isitors to this year’s event can catch up on the latest issues, challenges and trends through numerous workshops, seminars and podium discussions. The 32nd Fresh Produce Forum, which takes place a day before the exhibition on 5 February, will focus on the subject ‘New formats and new looks for the supermarket sector – where is the retail trade going?’

Six hall forums organised by Düsseldorf-based Fruchthandel Magazine are spread out over the three exhibition days. The topics include ‘Category management in eight easy steps’ and ‘An overview of certification’ (6 February); ‘Quality control – creating trust in international trade’ and ‘Global production and consumption of apples, the consumer’s favourite fruit’ (7 February); as well as ‘How to handle crisis management – update 2013’ and ‘Innovation in the fresh produce industry – communication at POS (8 February).

Outstanding achievements from all areas of the fresh fruit and vegetable business will also be recognised by leading industry awards: the Fruchthandel Magazine Retail Award (5 February) and the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (8 February).

KEY EVENTS AT FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 AT A GLANCE

32nd FRESH PRODUCE FORUM

Tuesday, 5 February, 3.30pm-7pm, ICC Berlin (Hall 15.2)

New formats and new looks for the supermarket sector – where is the retail trade going?

Nothing is permanent except change, especially in the food trade. From the full-range supermarket to the hard discounter, all players in the retail sector continue to work on their image. With new formats, new shop designs, a wider selection of brand products among discounters – all aimed at conveying a message of quality to the consumer.

But what do these new developments mean for the consumer? What can be done to attract shoppers more effectively? How can new media play a role? Can margins for the entire value chain be improved? How can suppliers get involved?

Experts from all areas of the business will look at these latest trends and discuss the options for the future.

The 32nd Fresh Produce Forum also hosts the Fruchthandel Magazine Retail Award presentation. This will be followed by an analysis by research organisation GfK of its consumer survey on the most popular fresh produce departments in the supermarket retail sector.

CATEGORY MANAGEMENT IN EIGHT EASY STEPS

Wednesday, 6 February, 11am-12pm, Hall 7.2b, Hall Forum

Category management is still the keyword when it comes to maximising co-operation between partners in the value chain. Faced with customers’ increasing demands for quality coupled with tighter margins and enormous cost pressure at all levels of trade, optimally managing this product group is more important than ever. Questions posed include: What are the best concepts; where can they be applied; and which steps must be taken by the trade at each stage in the value chain?

CERTIFICATION - AN OVERVIEW

Wednesday 6 February, 3pm-4pm, Hall 7.2b, Hall Forum

The same questions are asked time and again: Which certification do I need exactly? Which makes the most sense? Can these certifications be combined? Some of the answers are, of course, prescribed by retailers.

Nevertheless, this still raises the question of how companies can work together more effectively in this area. Experts will explain what is necessary and how this can be most easily achieved.

Quality control – creating trust in international trade

Thursday, 7 February, 11am-12pm, Hall 7.2b, Hall Forum

What measures are necessary along the supply chain, from producer to consumer, to ensure that consumers are not only offered fruit and vegetables that are both fresh and tasty, but also to ensure the necessary safety levels? What measures and quality control systems make a supplying country into an internationally respected and dependable trade partner? How should feedback and reporting best be handled in response to complaints and how important is interaction among those involved?

Apples – the consumer’s favourite: global production and consumption

Thursday, 7 February, 3pm-4pm, Hall 7.2b, Hall Forum

Apples are among consumers’ favourite fruits, not only in Germany, but all over the world. International experts will provide an overview of the current situation and trends in global production and consumption in Europe, the southern hemisphere as well as in other important supply and consumer countries. What do consumers want? What new varieties will soon hit the market? Which varieties are losing importance? Where is production being expanded or reduced? How can the trade adapt?

How to handle crisis management – update 2013

Friday, 8 February, 11am-12pm, Hall 7.2b, Hall Forum

Problems and crises can never be entirely eliminated. It is therefore best to be prepared. The importance of transparency, quick analysis, and information was once again an issue last year. Germany reacted with the creation of a new task force. How will it work? What does it mean for traders in the value chain and for the international fruit and vegetable business as a whole? —