Fruit Logistica 2009 battled through “difficult financial times” to re-enforce its role as the focus of the fruit industry with a record number of exhibitors despite a drop-off in the increase of visitors.
A record-breaking 2288 exhibitors from 80 countries made an appearance at the Berlin trade show but the number of visitors failed to increase from 2008’s 50,000. Numbers had been steadily increasing with a 16 per cent increase last year but it is thought that financial reasons and the recent weather conditions played their part in a drop-off.
Exhibition executive, Dr Christian Göke, said: "Fruit Logistica continues to gain importance in the international produce trade. There was no trace of crisis in the air this year.
“Despite difficult financial times, the industry's leading trade fair confirmed its status as the leading marketing platform for all players in the global value chain. The event provided an important impetus to the fresh produce business."
The share of international trade visitors increased to 80 per cent from 75 per cent last year with 25 per cent of visitors travelling as far as the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
The event was officially opened by Ilse Aigner, Germany's federal minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection and also attended by Marigén Hornkohl minister of Agriculture from this year’s partner country, Chile.
"Many consumers in Germany know the price of fruit and vegetables, but unfortunately are not aware of the value," said Aigner who is promoting the "5 am Tag" (5 A DAY) campaign to help narrow the gap between the current reality in Germany and the country's goal. A European Union school fruit programme is currently being implemented in the federal states of Germany.
Stuart Symington of South Africa's Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, said: "In today’s challenging financial times, Fruit Logistica pulled out all the stops to foster confidence and build relationships in the global fresh produce industry”.
Dalia Kabeel, portfolio manager for the Egyptian Exporters’ Association, said: "Export sales of fruit and vegetables from Egypt add up to €100 million (£87m) per year, 70 per cent of this amount is generated by companies during the three days [of the event]”.
The second edition of the Freshconex trade fair, which runs concurrently with Fruit Logistica at the Messe Berlin exhibition centre, was also a success. More than 70 exhibitors from 13 countries presented a broad spectrum of products and services. Nine out of ten Freshconex exhibitors reported a positive overall impression of the event with 94 per cent of the trade visitors intending to recommend the fair to their colleagues or business associates.
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