A new trade fair for fresh-cut prepared produce will run alongside Fruit Logistica in Berlin on February 7-9, 2008. Some 60 fresh-cut convenience companies from 11 countries worldwide will be presenting their products and services at Freshconex on 2,400 sq m of display space in Halls 7.2a and 7.2b. Already confirmed as taking stands are Florette, Bakkavör, Agricoat Industries, 5eme Saison - 4G from France, Convenience AG and Fresh Factory from Germany, the Eisberg Group from Switzerland, Fructofresh from Poland, Dutch firms Hessing Supervers and W Heemskerk, Turatti from Italy and Univeg-Legumex Convenience from Belgium.

“With Freshconex we are offering the fast-growing fresh-cut convenience market its own unique information and business platform in Europe,” said a spokeswoman for Messe Berlin. “An important added benefit for trade professionals is the fact it is the only trade event of its kind that runs parallel to a major international fresh produce trade fair. The combination with Fruit Logistica gives fresh-cut convenience professionals who are visiting the trade fair a comprehensive overview of the opportunities to source raw materials for their value-added products and services.”

Preceding the show is the Freshconex Congress on February 6 focusing on key market trends in the fresh-cut sector and an analysis of the industry's impact both on food retail and on foodservice. The congress is organised by Eurofruit Magazine and the United Fresh Produce Association, the international association for the fresh-cut sector, and about 400 delegates are expected to attend. In addition Freshconex business forums will run alongside the three-day trade fair offering a series of concise presentations that highlight the latest innovations in the fresh-cut convenience industry. Topics covered are better technology, better marketing and better food safety. More information from www.freshconex.com