Retailers, suppliers and other operators working along the entire international fresh produce supply chain are set to take part in this year's Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere, which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, on 16-18 October.
The annual conference and networking event, organised this year by Eurofruit and Asiafruit, will bring together some of the world's leading industry players – including Morrisons, Woolworths SA, Univeg Group and Capespan – to discuss the ongoing evolution of sourcing programmes in the Southern Hemisphere and provide clues as to the future development of existing and emerging export markets in Europe and Asia.
As demand for imported fresh produce continues to grow in the emerging markets of Asia, exporters across the Southern Hemisphere face tough decisions about the future direction of their own business. The Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere will ask to what extent they should be diverting product to these new markets, and consider whether these new commercial opportunities are worth pursuing even if it means paying less attention to more traditional, western consumer markets.
Programme highlights include:
– Craig Lavender of UK retailerMorrisons, John Glover ofGlobal Fresh Consulting Services(formerlyMetro GroupandRoyal Ahold) and Kobus Pienaar ofWoolworths South Africaassess the impact of recent moves towards more direct and more consolidated lines of supply worldwide.
–Univeg Groupchairman Hein Deprez joins Robert Zerres ofZerres Fruit Partnersand Johan Wege ofCapespan Chinato debate the possible effect of Asia's startling economic rise on existing international markets in Europe.
– Archie Swanson ofMigratusand Johann Boonzaaier from theUniversity of Stellenboschanalyse recent trends in South Africa's fresh produce export business, revealing the latest data and uncovering shifts in the country's focus on different international markets.
– A panel of leading South African experts including Stuart Symington (PPECB), Peter Allderman (TopFruit) and Gerrit van der Merwe (ALG Estates) consider the future challenges and opportunities for the country's fruit suppliers as they bid to remain competitive on existing and new markets alike.
– John Hey, editor ofAsiafruit, delivers a detailed assessment of the new commercial potential for overseas fruit suppliers to China.
– Ole Schack Petersen ofMaersk Linecharts the emergence of new logistics services in support of supply lines to established and emerging global markets.
The Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere offers excellent opportunities to meet with leading players in the international fresh produce business during the event's welcome reception, networking breaks and evening reception sponsored byAztec Money.
The Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere offers excellent opportunities to meet with leading players in the international fresh produce business during the event's welcome reception, networking breaks and evening reception sponsored by Aztec Money.
There is still time to register online and book your place at the Eurofruit Congress Southern Hemisphere. Delegates have the opportunity to book themselves on a special tour through the fruit regions of Elgin, Vyeboom, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch on 18 October.
For general event information visit www.eurofruitcongress.com/sh or contact the Events team: Tel +44 20 7501 3725 or email info@eurofruitcongress.com.
