Fruit Logistica is vital to the future of society, claimed Alexander Müller, under secretary at the Federal ministry of consumer protection, as he opened the show.
“If our society is to have a future, we need fruit and vegetables, and that is why we need this fair.”
He said in collaboration with the fresh produce sector, politicians must endeavour to ensure fruit and vegetables are a trend that is embraced by children and young people.
This also means continued improvements in quality, not only to strengthen consumer confidence in fruit and vegetables as a healthy food but also to maintain access to important sales markets.
Dieter Brandes, former chief executive and member of the board of management of Aldi Nord explained what the fruit trade could learn from Aldi. “The corporate culture is the key to success. And for Aldi this means simplicity”.
He said the trade should demonstrate the “courage to exploit the gaps”.
Customers appreciate a limited but clearly and easily understandable range. “If one always focuses attention on the benefits to the customer the profits will come of their own accord,” added Brandes.
Harald Wolf, senator for economics, labour and women’s affairs, said he was particularly pleased with the steady increase in the numbers of foreign exhibitors at Fruit Logistica, which now accounts for 83 per cent of the total.
As a leading international trade fair for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe too, this year's event again confirmed its position as the pre-eminent centre for the entire trade.
