Click on the following links to read news stories from Fruit Logistica 2010 about:
Moroccan agriculture minister is pleased about the good feedback
FresQ generating constantly high sales figures
Thai exporters looking for new markets
Turkish fruit and vegetable exports remain high
Euro Pool System helps Haiti
Landgard brand moves into the limelight
Spanish institute brings suppliers and importers together
Unicorn: Hispalco introduces new brand
Denmark: Sweet snack carrots instead of spicy crisps
Debut: Red Niagara grapes from Brazil
Southeast Sicily's fruit and vegetable cluster makes its international debut
Indonesia, Macedonia and Ukraine now with SIPPO
Bananas from the Canary Islands debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA
DFHV: New monitoring report on residue data
CSO dispatches Mr. Fruitness to continue battle against obesity
Mexico focuses on prickly pears
Great Britain: Potato Council begins promoting seed potatoes
GFI: Many promotions in the pipeline
Lithuania: Wild berries and mushrooms of exceptional quality
Dutch pavilion goes CO2 neutral
SanLucar: Top quality from apples to zucchinis
Fuji Packaging hopes to capture fresh produce market
Greek exhibitor offers fruit and asparagus
EDEKA distinguishes itself with store brands
Algeria introduces Deglet Nour organic dates
Asociex: Aromatic tangerines from Spain's sunny coast
Prices for dessert apples and pears in Switzerland under pressure
Chile: Strong presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Catalonia: Flat fruit, guaranteed without fuzz
Valencia: Citrus fruits with guarantee of origin
Mexico: Fruit partner with great potential
Food retail industry in Europe: Opportunities to escape the economic crisis
Moroccan agriculture minister is pleased about the good feedback
Good news from Morocco, the world's second-largest exporter of citrus fruit: producer Wenza Fruits Exotiques s.a.r.l. will be at a joint stand presenting horned melon (also known as kiwano) and sweet pepino fruit, both of which are grown in the desert south of Agadir. 'They are grown under glass and very aromatic', explains manager Martinus Hopman. Morocco will be represented by 37 exhibitors at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA, where it will have a 900m² stand showcasing the authentic taste of Moroccan fruit and vegetables. 'Our producers make good contacts here. 'Next year we'll have 15% more exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA', says Moroccan Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhennouch. Saad Benabdallah, Managing Director of Maroc Export, the country's export bureau, adds, 'We also offer foreign investors an opportunity to invest in our agriculture'. (Hall 1.1, Stand B-02, contact: Saad Benabdallah, tel. +212-522-302210, e-mail: info@marocexport.ma)
FresQ generating constantly high sales figures
Despite the global financial crisis, Dutch marketing organisation FresQ generated good turnover in 2009 and plans to continue this trend in 2010. 'Our figures increased from 393 million in 2008 to 407 million last year', Spokeswoman Margôt Hart-Beekman said at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Five producers have joined forces to create the second largest alliance of greenhouse vegetable growers. Although they mainly produce tomatoes and sweet peppers, they also grow aubergines, pepper and cucumbers. FresQ focuses on regionalism. Three companies recently moved to Britain to grow vegetables there and cooperate with local retailers, Ms. Hart-Beekman explained. (Hall 1.2, Stand E-05. Contact: Margôt Hart-Beekman, tel. +31 (0) 6 22 32 73 43, e-mail: m.hart@fresq.nl)
Thai exporters looking for new markets
According to Boonmee Wongshotisatit from the Asia Exotic Corporation, Thai exporters are convinced that FRUIT LOGISTICA is 'the ideal place to meet all our customers'. The trade show regular now wants to open up new markets in Eastern Europe. Suwanchai Chavanchankij, who is in Berlin for the second time, says the trade fair is also a great place to find out about the latest trends in the sector. 'FRUIT LOGISTICA is superb and extremely useful for us', Chavanchankij says. (Hall 7.2c, Stand A-06. Contact: Suwanchai Chavanchankij, tel. +662-982-7036, e-mail: suwanchai@siamjumbo.com, Stand B-05. Contact: Boonmee Wongshotisatit, tel. +66-2529-3340, e-mail: boonmee@asia-exotic.com)
Turkish fruit and vegetable exports remain high
Twenty fresh fruit and fresh vegetable producers and packaging machine companies is presenting their products in the Turkish pavilion at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. They'll be in good spirits because 2009 was an excellent year for Turkish producers. The overall volume of exported fresh fruit and vegetable products rose to 2.7 million tonnes, up 19% year-on-year on the 2008 figures. Ali Karvak, the chairman of the Mediterranean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Union, says the overall value of exports in 2009 was US$ 1.9 million, of which citrus fruits accounted for $800 million, other fresh fruit accounted for $492 million and fresh vegetables made up the remaining $653 million. Russia is the largest importer of Turkish fruit and vegetables, followed by Bulgaria and Germany. 'Germany is a key market for Turkish producers', Kavak says. (Hall 2.1, Stand D-08a. Contact: Sultan Bayak, tel. +90-324-2376800, e-mail: argeqakib.org.tr)
Euro Pool System helps Haiti
Euro Pool System has launched a special campaign for FRUIT LOGISTICA. The company is donating 0.25 Eurocents cents for every rotation during the trade fair. Given that the FRUIT LOGISTICA runs for three days and there are an average of 1.8 million rotations a day, that comes to about 13,500 Euros. Euro Pool System, which takes part in FRUIT LOGISTICA every year, is Europe's largest logistics service provider of returnable packaging for fresh produce. With 45 service centres spread across Europe, the company deploys 123 million blue and green recyclable containers that rotate more than 600 million times a year. 'We have an average market share of 41% in the six largest European fruit and vegetable-producing countries. What's more, our packaging is considered some of the best on the market', says Peter Willems, the CEO of Euro Pool System. (Hall 20, Stand A-14. Contact: Mario Winter, tel. +49-2222-911300, e-mail: mario.winter@europoolsystem.com)
Landgard brand moves into the limelight
Landgard is inviting FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors to come to its 'country garden'. The corporate group wants to demonstrate to customers, producers and other interested parties how it has changed from a purely production-oriented group to a marketing and service organisation. The three companies Landgard, Godeland and Peter Vetter came together under a single roof – Landgard Gruppe Obst & Gemüse – last year, and their presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA is aimed at focusing greater attention on their corporate brand. 'We want people to see Landgard as more than a variety of marketing approaches', explains Torsten Brandt, the head of corporate communication. 'The different Landgard divisions are available to partner customers and producers around the clock, 365 days a year, bundling goods and offering Landgard customers made-to-measure services. Using the Landgard leitmotif as a basis, the Landgard corporate brand needs to trigger far more associations in the minds of the various target groups'. (Hall 20, Stand C-02. Contact: Torsten Brandt, tel. +49-2839-591120, e-mail: torsten.brandt@landgard.de)
Spanish institute brings suppliers and importers together
'FRUIT LOGISTICA is the world's leading trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry. All of the competitors in the business are gathered here together. Information concerning production, industry and trade all run together in one neutral location', says Juan Albrit, Head of the Fresh Products Division at ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade. The fresh produce sector is significant for Spain, considering that it constitutes 10% of the country’s total exports. The principal import country for Spain’s fruit and vegetable sector has traditionally been Germany, followed by Great Britain, France, Italy and the Netherlands. The Institute for Foreign Trade has pledged to strengthen the internationalisation of domestic businesses. To accomplish this, the Institute is not only providing the 315 Spanish exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA with space to meet and deal with importers. Visitors to the ICEX stand can also perform targeted searches online for suppliers and then transfer suppliers' profiles to a smartphone via Bluetooth. (Hall 11.2, Stand A-05; contact: Juan Abrit, tel.+34-91-3496352; e-mail: juan.a.abrit@icex.es)
Unicorn: Hispalco introduces new brand
'We are using FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce our new Unicorn brand to the market', says David Sanz of the Spanish business Hispalco, explaining his trade fair objective. The full-range retailer, based in Spain's Valencia region, annually distributes around 2 million kg of vegetables and up to 10 million kg of citrus fruit, in addition to stone fruit and pomaceous fruit, melons, grapes, berries and exotic fruit. Up to now, the fresh products have principally been sold under the brand name 'MonnaLisa' to customers throughout the world. Sanz describes the brand concept as 'produce of the highest quality'. Every pallet is examined during packaging; further spot checking is then done in the logistics centre. 'Three years ago we started having an outside company handle our quality control; complaints have decreased to 0.6% since then', relates the marketing professional of this 22-member business. While the MonnaLisa brand is protected under zoning laws, the Unicorn brand can be used for mass marketing. (Hall 10.2, Stand B-02; contact: David Sanz, tel.+34-96-3404422; e-mail: dsanz@hispalco.com)
Denmark: Sweet snack carrots instead of spicy crisps
New at FRUIT LOGISTICA: Sweet-tasting snack carrots in convenient 100 g packs, plus a range of carrots for grilling, braising or cooking in a wok. These products can be found in Hall 1.2 at the stand of the Denmark-based Northern Greens. 'We are very pleased with the progress so far. We use FRUIT LOGISTICA to obtain a better perspective of the global fruit and vegetable market', explains Jörgen Nielsen, Director of Northern Greens. Northern Greens represents the marketing interests of Danish fruit and vegetable farmers and offers consumers gourmet stays and restaurant guides for Denmark. (Hall 1.2, Stand D-10; Contact: Jörgen Nielsen, tel. +45-40-28 28 71, e-mail: jnn@northerngreens.dk)
Debut: Red Niagara grapes from Brazil
After revolutionising the Brazilian market over the past few years, the red Niagara grape is making its first overseas appearance at the FRUIT LOGISTICA and will be available for the first time for worldwide sale. The grape is characterised by its soft pulp, sweetness and high degree of succulence. In 2009 Brazil exported fresh fruit with a total value of US$ 559 million, representing a decrease of 22.7%. The country also exported US$ 2 billion in processed fruit. Tapping into new markets including the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and Hong Kong, this year Brazil again hopes to achieve the volume of sales it had in 2008. 'For 2010, Brazil has set the goal of expanding its presence on the international market', says Valeska de Oliveira, Executive Manager of the IBRAF Brazilian Fruit Institute, who has organized a joint stand for Brazilian exporters this year for the eighth time. (Hall 25, Stand C-09; contact: Marcio Damasceno, tel. +49-179-8759154, e-mail: damasceno@ajasolutions.co.uk)
Southeast Sicily's fruit and vegetable cluster makes its international debut
The fruit and vegetable cluster representing Southeast Sicily is using FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce itself to the international public. Its formation in Europe's southernmost province is a reaction to sinking consumption figures and rising costs, says Sandro Maria Gambuzza, Chairman of the Agricultural Association and Board Member of the Chamber of Trade and Industry for Ragusa. The goal of grouping 771 strong and innovative businesses with a combined total of over 6,000 employees and annual turnover of over EUR 600 million is to concentrate the choice of products, to raise quality standards and to reduce costs. (Hall 4.1, Stand C-12; Contact: Dr. Vincenza D’Ambrogio, tel. +49-170-4402634, e-mail: vdambrogio@itkam.org)
Indonesia, Macedonia and Ukraine now with SIPPO
'SIPPO is a Swiss Import Promotion Programme for small and medium enterprises from emerging markets, helping them prepare their market image and supporting them for three years in Europe', explains Project Director Constantin Kostyal. Three such supported countries are represented at the SIPPO stand at this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA: Indonesia with one company, Macedonia with eight and Ukraine with four. 'All of these countries have tremendous potential for agriculture', says the Project Director, 'with good water, soil and climate and with their strong knowledge of agriculture'. The range of products extends from peppers, cherry tomatoes and lettuce from Macedonia, to honeydew melons, seedless watermelons and sweet cherries from Ukraine, to Alfonso mangos, mangosteen and ginger from Indonesia. 'The main objective for us and the exhibitors is to strengthen our existing trade partnerships and to find new partners', adds Kostyal. (Hall 23, Stand D-01; Contact: Constantin Kostyal, tel. +41-44-3655268, e-mail: ckostyal@sippo.ch)
Bananas from the Canary Islands debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Canary Island tomatoes have long since gained a permanent place in the diets of European consumers. With a total export value of EUR 120 million in 2008, the aromatic, sun-ripened fruit are distributed across Europe via Rotterdam. Along with their most important export fruit, Canary Island companies are now presenting bananas for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. 291,000 tonnes were produced on the islands off the coast of Africa in 2009. Three-quarters have traditionally been shipped to Spain, but this is about to change. 'FRUIT LOGISTICA is an important platform for us to explore market potential. We believe that Germany and Belgium in particular are the markets of the future', says Pedro Monzón from the export promotion organisation Proexca. The exporters hope that the quality of their fruit will become the key to its success. 'The ships only travel for three days, so the bananas arrive with a different level of ripeness compared to the fruit coming from overseas'. (Hall 8.2, Stand C-05. Contact: Pedro Monzón, tel. +34-928-266733; e-mail: pedro.monzon@proexca.es)
DFHV: New monitoring report on residue data
The German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) is presenting a monitoring report developed in cooperation with QS GmbH at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The residue status of around 6,000 product samples from more than 20 different product groups and over 50 countries of origin was tested for the joint report. The focus was on strawberries and leafy vegetables as well as table grapes and herbs. Copies of the monitoring report will be handed out to visitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA. DFHV staff will be available on site to answer questions on residues and other aspects of food quality assurance. 'It is a major step forward for businesses and consumers alike when the existing monitoring systems in the fresh produce industry are closely linked and able to pool their expertise', says DFHV Managing Director Dr. Andreas Brügger. (Hall 20, Stand A-13. Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, tel. +49-172-2117255, e-mail: bruegger@dfhv.de)
CSO dispatches Mr. Fruitness to continue battle against obesity
The Mr. Fruitness project, financed by the Italian fruit and vegetable service centre CSO together with the EU and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, has been approved for another three years until 2012. The project promotes fruit and vegetable consumption among children and adolescents and aims to combat obesity, which is increasing in young age groups. With the help of Mr. Fruitness, the green comic book-style superhero, the health advantages of fresh produce over junk food are demonstrated to schoolchildren in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Poland and Sweden. Speaking at FRUIT LOGISTICA, CSO Director Luciano Trentini said new components include online sports on the website www.fruitness.eu and a card game. The range of fruit served on promotional trays sponsored by nine CSO members from the Emilia Romagna region was expanded to include plums. The Centro Servizi Ortofruticolo companies are once again presented in grand style on the Piazza Italia at FRUIT LOGISTICA. (Hall 2.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Elena Vincenzi, tel. +39-059-7863894, e-mail: elena.vincenzi@fruitecom.it)
Mexico focuses on prickly pears
'Last year, our exporters at FRUIT LOGISTICA achieved sales worth US$ 40 million', says Jorge Rueda Sousa, representative of the Mexican ministry of agriculture. 'And they are determined to exceed this figure in 2010'! As the FRUIT LOGISTICA partner country, Mexico is represented by around 40 companies and organisations whose members include more than 4,000 producers. Mexico is the EU's fifth most important trading partner for avocados. Other key export fruits include limes, blackberries and mangos. This year the country is promoting its prickly pears. The juicy, red pulp of this fruit is especially popular among North European consumers. (Hall 25, Stand A-04. Contact: Jorge Rueda Sousa, tel. +32-2644-1300, e-mail: jorgerueda@sagarpaue.be)
Great Britain: Potato Council begins promoting seed potatoes
Great Britain is one of the biggest seed potato exporters, with over 90,000 tonnes shipped to 50 countries last year. 150 different varieties are available – reason enough for the British Potato Council to exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time this year. The cool climate and strong winds in the growing regions of Scotland and the north of England prevent aphids from reproducing, reducing the spread of viruses and ensuring particularly healthy crops. (Hall 3.2, Stand B-17. Contact: Mark Prentice, tel. +44-131-4724149, e-mail: mprentice@potato.org.uk)
GFI: Many promotions in the pipeline
The GFI (German wholesale market association) is once again planning a number of retail sector promotions with its marketing partners Zespri, EOS, Melasí and Sopexa. 'Chiquita and Enza are a logical continuation in our development of marketing partnerships. We provide marketing opportunities with quality buyers through our fresh produce networks in the independent food retail sector', says GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge. He explains that the GFI organises distribution channels through farmers' markets, specialised dealers and retail market halls for its partners and their brands. Kluge is particularly looking forward to new partnerships resulting from FRUIT LOGISTICA. (Hall 21, Stand F-09. Contact: Andreas Foidl, tel. +49-30-3989610, e-mail: andreas.foidl@grossmaerkte.org)
Lithuania: Wild berries and mushrooms of exceptional quality
The Lithaunian company Fudo have had an extremely successful start to their exhibition at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Fudo markets wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and porcini and wild berries including lingonberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries, all of a consistently high quality. 'We are very pleased with our presence at this dynamic trade fair. We establish more new contacts at FRUIT LOGISTICA than at any other exhibition. This is also where we have very intensive and productive sales talks', says Fudo Sales Manager Ausra Armoniene. Along with wild berries and mushrooms, Fudo also sells the requisite wooden containers in a variety of sizes. (Hall 23, Stand D-05. Contact: Ausra Armoniene, tel. +370-618-77906, e-mail: ausra@fudo.lt)
Dutch pavilion goes CO2 neutral
The 84 exhibitors in the Holland Pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA are exhibiting at a CO2 neutral stand. The carbon trader Soil & More calculates the CO2 equivalent for the import and export association Holland Fresh Group. The pavilion operators will then purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, says Holland Fresh Group exhibition manager Ger van Burik. Sales figures for fresh fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands have remained constant in 2009 at 3.2 billion kg, van Burik says, 'but trade volume was down by comparison'. With exports of around 1 billion kg of fresh fruit and vegetables, Germany remains the Dutch producers' most important trading partner. (Hall 3.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Ger van Burik, tel. +31-7-03 47 52 53, e-mail: info@hollandfreshgroup.com)
SanLucar: Top quality from apples to zucchinis
The Spanish company SanLucar exports fruit and vegetables from over 30 countries. Key buyers are Germany and Austria, where the fresh produce is sold in Edeka, Karstadt/Perfetto, Rewe and other supermarkets. 90 products ranging from apples to zucchinis, with soft fruit, stone fruit, citrus fruit and apples playing a central role. The company's 140-member staff work together with contract growers throughout the world. 'Long-term partnerships and rigorous quality control are at the heart of our corporate philosophy', says Ilka Hein, press officer of the company, which was established in 1993. Full traceability is guaranteed for every batch back to its field of origin. SanLucar is currently building a logistics centre in Ettlingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to ensure that clients get their produce 'faster and fresher'. The company has set customer care as its primary objective at its eighth FRUIT LOGISTICA appearance. (Hall 5.2, Stand C-11. Contact: Ilka Hein, tel. +49-170-9136882, e-mail: ilka.hein@sanlucar.com)
Fuji Packaging hopes to capture fresh produce market
Japanese manufacturer Fuji Packaging's packing machines have been established in Europe for three decades now, but the company has only recently ventured into the fresh produce market. What better reason, following its great success in the Netherlands, for the Japanese business to exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time. Two packaging machines for sweet peppers and chicory are on display. The high-speed machines can pack up to 110 units per minute. (Hall 3.1, Stand D-08. Contact: Kai Wintjen, tel. +49/40/4806 110, e-mail: verkauf@fuji-packaging.de)
Greek exhibitor offers fruit and asparagus
This year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA features 17 of the “most dynamic” Greek exporters, according to the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, which has organised the joint stand once again this year. Together they represent a multitude of fruit and vegetable producers. Key products on offer include peaches, nectarines, kiwi fruit and asparagus. (Hall 2.1, Stands D-01/2, E-01/2. Contact: Tania Avloniti, tel. +30-210-9982144, e-mail: avloniti@hepo.gr)
EDEKA distinguishes itself with store brands
'As one of Europe's leading fruit marketers, maintaining a clear quality profile is one of our top priorities', said Uwe Bockius, Manager of the EDEKA fruit office. This unit belongs to EDEKA headquarters in Hamburg and manages the groupwide purchasing of fruit and vegetables from more than 80 countries worldwide. The focus of the EDEKA trade fair exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 is on trends, future markets and current requirements of supply chain management, particularly with a view to the group's high quality standards. One area of emphasis is the range of EDEKA store brands. 'Visitors can get comprehensive information on such things as our premium range, EDEKA SELECTION Yacaran', Bockius said. EDEKA is the first vendor in the German market to establish a premium brand for fruit and vegetables. This complements the differentiated store brand range with its strong brands that include 'EDEKA RioGrande' (fruit), 'EDEKA GärtnersBeste' (vegetables) and 'EDEKA BioWertkost'. The store brands are continuously optimised and expanded with new products. (Hall 6.2, Stand C-02. Contact: Gernot Kasel, tel. +49-40-63770, e-mail: info@edeka.de)
Algeria introduces Deglet Nour organic dates
Algeria is exhibiting this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA with a larger stand and with four major exporters. 'Our new export fruit is our Deglet Nour dates, which are organically grown', said stand manager and trade fair and export office assistant (Safex) Mustafa Slimani. 'Theses dates are very nutritious and taste great'!. The growers are hoping their presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA will produce business contacts for marketing the country's vegetables, such as sweet peppers, potatoes, cucumbers and wild onions. The Algerian Ministry of Commerce is supporting the trade fair appearance. (Hall 1.1, Stand C-03. Contact: Mustafa Slimani, tel. +213-21210123 30, e-mail: contact@safex-algerie.com)
Asociex: Aromatic tangerines from Spain's sunny coast
The province of Castellón on Spain's Mediterranean coast produces 90% of Spain's tangerines. A scientific study has shown that the 'Clemenules' variety, a mutation of the seedless 'Fina' first discovered in the province in 1953, is the citrus fruit with the highest Vitamin C content. It was presented at FRUIT LOGISTICA by 21 of the 118 companies and producer organisations that have joined forces in the Asociex Castellón export organisation. On 32,000 hectares, they produce 1.2 million tonnes of tangerines annually for the world market. Key importers in Europe include Germany, France and the United Kingdom. 'At FRUIT LOGISTICA we primarily want to establish new business contacts. The rapidly growing markets in Poland and Russia are of special interest to us', said Asociex General Secretary Enrique Ribes. Participation in the trade fair is a must for the tangerine experts: 'Anyone from our industry who isn't at FRUIT LOGISTICA, is an unknown'. (Hall 11.2, Stand B-03. Contact: Enrique Ribes, tel.+34-964-342390; e-mail: asociex@asociex.com)
Prices for dessert apples and pears in Switzerland under pressure
With 50,292 tonnes, the inventory of dessert apples in Switzerland at the end of January was 10% higher than the previous year and 8% higher than 2008. 'The competition in the red varieties is really tough, and the sales are currently high', said Rolf Matter, PR Director for the Swiss Fruit Association, at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. Inventory shrinkage in January was 7% above that of the previous year. According to Matter, three factors have contributed to this: a market-induced, general drop in the producer standard price by 20 centimes per kilogram for all major varieties on 1 December, 2009, the waiving of charges for storage costs by warehouse keepers, and the extraordinary marketing efforts of food retailers. At 6,213 tonnes, the high inventory of pears at the end of January was just 672 tonnes below the record level from 2008 (6,885 tonnes). Inventory shrinkage for pears was also significantly higher than in the three previous years. (Hall 20, Stand A-17. Contact: Rolf Matter, tel. +41-41-7286860, e-mail: rolf.matter@swissfruit.ch)
Chile: Strong presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Despite the global financial crisis, Chile's presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA keeps getting bigger. 'We have been exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA for nine years and our exhibition stand grows in size every year. We now have 240m² of exhibition space. The products we sell on the global market are characterised by our exceptionally rigorous quality assurance programme', says Christian Carvajal M., Associacion de Exportadores de Chile. Retailers and consumers can choose from 75 different fruit varieties, including kiwis and blueberries. This year the main focus for establishing business contacts is on Eastern and Central Europe. 'At FRUIT LOGISTICA we can establish, renew and maintain a lot of business contacts. It is the most important trade fair for the fruit trade.' (Hall 25, Stand B-05, Contact: Christian Carvajal M., tel. +56-2 472 47 34, e-mail: ccarvajal@asoex.cl)
Catalonia: Flat fruit, guaranteed without fuzz
Josep Ortiz is convinced: 'The future belongs to flat fruit'. The managing director of the family-owned Sat Ort Bell based in Lleida, Catalonia is exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time and is introducing 'Platerinas' – a crossbreed between flat peaches, called Paraguayos, and nectarines. 'Platerinas are easy to eat. You don't have to open your so mouth wide, you don't get your hands messy, and because of the firm flesh you can even carry the fruit in your trousers pocket.' In contrast to the flat peaches already available on the market, Platerinas don't have the typical fuzzy skin that some people are allergic. Instead they have the firm, smooth surface of nectarines. The balanced sugar-acid ratio is especially appreciated by customers north of the Iberian Peninsula. 'FRUIT LOGISTICA is a fantastic trade fair. Prospective customers from France, Holland, Italy, Russia and Estonia have visited my stand', says Ortiz. His company is one of 21 exhibitors at the joint stand of the Catalonian export promotion organisation Prodeca. (Hall 8.2, Stand B-04; Contact: Montserrat Costafreda, tel. +34-(0)-607-073089)
Valencia: Citrus fruits with guarantee of origin
Valencia is Spain's oldest and most important citrus crop region. More than five million tonnes of tangerines and oranges are harvested here annually, which is more than two-thirds of the national production. The 28 companies exhibiting at the Valencia region's joint stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA are focusing on citrus fruits in all varieties in addition to their pomegranates and kaki fruit, garlic and onions. 'The growers keep adding new varieties to the market', says Javier Molina of the Valencia Ministry of Agriculture, explaining the abundance of products. Around 10% of the fruits bear the EU seal of origin 'Protected Geographical Indication' and may be marketed under the 'Cítricos Valencianos' label. This guarantees, among other things, a level of ripeness of 7-8 and a minimum juice content of 40% for tangerines and 35% for oranges. (Hall 11.2, Stand A-02; Contact: Javier Molina, tel. +34-963-422717, e-mail: molina_jav@gva.es)
Mexico: Fruit partner with great potential
Mexico is this year's official FRUIT LOGISTICA partner country and the main focus of a Hall Forum. Gabriel Padilla of the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Fabricio Blanco of Fresh Kampo International and Philippe Binard of Freshfel expounded not only on the productivity of the North American country. From the perspective of importers, he also explored the additional optimisation potential. Mexico is the world's tenth largest agricultural exporter. The country is the leading exporter of avocados, mangos, papayas, watermelons and other melons. Mexico is the second largest exporter of onions, chickpeas, cucumbers, asparagus, pecans and limes, and the third largest exporter of aubergines, sweet peppers, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkins, cauliflower and strawberries. Gabriel Padilla described the impressive array of fruits and the outstanding production conditions. He also emphasised that Mexico is taking the necessary steps to meet all food safety requirements. Fabricio Blanco expounded on this subject with examples based on daily practice. Philippe Binard attested to the good prospects of Mexican products on the European market. He said this is already especially important for Mexico's agricultural industry.
Food retail industry in Europe: Opportunities to escape the economic crisis
In keeping with tradition, the first FRUIT LOGISTICA Hall Forum was dedicated to the food retail industry. Dr. Jürgen Elfers of Commerzbank - Corporates & Markets cast an analytical glance at the situation in the German and international food retail industries and addressed a number of issues: How is the global and European retail trade presenting itself during this economic crisis? How are the various trade formats positioned? What can be expected in the future? What signals are the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia sending? What is the role of the global players? How are the German players positioned? He concluded that the giants in Germany's food retail trade would remain under pressure. In Western Europe, he said, supermarkets are reporting turnaround stories. In his opinion, the much invoked Eastern European markets could actually collect on promises of good productivity per unit area, even if there are, in some cases, significant differences from country to country. Russia, he says, is still the most interesting market. Although he sees definite signs of growth in Asia, he did not share the euphoria of some for the Chinese market.
