Messe Berlin is cancelling its hybrid trade fair Fruit Logistica Special Edition 2021 because of the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
'I’m quite sure today’s cancellation is no surprise to anyone,” says Madlen Miserius, the event's senior product manager. “The coronavirus pandemic is lasting longer than expected. We wanted to make an onsite event happen in May. But the prospects both for international business travel to Berlin and for large, face-to-face gatherings are too low. And under these circumstances, it’s simply impossible for us to meet face to face.”
Fruit Logistica worked hard to prepare the Special Edition, which was due to take place on 18-20 May 2021. It was designed to withstand key uncertainties of the pandemic and to safeguard customers' health and investment in the show. The concept resonated with business: more than 600 companies from Europe and the rest of the world had registered.
“We developed Fruit Logistica Special Edition as we knew through discussions with the industry that the market's desire for a physical event was very strong. That’s why we developed a concept to offer our exhibitors the greatest flexibility at the smallest possible risk,' says Miserius.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic still has the upper hand, and this is what has led to today’s cancellation. There is a huge global family of people in the fresh fruit and vegetable business and it comes together every year at Fruit Logistica.'
The organisers are already talking to international market players and preparing for Fruit Logistica 2022, she adds. 'We will do everything to ensure our 30th edition is a vibrant onsite event. So make a date in your diary for Fruit Logistica in Berlin on 9-11 February 2022.”
