Global production: 1.5bn tonnes of fruit and vegetables
Tough competition in the global fruit and vegetable market
Fruit and vegetable consumption in Germany continues to drop
Germany: Fruit and vegetable prices remain low
Famila Kiel has Germany's most popular fresh produce departments
Anecoop with growth in sales of €14m
Bayer CropScience: Focus on sustainable agriculture
VLAM presents export winners
Cobana Fruchtring: Close to producers and consumers
Dole: Four pillars of sustainability
France: Sweetcarpaccio, Kiwi de l'Adour and Antarès
Freshfel Europe uses the trade fair for meetings and networking
New premium snack from Fyffes
New strategy for GFI
IFCO: New reusable containers for perishable goods
Inter with ripe Kent mangos and new small packs
Peter Vetter now officially Landgard
Medjool dates from the US in demand in Europe
Top-quality, fresh, juicy, Styrian apples
QuickBox resists dampness
South Tyrol: Europe's most important supplier of organic apples
Univeg combines global presence and local know-how

Global production: 1.5bn tonnes of fruit and vegetables

Speaking at the Fruit Logistica 2011 opening press conference, Messe Berlin chief operating officer Dr Christian Göke reported that over 1.5bn tonnes of fruit and vegetables were produced worldwide last year. According to information from AMI, around 820m tonnes of vegetables and 700m tonnes of fruit were produced globally in 2010. '10 per cent of fruit are exported in cross-border trade, and just 3-4 per cent of vegetables', Mr Göke said. Fruit production experienced a slight decline in 2010.

Tough competition in the global fruit and vegetable market

'The competition for producers who supply high-quality and safe fruit and vegetables in adequate quantities will intensify.' This was the cautionary advice of Jürgen Boruszewski, managing director of leading German importer Cobana Fruchtring and a member of the executive committee of the German fruit trade association (DFHV), at the Fruit Logistica opening press conference. Increasing demand from the growing world population will be accompanied by fiercer competition for scarce resources, he said. Many countries are already buying large land areas on other continents in order to ensure a steady supply of food for their citizens. The DFHV representative warned that, if this development continues, it will become more and more difficult for Germany's producers to compete successfully, particularly with emerging economies.

Fruit and vegetable consumption in Germany continues to drop

German consumers bought an average of 142.9kg of fresh produce per household in 2010, slightly less than in the previous year, but spending was higher at an average of €249.19. Fruit took the larger share at €127.34 (+2 per cent) and 81.5kg (-1 per cent). This is equivalent to around 220g per day. There were no changes in terms of the popularity scale: the most popular fruit varieties are apples (19.5kg), followed by bananas (14.7kg) and oranges (9.2kg). Germans spent €121.85 (+8 per cent) per household on 61.4kg of fresh vegetables. Consumption was 2 per cent lower than in the previous year, reaching an eight-year low. Tomatoes (10kg) still lead the way, followed by carrots (7.8kg) and cucumbers (6.3kg).

Germany: Fruit and vegetable prices remain low

Fruit and vegetables are still among the most affordable foods in Germany, Jürgen Boruszewski of Cobana Fruchtring and DFHV said at the Fruit Logistica opening press conference. Fruit prices had risen by around 5 per cent in 2010, but in 2009 they had fallen by almost 4 per cent, Mr Boruszewski said. Vegetable prices went up by just over 6 per cent in 2010, having dropped over 4 per cent in 2009. Because of the low base level, these percentage increases only meant a few cents in real terms, Mr Boruszewski explained. He said he expected a slight increase in prices in 2011.

Famila Kiel has Germany's most popular fresh produce departments

Famila Kiel's fresh produce departments have been voted the most popular in the country by consumers in a representative survey. Günter Schweinsberg, publisher of Fruchthandel Magazine and chairman of the Trade Fair Advisory Board, announced the winner of the Fruchthandel Magazine Retail Awards 2011 at the Fruit Logistica opening press conference. Fresh produce departments are regarded as a calling card for food retailers and, according to the survey results, influence the consumer's overall impression of a supermarket.

Anecoop with growth in sales of €14m

'In the 2009/10 campaign we had a turnover of around €481m and sold 625,000 tonnes of produce,' reported Joan Mir, who has been managing director of Spanish company Anecoop since the start of 2011. In the season before, sales reached €467m. Anecoop's highlights at Fruit Logistica 2011 included the introduction of new mandarin varieties Garbi and Safor. The association is also presenting its new packaging image designed for the bouquet premium brand. Anecoop celebrates the 35th anniversary of its foundation this year and the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the seedless watermelon. Mr Mir said: 'This is very significant, because we are the market leaders in the sale of these melons in Europe'.

Bayer CropScience: Focus on sustainable agriculture

Crop protection and seed development group Bayer CropScience says it plans to gear its activities more consistently towards the promotion of sustainable farming. In line with the company's 'Working together for sustainable agriculture' theme at Fruit Logistica, Bayer presented projects with food industry partners that make it possible to produce high-quality food in a sustainable manner. Sustainable solutions based on seeds, innovative pest control and extensive consulting play a key role in safeguarding harvests, increasing long-term yields and maintaining crop quality, the group said.

VLAM presents export winners

According to Paul Coenen, director of the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Office (VLAM) in Germany, the country's top export sellers are tomatoes, cabbage lettuce, cucumbers and leeks. Belgian growers grow 870,000 tonnes of vegetables each year for the fresh produce market, of which 570,000 tonnes are distributed to EU countries including 165,000 tonnes to customers in Germany. 'In a market survey, 88 per cent of the respondents indicated that Flandria is the best known vegetable brand in the German retail sector,' Mr Coenen said. '75 per cent indicated that Flandria achieves the greatest market penetration,' he added. The industry's quality seals, particularly Flandria, as well as fruit brands were the focus of the Belgian stand at Fruit Logistica 2011. With 500,000 tonnes sold annually, the Flandria quality seal is the most important producer brand for fresh vegetables in Europe, being used for 55 fresh vegetable varieties and 35 speciality products.

Cobana Fruchtring: Close to producers and consumers

German fresh produce trading company Cobana Fruchtring was on show at Fruit Logistica 2011 using the slogan 'Nah dran' ('closeby'). 'The concept draws on current developments in the fruit trade with regard to the challenges of procurement directly from producers and optimum safeguarding of quality and availability in a market that is becoming further concentrated,' explained the company's marketing manager Stephan Schlick, who said he believed that having a direct connection to the producer created greater transparency and confidence in reliable sources of supply. Mr Schlick went on to explain that the fruit industry must adapt by shifting from conventional commodity trading to the provision of a complete service.

Dole: Four pillars of sustainability

'Dole Europe is pursuing a sustainability strategy based on four pillars,' said Oliver Engelken, Dole's business director for northern Europem, at Fruit Logistica 2011. One of these pillars, the company's so-called water footprint, was the group's main focus at this year's trade fair. Dole presented four initiatives for more efficient use of water: maximising the use of rainwater; implementing modern irrigation technology; significantly reducing the use of water in fruit packaging – demonstrated by its New Millennium Packing Plants; and efforts by the company to improve wastewater quality.

France: Sweetcarpaccio, Kiwi de l'Adour and Antarès

One of the many new products presented by French exhibitors at the Pavillon France at Fruit Logistica 2011 was the iridescent red and green Sweetcarpaccio, a new beef tomato variety from Tomate Jouno. Prim'land and Sikig's Kiwi de l'Adour, meanwhile, was highlighted as the only French kiwifruit to have been awarded a Label Rouge quality award and to carry the European Union's PGI seal of origin. Elsewhere, Fruits-Union SAS presented its early-ripening green kiwifruit Summerkiwi and flat white peaches marketed as Pêches Plates. Rougeline-Odélis revealed it has added four cold-pressed juices to its product range: the 'Jus et nectar de fruits Rougeline' come in a selection of flavours including Marmande tomato, pineapple tomato, organic kiwifruit or strawberry. Finally, Lunor offered pre-cooked organic lentils and kidney beans, Le Verger de la Blottière presented its new trademarked apple variety Antarès, and Soleco-Florette presented two new salad mixes, Lollo Rosso & Batavia and Lamb's lettuce and rocket.

Freshfel Europe uses the trade fair for meetings and networking

'Fruit Logistica is a great place for networking and talking with industry leaders and representatives about the role of Freshfel, the achievements reached, and the priorities for future actions,' said Philippe Binard, general delegate of Freshfel Europe. Furthermore, for the past decade Freshfel has held an important trade policy meeting at Fruit Logistica to discuss the industry's latest developments with members from across the chain and across Europe. Issues discussed this time around included trade developments and negotiations, food safety, plant health and the European School Fruit Scheme.

New premium snack from Fyffes

Tropical fruit supplier Fyffes introduced an innovative premium snack for the fresh convenience market at Fruit Logistica 2011. Made from cooking bananas, Fyffes Plantain Chips are available in three different flavours. 'With this new product Fyffes hopes to offer German trade partners and others a trendsetting incentive for the promising vegetable snack segment,' said Oscar Dominguez, business development manager for Fyffes Plantain Chips. The chips contain no sodium glutamate, no artificial colours or flavours, no cholesterol and no trans fats. 'Just fresh, high-quality ingredients for a balanced and natural taste sensation,' Mr Dominguez added.

New strategy for GFI

The focus of the German wholesale market association (GFI) at this year's Fruit Logistica was on strategic development. GFI members recently passed a resolution to adopt an open approach to food retail markets and to broaden the association’s range of tasks. 'We are now accepting members from over 3,000 farmer’s markets and 15,000 fresh produce retail outlets, and thus to all wholesale market customers,' explains GFI chairman Uwe Kluge. Members also stand to benefit from the planned expansion of GFI’s business portfolio, which now covers the full spectrum of trade management.

IFCO: New reusable containers for perishable goods

International logistics service company IFCO presented its new Banana Crate product, an innovation designed for perishable and fragile goods. The reusable containers apparently offer customers a sustainable alternative to disposable packaging and, in line with food hygiene standards, IFCO’s green crates facilitate the transportation of fresh foods from producers to retailers. At the same time, they claim to support environmental protection by avoiding waste and reducing carbon emissions.

Inter Weichert with ripe Kent mangos and new small packs

On the stand of German importer Internationale Fruchtimport Gesellschaft Weichert, visitors were able to sample ripe Kent mangoes and learn about the company’s new small packs for passionfruit and rambutan. 'The focus of our exhibit this year at Fruit Logistica is on products from Columbia, Brazil and Peru,' explained marketing manager Ralph Fischer. Once again, the company presented a selection of its entire range of exotic products, including established products such as Pitúmettes and Nino papaya.

Peter Vetter now officially Landgard

The company previously known as Peter Vetter – The Fresh Company, has officially changed its name to Landgard, underscoring its affiliation with the Landgard Group following the recent takeover. Thomas Bittel, managing partner of Landgard Holding, explained the decision: 'The shared Landgard name not only ensures a consistent global brand presence, it also stands for the expertise, service-orientation and strength we have gained through the merger. A shared network of affiliated companies under one name strengthens all of those involved.'

Medjool dates from the US in demand in Europe

According to producers, Medjool dates from California’s Bard Valley are currently selling very well in Europe. The fruits are said to be larger, juicier and sweeter – not to mention more expensive – than dates from North Africa and other regions. Growers have therefore shown particular interest in markets where purchasing power is high. According to the exhibitor, demand in northern Europe has grown significantly in recent years. Five American companies celebrated their debut this year at Fruit Logistica, with exhibition space for the US pavilion roughly 50 per cent larger than in 2010.

Top-quality, fresh, juicy, Styrian apples

'The ‘fresh, juicy, Styrian’ apple of 2010 is coming into the shops this year at its best, with all of the typical attributes,' explained Manfred Stessel, managing director of OPST Obst Partner Steiermark, at Fruit Logistica 2011. 'This year Styrian apple growers can say with pride that all the typical qualities of their varieties are at their best.' He said that contrasting development periods in the summer had led to a dynamic ripening process, with this year's apple crop retaining its extremely well-balanced sweet-sour ratio, its original full flavour and distinctive, perfectly consistent colouring. 'The classic Gala will be available in smaller sizes than in the previous year, while the Golden Delicious variety is larger than expected, Mr Stessel added.

QuickBox resists dampness

The Schumacher Packaging Group launched its new QuickBox at Fruit Logistica 2011. One of the special strengths of this 100 per cent cardboard crate is its resistance to dampness and its excellent stacking capability. According to its makers, the Schumacher QuickBox can be implemented across the complete delivery chain, from harvesting in the field to coldstorage and the supermarket shelf, offering a chance to significantly reduce handling and eliminate the need for re-packing.

South Tyrol: Europe's most important supplier of organic apples

'With a 25 per cent share of Europe’s organic apple crop, South Tyrol is the most important supplier of organic apples in the European Union,' said Paul Zandanel of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce's South Tyrol Export Organisation. Approximately 4 per cent of South Tyrol’s apple crop is grown organically each year on around 680ha of land at an altitude ranging from 200 to 1,100 metres. Crop yield has consistently increased over the past few years, with 43,000 tonnes of organic apples harvested in 2010 compared with 37,000 tonnes in 2009 and 31,000 tonnes in 2008. 'In response to the growing demand, we are planning to cultivate even more apples grown according to organic guidelines,' added Mr Zandanel.

Univeg combines global presence and local know-how

At Fruit Logistica 2011, fresh produce industry giant the Univeg Group showcased its ability to combine global presence and local knowhow in the production of fresh fruit and vegetables. Its slogan during the trade fair was ‘Univeg, your direct connection to the field’. 'The annual Fruit Logistica trade fair is an important date on the industry’s business calendar,' said Francis Kint, chief executive officer of the Univeg Fruit & Vegetable division. 'Everything at Univeg is aimed at our customers. This event provides an excellent forum to communicate and work on achieving specific customer objectives.'

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