Representatives of the Brazilian fresh produce trade have confirmed the country has sent its biggest ever contingent of companies to this year's Fruit Logistica trade exhibition in Berlin, with more than 60 fresh produce exporting companies right from the north to the very south of the South American country travelling to the German city.
“The idea for our participation in 2010 is to show the wide diversity of fruits on offer from Brazil,” explains the Brazilian Fruit Institute’s (Ibraf) marketing coordinator Luciana Pacheco. “This year, the Brazilian pavilion will feature 300m2 of stands, plus a tasting area and meeting rooms. Companies are still confirming participation, but at least we expect to surpass last year’s figure when 60 groups were present.”
Last year, Brazilian fresh fruit and vegetable exports fell by 10 per cent in volume terms as a result of the economic downturn. But despite the slight setback the future looks very positive, particularly as the country continues to expand its fresh produce export basket.
Brazil has participated at Fruit Logistica for eight years, each time expanding its delegation since the first 10 companies attended in 2003. In 2009 alone, Ibraf estimates Brazil generated some US$24.2m-worth of sales on the back of Fruit Logistica.
This year Ibraf hopes to build on past successes, coordinating a special press conference and presentation for Brazilian table grapes.
