Fruit Logistica flags

It has been revealed this week that Fruit Logistica 2011 will host the first global International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) forum on the harmonisation of standards, taking place on 10 February in Berlin.

Held at the Fruit Logistica Hall Forum, the event will comprise of three sessions focusing on food safety, product identification and chain information management, with high profile industry experts lined up to speak to visitors.

The IFPS has made great strides over the past several years with an important expansion of its membership from around the world, clearly underlining its status as a unique international industry body for subjects related to the establishment and harmonisation of standards for the fresh produce sector.

'The expansion of the IFPS membership base has given an even greater impetus to our efforts as a representative body,' said Dr Hans Maurer, chairman of the IFPS board. 'The IFPS aims to assist the global fresh produce trade to proactively determine what standards are required and how such standards are to be established or harmonised. To this end, we as an association are increasingly engaging the players in the sector across the globe.'

Gérald Lamusse, global brand manager for Fruit Logistica, welcomed the IFPS to Fruit Logistica, which takes place at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds on 9-11 February this year.

'Beyond being the leading business platform in the worldwide fresh produce trade, Fruit Logistica also offers a unique opportunity for the global trade to meet, discuss and exchange views,' he explained. 'We are delighted to be able to offer IFPS a platform at our event to engage with the global industry with the conviction that it will assist the IFPS and the industry as a whole to progress in the field.'