Companies belonging to Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli (CSO), the Italian marketing and research organisation, will once again be present at Fruit Logistica on the always impressive Piazza Italia, which is set to return this year with a completely revamped design.
The stand will, as in previous years, provide an eye-catching centrepiece for the Italian fresh produce sector during the course of the event, at which the country is now the clear leader in terms of the number of exhibitors taking part.
According to Alessandra Ravaioli, marketing manager at CSO, a lot of work has gone into refreshing the design of the 900m2 piazza, which incorporates individual areas for 28 of the group’s members as well as meeting points, hospitality facilities and even a small auditorium. “The stand has been completed renovated in terms of layout and graphics, with a more modern feel and more technology involved,’ she explains.
However, the function of Piazza Italia remains unchanged: “The Italian fresh produce piazza hasn’t given up its traditional role as a meeting point,” explains Ms Ravaioli. “The companies taking part, which represent the best of Italian production, will meet other industry players in the usual welcoming setting.”
A kitchen and bar area will be available for exhibitors and their guests, something which Ms Ravaioli says will make for an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere – a welcome contrast to the fair’s frenetic pace.
As well as a healthy dose of business networking and gastronomy, meanwhile, visitors to Piazza Italia can also attend a series of interesting meetings and conferences. Taking part will be several of the Italian fresh produce industry’s leading lights, alongside key representatives from other parts of the European Union.
“Today, Piazza Italia is a meeting point for Italian producers which highlights innovations that will be introduced to the market during 2011, both in terms of products and in terms of how the supply chain is organised,” adds Ms Ravaioli.
