The second edition of Asia Fruit Logistica will take place in Hong Kong, from September 10-12, 2008.
The first running of the sister extension to the hugely influential Fruit Logistica, held in Berlin each February, was organised by GPE Global Produce Events GmbH in Bangkok, Thailand, three months ago. Next year’s venue will be the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The three-day trade fair and conference event attracted exhibitors from 25 countries worldwide and more than 3,000 trade visitors from more than 50 different countries. Asia accounted for some two-thirds of the total numbers of exhibitors and visitors at the trade fair.
"Hong Kong is a vitally important hub for the Asian fresh fruit and vegetable business," explained Gérald Lamusse, managing director of GPE Global Produce Events GmbH. "Not only is the city important as a regional trading hub for the fresh produce sector in Asia, but also as a gateway for China. It's a first-class location for our event."
Exhibitors are already signing up for stand space at Hong Kong's premier convention and exhibition centre and Lamusse reports strong interest from both individual companies and national organisations. He expects to see good growth in numbers of exhibitors and visitors after this year's successful launch.
"Our launch event in Bangkok last September proved that there is a strong demand for a focused trade fair in Asia," said Lamusse. "Our event in Hong Kong in September 2008 will build on the excellent start we have made.
"Demand for exhibition space is very strong so to guarantee your space at next year's trade fair we recommended that you book early," he added.
Asia Fruit Logistica runs alongside the Asiafruit Congress, the leading fresh produce business conference for the region, organised by Asiafruit Magazine. The Asiafruit Congress attracted more than 600 delegates to Bangkok last year and expects to sign up similar numbers once again in 2008.
"China's continuing development as a major supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to Asia and the rest of the world as well as its importance as a rapidly-developing market for imported fresh produce are going to be key features of our conference programme this year," said Asiafruit Magazine's editor John Hey.
The Asiafruit Congress will take place for registered delegates every morning from 9am to 1pm and Asia Fruit Logistica will open to visitors from 1pm until 6pm every afternoon.
For more information, go to ww.asiafruitlogistica.com
