with Zespri, Sopexa, Melinda, South Tyrolean fruit growers and other marketing partners. The 17 leading fresh produce centres in Germany are presenting their services with a joint stand at Fruit Logistica 2009. In conjunction with its marketing partners, the GFI is planning a number of promotional activities for retailers in 2009. GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge is especially pleased by the new partnerships: 'We plan to intensify our discussions with banana and citrus fruit growers. These products have suffered under discounters and deserve better marketing. This is something we offer with our fresh produce network in the bulk food retail trade.“ (Hall 21, stand D-18, contact: Andreas Foidl, Tel. +49-(0)-30-3989610, e-mail: andreas.foidl@grossmaerkte.org).
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Accurate weather forecasts via Internet
At Fruit Logistica the Austrian company Pessl Instruments is introducing its new electronic weather service, iMeteo, developed 150 jointly with the Swiss company Meteoblue. The new system provides the agricultural sector with highly precise, hourly weather forecasts on a password-protected Internet platform. The new product will be presented to the media on Thursday at 11:00 at the company's stand. (Hall 21, stand C-10, contact: Gottfried Pessl, Tel. +43 664 400 15 65, e-mail: sales@metos.at)
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Styrian apples sold in more than 30 countries
The market share of Styrian apples is more than 75% in Austria. 'About half of the finest Austrian apples are shipped as a premium brand under the EVA and Mozart labels to over 30 countries including Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Great Britain, Scandinavia, Spain and Poland', says Roman Seligo, Managing Director of the EVA apple export association, at Fruit Logistica 2009. 'Our most popular varieties are Golden Delicious, Gala and Braeburn, all of which are distinguished by an unmistakeable quality'. The 1,000 producers from OPST – Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH (fruit partners of Styria) harvest about 140,000 tonnes of apples per year, including 3,000 tonnes of organic BIO apples. (Hall 20, stand A-17, contact: Franz Schaden, Tel. +43-(0)-3112-36414, e-mail: office@opst.at)
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Fruchthof Berlin: 215,000 tonnes stock turnover
Completely modernised in 2007, the Berlin Fruchthof (fresh produce market) is where 45 wholesalers offer fresh fruit and vegetables on roughly 21,500 m² of indoor floor space. 'In 2008, the stock turnover of fresh produce amounted to about 215,000 tonnes', says Dieter Krauß, Chairman of the Fruchthof Berlin Verwaltungsgenossenschaft eG, at Fruit Logistica 2009. He adds that the catchment area of the greater Berlin market includes roughly six million consumers located in the federal capital of Berlin, the state of Brandenburg, parts of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. (Hall 21, stand D-18, Contact: Dieter Krauß, Tel. +49-(0)-30-3955007, e-mail: info@fruchthof-berlin.de).
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ZMP presents online services
'Fruit and Vegetables Online' subscribers receive current daily prices and market assessments for numerous horticultural products. In structured layouts, prices are organised by producer, wholesaler and consumer level. The 'ZMP-MarktBlick Obst & Gemüse' is an online information service with an additional e-mail service, which gives customers access to a closed portal on the Internet. This service provides background information and explores overall trends in the fruit and vegetable markets. (Hall 20, stand C-04, Contact: Johannes Funke, Tel. +49-(0)-30-44679834, e-mail: info@zmp.de).
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Inter Weichert presents premium products
At this year's Fruit Logistica, Inter Weichert Hamburg, one of the leading providers of exotic produce and specialities in Germany, is introducing the new INTER PREMIUM products. 'The new label is intended to communicate to customers of selected supermarkets that this exotic produce is high-quality, ready-to-eat fruit', explains Marketing Manager Ralph Fischer. The first mangos and papayas will be delivered to retail shops in a few weeks. 'Fruit Logistica provides an optimum environment for introducing these products to the retail trade', says Fischer. (Hall 5.2, stand A-04, Contact: Ralph Fischer, Tel. +49-(0)-40-32900220, e-mail: r.fischer@interweichert.de).
