Freskon returns to Thessaloniki’s International Exhibition & Conference Centre next month for its second edition. What’s in store for visitors this year?
Tonia Nikolaidou: The fair aims to facilitate the trade of fresh fruit and vegetables from this region to the global market, and vice versa. Freskon wishes to play the role of strategic connection between Greek fresh produce and international markets, including the big foreign retailers and transnational distribution networks. The first edition showed the great potential of Freskon, which this year sees a 40 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers and space.
What is the target audience of Freskon?
TN: The show brings together all the decision-makers in the sector. The main kinds of professional who will visit Freskon are fruit and vegetable wholesalers, importers, exporters and retailers. A number of supermarket chains from Greece and abroad will be present, along with agriculturalists, producers and packaging and logistics specialists.
What are the main reasons to visit the fair?
TN: During Freskon, both visitors and exhibitors have the chance to do business with the biggest fruit and vegetable traders in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Our country boasts some big advantages over other EU countries. Thanks to the climatic conditions, Greece is known for the quality of its produce, while it is also among the safest EU countries concerning pesticide residues.
What other attractions are there for international companies?
TN: The Freskon Hosted Buyers programme will welcome over 200 buyers from Europe, the Balkans, Russia, Ukraine, Asia and the UAE. Meanwhile, the first conference on Green Vegetables and Asparagus will be held in cooperation with Froutonea Magazine, with the aim of educating Greek producers about modern trends, the importance of packaging, innovative forms of cultivation and consumer requirements. Speakers include top scientists and analysts from the most pioneering countries in Europe in terms of green vegetable cultivation. Thanks to both its climate and soil, Greece is able to produce a wide range of green vegetables throughout the year.
What about the FreshCon Market programme?
TN: The aim of FreshCon Market is to become the business event of the year. The biggest supermarket chains from the Balkans region, from Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine and Croatia, will be present. Under the organisation of TIF-Helexpo and with the strategic support Froutonea, FreshCon aims to connect the big supermarket chains directly with the agricultural sector, thus providing the preconditions for direct deals.
