Since 2000 Americafruit has exclusively provided a specialised insight into the North American fresh fruit and vegetable import business through an invaluable bi-monthly publication. Now that expertise will be offered to the trade in person via Americafruit Congress, a brand new conference, expo and networking event.
Organised by Americafruit, the event launches this year in Miami, Florida, at the heart of one of North America’s major gateways for perishable imports. The conference will provide delegates with access to vital information regarding the market’s latest import, consumer and retail trends and requirements to allow the business to make more of the opportunities for growth in North America.
Americafruit Congress will be held on 13-15 November at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Miami, only two miles from the Port of Miami, which is consolidating its position as a major port for imported perishables.
Up to 250 key decision-makers are expected to attend the inaugural edition; bringing together North American importers, retailers, wholesalers and logistics operators to meet and do business with their global suppliers and service providers.
In-depth programme
North America remains one of the world’s largest consumer markets for fresh fruits and vegetables and a significant importer of a whole range of produce items from across the world, especially Central and South America. Key import lines include avocados, bananas, berries, citrus, exotics, kiwifruit, salads, table grapes, tomatoes, topfruit and tropicals, among other categories.
Despite its maturity, rising populations and the growing demand for a choice of year-round, healthy and fresh food mean there is still a wealth of potential to increase and facilitate fresh produce imports into the US and Canada. Market areas relatively untapped by the import trade such as the foodservice and convenience sectors represent areas with particular ability for growth, while a greater use and understanding of logistics, technology and food safety could also help to secure increased access to the market.
Through a mixture of conference sessions and discussions led by expert speakers and panelists the Americafruit Congress programme will attempt to unravel this highly complex market and to unveil the potential to expand the import business throughout the region by exploring the latest trends, opportunities and requirements.
On the final day of the conference a number of delegates will have the option of joining study tours to key facilities in the Miami area in order to gain a first-hand insight into the workings of the North American produce import business.
During the full-day conference a small exhibition will also be held to provide companies with a targeted opportunity to strengthen their relationships with existing clients and to connect with new customers.
Americafruit Congress aims to provide delegates a unique chance to learn about the North American produce import business, to promote their products and services and to connect with some of the industry’s most influential decision makers.
