Gérald Lamusse is the global brand manager of Fruit Logistica, the world’s leading fresh fruit and vegetables event, which takes place this year on 4-6 February at Messe Berlin, Germany. Gérald also works as the managing director of organising company Global Produce Events.
How did you first get into the fresh produce business?
GL: After my initial studies as an agronomist, I started work on an agricultural estate, where I was responsible for coordinating horticultural production. So in essence my first job was growing bananas, cucumbers, potatoes and the like.
When did you start working for Messe Berlin?
GL: Almost eight years ago.
What other roles do you have at the company?
GL: I currently wear three hats. At Messe Berlin, apart from my responsibilities for Fruit Logistica, I am also the brand manager for Freshconex, our up-and-coming trade show for the fresh-cut convenience sector. I also fulfil the role of managing director of Global Produce Events, which is the joint venture company that organises Asia Fruit Logistica.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the fresh produce industry?
GL: In my opinion, the most important challenge facing the industry is non-tariff barriers to trade.
Describe your typical day-to-day schedule? What’s the first thing you do when you sit down at your desk?
GL: The first thing I do is check in with my colleague over in our Bangkok office, which I do by sending an email. This is just my way of sticking my head around the corner and saying hello. The rest of the morning is usually spent tackling the time-critical jobs, particularly those that concern our customers and partners in Asia, as their working day is drawing to a close by then. Thereafter, I focus on whatever else my inbox, my to-do list and chance have to offer.
Do you prefer to carry out your business over the phone or via email, or both?
GL: I prefer doing business in person, face-to-face. Failing that, I use whatever mode of communication is likely to achieve the best results.
How many people are there on your team?
GL: The core team consists of 10 very dedicated members of staff, and we also have an additional 65 representatives who cover 120 countries around the world.
How much travelling is involved in your work?
GL: Enough for immigration staff at nearly every airport I visit to look at me in awe when they page through my passport and see the number of stamps and visas I have in there.
Where have you been lately and where are you planning to go next?
GL: I was in Dubai back in mid-November, and my next trip will probably be to Bangkok.
What do you love in particular about your job?
GL: The thing I love most is that it actually directly touches the lives of so many different people all over the world. Every year at the end of January, just prior to Fruit Logistica, I think to myself about the asparagus grower from Peru, the fresh produce importer from Saudi Arabia, the packaging supplier from China, the seed producer from Israel, and the retail buyer from Finland – indeed all of those trade professionals from around the world who are preparing to make their way to Berlin from over 125 countries. It really is something quite special.
What do you do to unwind after a tough day at work?
GL: I invariably end up reading the news from around the world, either on the net or in the paper.
