Delegates can now register online for Fruitnet Forum Colombia, a brand new networking event that will shine a spotlight on one of Latin America’s most dynamic new suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Producers, exporters, marketers and buyers will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Latin America’s fastest growing fresh produce suppliers at this special two-day conference and networking event which takes place on 26 and 27 June 2018 at the Hilton Hotel, Bogotá.
The networking event, which comprises a one-day conference and a day business-to-business meetings and study visits, provides a unique snapshot of the fruit and vegetable market from the perspective of suppliers and buyers, focusing on the potential for increasing Colombia’s fresh exports as well as boosting sales of imported produce in this emerging consumer market.
New winners, new markets
The conference programme starts with a plenary session “Why Colombia?” in which Alvaro Palacio of Asohofrucol, and Felipe Fonseca of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide an in-depth look at the current state of Colombia’s fresh produce industry and why it is such an attractive prospect for investors.
Afterwards, Nigel West of UK importer and distributor Tropical Direct, who has been sourcing fresh fruit from Colombia for more than 30 years, will take part in a special session that seeks to identify future export winners. Noris Ledesma of Florida’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a specialist in tropical fruits, will give a presentation on the key trends in mangoes and the varieties that offer the best potential for Colombian growers. Javier Eduardo Parra of Rijk Zwaan will explore the potential for melons.
As Colombia continues to gain wider access to new markets in Asia, unlocking the potential that exists across Asia will also be a key theme during the conference. Eric Zheng of Goodfarmer, one of China’s biggest banana importers, will explore the opportunities for Colombia to grow its share of the Chinese market, while Heidi Zhang of Shanghai Supafresh will outline the potential of one of the world’s fastest growing avocado markets.
Europe, too, affords plenty of opportunities for growth, not least in new markets like Poland and Scandinavia. Importers from these, and other key European markets will give their insight into the challenges and opportunities Colombia faces.
Mihai Ciobanu of UK-based Fresh4cast will provide in-depth look of the global market for avocados, mangoes, blueberries and pineapples, analysis historical production, export and import data and forecasting future trends.
During the afternoon, separate sessions will focus on two of Colombia’s star exports, bananas and avocados. In both cases, leading grower-exporters and European and Asian importers will discuss the factors likely to drive Colombia’s expansion in the coming years.
This will be followed by a session looking at what drives consumer purchasing habits.
As competition on the international market intensifies, exporters will become increasingly reliant on innovations to give them the competitive edge. Fruitnet Forum Colombia will also present some of the key developments in the pre- and post-harvest and agri-tech arenas from global players such as Decco Worldwide that will help give Colombian exporters the edge.
Further information and registration are available on Fruitnet Forum Colombia website.
