FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022 is bringing together the UK fresh fruit and vegetable business on Wednesday 8 June at an outdoor site in the heart of the Kent countryside for a fun-filled midsummer’s day of insight, networking, live events, as well as exclusive visits and tours.
Berry Gardens is throwing open its doors to host FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022 on a two-acre lawn next to its newly built soft-fruit packing and distribution facility near Maidstone, Kent.
Leading berry and cherry supplier Berry Gardens opened its doors to the new £20 million eco-friendly fruit packing and storage facility in 2019, just before the beginning of the pandemic. Exclusive tours of the 150,000 sq ft facility are scheduled for FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022, alongside potential visits to the Robot Highways project at nearby Clock House Farm to see the future of horticultural automation in action and to meet the team from Saga Robotics.
Chief executive Nick Allen said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Festival of Fresh 2022 to Berry Gardens on our 50th anniversary as a co-operative. It is going to be wonderful to bring everyone together again after what has been a very challenging few years.
'It will be the perfect opportunity for us all to catch up and share best practice, alongside listening and learning from some of the most forward-thinking individuals and businesses in the sector. No matter who you are in the industry, this event will have something for everyone, allowing us all to celebrate what we have achieved, whilst also discussing the future of the industry in an ever-changing and dynamic consumer environment.”
A business event with a festival feel
FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022 features two conference marquees for talks and insights from fresh produce business leaders, plus a host of exhibition stalls and fresh produce displays by leading businesses from at home and abroad, and a networking area with lots of food and drink and chat to enjoy in the open air.
The ‘Inspiration Tent’ features talks and discussions with industry leaders from across the supply, retail, wholesale, policy, and other sectors. It also hosts FPJ Life Stories, one-on-one chats with interesting people in the business to bring new inspiration and ideas. The ‘Innovation Tent’ features a showcase of new and innovative solutions to some of the big challenges for fresh produce businesses today and tomorrow.
Key themes of the day include The Road to Net Zero, Better Business – how to manage cost increases and labour requirements, Marketing & Branding, and New Ways with Retail. FPJ’s prestigious award winners are also to be celebrated.
“FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022 promises to be a fun day that celebrates everything that is best about the fresh produce business in the UK,” said FPJ managing director Chris White. “There is something for everyone at FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022, plus the chance to catch up in person with everyone in the business.”
A range of sponsor packages is available and offers great opportunities to get the best exposure before, during, and after FESTIVAL OF FRESH 2022. For more information, contact us at advertising@fpj.co.uk.
FESTIVAL OF FRESH is organised by the Fresh Produce Journal with the support of the NFU, British Growers, British Apples & Pears, British Summer Fruits, the National Fruit Show and the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.
