The only international trade fair for fresh produce in Asia, set for Hong Kong in September, is set to be the biggest yet.
Asia Fruit Logistica is a spin-off of the biggest event in the industry’s calendar, held in Berlin every year.
The three-day show will run alongside the Asiafruit Congress, from September 10-12.
Organisers said they have had a surge in exhibitors this year, from countries across the world.
Exhibitor numbers are expected to be as much as 35 per cent higher on last year’s launch event in Bangkok.
Gérald Lamusse, managing director of GPE Global Produce Events GmbH, the joint-venture company which organises Asia Fruit Logistica, said: "Hong Kong is a major hub for the fresh fruit and vegetable business in Asia. Its proximity to the China market is vitally important, so much so that the amount of exhibition space reserved by Chinese fresh produce companies is already up by 45 per cent.
“China will be the largest single exhibiting country at Asia Fruit Logistica in 2008.”
The number of exhibitors from other parts of the world is also on the up.
Fresh produce exporters from the Netherlands are combining to form a major pavilion that will make the country second in size behind China at the event. The Dutch are also organising a study tour of China for their exporters in the run-up to the fair.
Registrations from Australia are up 82 per cent and from New Zealand are up 117 per cent.
New exhibitors from Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Israel, Malaysia and Pakistan will also take stands.
Lamusse said: “Hong Kong in September really is the place to be if you want to make your mark in Asia. Let's not forget that this is the world’s fastest growing market for fresh fruits and vegetable. It’s one of the reasons why Asia Fruit Logistica is growing so quickly.”
No comments yet