Fresh produce industry professionals from around the world return to Berlin for Fruit Logistica, the world’s leading exhibition for the global fruit and vegetable trade, on 7-9 February, with the event set to offer more than 3,100 exhibitors from over 80 countries another opportunity to present their products, services and technical solutions to prospective partners.
Download free content from Fruit Logistica:
European Statistics Handbook 2018
Fruit Logistica Trend Report 2018 – Part 1
With more than 75,000 buyers and trade visitors from over 130 countries also expected to arrive at Messe Berlin, this year’s event will see further expansion, with a new Hall 26 used to present an expanded range of products and services in the emerging segment of fresh food logistics. Producers from Africa and Latin America will also be located in the immediate vicinity.
Wilfried Wollbold, global brand manager at Fruit Logistica, said the annual event would offer fresh inspiration, the best information and new business opportunities. “Fruit Logistica provides the industry with a glimpse into the future,” he commented.
“How will the fruit trade develop in the medium and long term? We will be offering our trade visitors and exhibitors answers to these questions in the European Statistics Handbook, the new Fruit Logistica Trend Report and an extensive accompanying programme on site.'
Markets at a glance
The European Statistics Handbook, published by Fruit Logistica in cooperation with AMI and Eurofruit for the first time, provides a comprehensive overview of the main European fruit-trading nations.
Along with reports on production volumes and import and export information, the European Statistics Handbook also highlights specific characteristics and trends in each market.
Europe may not be the world’s most dynamic market for fresh produce, but it will surely remain its most important for a long time; worldwide, the percentage of fruit exports that go to Europe ranges between 45 per cent and 70 per cent.
Besides, Europe remains a significantly large producer of fresh fruit and vegetables itself, with approximately 12 per cent of global production.
For several products, like apples or onions, Europe has switched from being a net importer to a net exporter in the last few years.
Disruption in distribution
Looking to the future, meanwhile, Fruit Logistica’s specially commissioned new Trend Report discusses the future prospects for the fruit and vegetable industry, focusing on the changing shape of the fresh produce supply chain as it comes under pressure from various demographic, economic, commercial and technological trends.
The report, which was produced by experts at leading management consultancy Oliver Wyman, scrutinises three areas in particular – cold chain logistics and technology, online retail, and foodservice – to find out what major changes in those areas will mean for fruit and vegetable companies.
On 6 February, Oliver Wyman partner and lead report author Rainer Münch delivered several highlights from the study during Fruitnet World of Fresh Ideas, a multimedia experience organised by Fruitnet that serves as a curtain-raiser for Fruit Logistica.
Industry compass
Following Fruitnet World of Fresh Ideas, a total of four series of events will take place during the exhibition itself, helping visitors to explore current and future challenges faced by the industry.
At the Logistics Hub, producers, exporters and distributors will be provided with information to help them make the right decisions as far as transporting their goods is concerned.
The Future Lab, meanwhile, will act as Fruit Logistica’s ‘future workshop’, presenting innovative concepts likely to enrich and improve the fruit and vegetable industry in the coming years.
The Fresh Produce Forum will deal with particular issues facing the industry, while the Tech Stage event format will emphasise the importance of technical solutions.
Innovation prize
Voted for by visitors to the show, the coveted Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2018 will be announced at 14:30 on 9 February 2018 between Halls 20 and 21.
Visitors can vote for their favourites on 7-8 February in Hall B, CityCube Berlin, as well as between Halls 20 and 21.
Media studio
And finally, for the first time at Fruit Logistica, there will be a media studio in Hall B, CityCube, where various members of the fresh produce business will be interviewed.
Trade visitors and exhibitors can find the videos on the social media channels of Fruit Logistica: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
