The Netherlands is planning its biggest ever appearance at Fruit Logistica next year when it will feature as the partner country of the international event. Held in Berlin, the fresh-produce trade exhibition will run from February 8-10 and the Netherlands will be represented by some 150 exhibitors with displays covering more than 5,000m2 of indoor space.

The country's presence is a joint initiative sponsored by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Holland Produce Promotion and the Flower Council of Holland. The Netherlands trade relations with Germany alone add up to €13 billion of agricultural exports annually and the share of fresh produce is some 32 per cent. Half of all tomatoes grown in the Netherlands are sent to Germany and two-thirds of all cucumbers. Germany also represents Europe's largest market for cut flowers and potted plants.

Fruit and vegetables are grown on 100,000 hectares in the Netherlands where more than 12,000 companies harvest 4.5 million tonnes of fresh produce annually. Around two-thirds of these crops are exported. Nearly 3.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables are imported each year, most of which is subsequently re-exported. There are more than 1,200 produce companies operating in the Netherlands.

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