The fourth edition of Freshconex, Europe's only trade fair for the fresh produce convenience segment, has proved a success, attracting a higher number of visitors than the previous edition in 2010.

From 9-11 February, more than 11,000 industry experts from across the globe (up from 7,000 in 2010) came to obtain a concentrated market overview of products and services, offered by 100 exhibitors from 18 different countries.

As part of the three-day trade fair, the Freshconex Business Forum, which was organised by Fresh Convenience Magazine and the United Fresh Produce Association and runs alongside Fruit Logistica in Berlin, presented information on the latest trends in fresh convenience products via a range of expert speakers.

Event organiser Messe Berlin said in a new release that most Freshconex exhibitors participated in the trade fair to meet new customers, present their companies and build their image, strengthen existing customer customer relations and present information to an audience of trade specialists.

According to the group, more than 84 per cent reported positive results from their participation at the trade fair, with some 40 per cent able to achieve new orders and 82 per cent saying that they expected very good or at least satisfactory post-trade fair business.

More than 82 per cent of Freshconex trade visitors came from outside Germany, with most coming from EU countries (75 per cent), primarily Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

Five per cent travelled to Berlin from other European countries, 8 per cent came from the Americas, 6 per cent from Africa, 5 per cent from Asia, and 1 per cent from Australia and Oceania.