International bookings for World Food Moscow are reportedly up 80 per cent compared with the same time last year, despite the obvious difficulties being faced in the current trading climate.
According to event director Tony Higginson, the economic downturn has apparently not dampened enthusiasm for promoting fresh produce imports to the Russian market.
'In fact, feedback from our exhibitors suggests that many feel now is the time to increase their promotional activities in the region, indicating that they are still strong in the market and enabling them to make the most of the opportunity to increase their market share,' he said.
In 2009, the event's fresh produce halls will be presented as World Fruits Moscow, anindependent exhibition within World Food Moscow.
'World Fruits Moscow aiims to be the central meeting place oftrade partnersofthe industry, both established ones and newcomers tothe industry,' added Mr Higginson.
Among the latest companies to confirm their participation at this year's event are ABIPECS (Brazil), SCG (Brazil), Banana Exchange of Ecuador (Ecuador), Aguas Claras (US), Azienda Agrícola san Michele (Italy), Due Erre (Italy), Italexport (Italy), Le Quattro Stagioni (Italy), Nava (Italy), Kopfsalat Trade (Spain), Sadruddin (Pakistan) and Korea Agro-fisheries (Korea).
Thai group DEP has also booked for the event and has increased the size of its stand compared with the one it took in 2008.
Last year’s World Food Moscow was widely regarded as a huge success, growing by an impressive 12 per cent.
The event featured 1,308 exhibitors from a total of 63 countries, with a vast array of food products from around the world attracting an attendance of 45,250.
