More than 13,000 trade visitors meet with some 760 exhibitors from 42 different countries and regions
Asia Fruit Logistica underlined its status as the premier international trade platform for Asia’s fresh fruit and vegetable business on 4-6 September 2024 with another high-energy, sell-out show in Hong Kong.
More than 13,000 trade visitors from over 70 different countries and regions attended Asia Fruit Logistica this year, according to the closing report from organiser Global Produce Events (GPE). Attendees took in an outstanding array of leading-edge products and services from over 760 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions.
“We are thrilled with the success of Asia Fruit Logistica 2024. Over the three days, we’ve seen incredible participation from exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders from across the globe,” said David Axiotis, managing director of GPE.
“The energy, innovation, and business growth opportunities here were unmatched. It’s truly rewarding to witness the fresh produce industry come together in such a dynamic way, driving forward the future of trade in Asia.”
Visitor and exhibitor survey results underlined the success of this year’s edition of Asia Fruit Logistica.
The first and second days of Asia Fruit Logistica were very busy. The organisers extended the hours on the second day in advance of a storm warning that delayed the opening of the third and final day of the trade show. But the extended hours at AsiaWorld-Expo on the final day (to 19:00hrs) enabled exhibitors and visitors to continue successful meetings.
More than 97 per cent of visitors reported a “good” or “very good” overall impression of Asia Fruit Logistica 2024. And 96 per cent of visitors said they would recommend their colleagues or business partners to exhibit at next year’s edition.
The exhibitor survey results confirmed the excellent business outcomes. Some 95.5 per cent of exhibitors said Asia Fruit Logistica 2024 was “good” or “very good”.
New national pavilions
Asia Fruit Logistica featured some 28 national or regional pavilions this year showcasing a wide range of innovations, including first-time pavilions from India, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Kyrgyzstan.
China was the single-largest exhibiting nation at Asia Fruit Logistica again this year, with exhibitor numbers increasing by 12 per cent compared with 2023. Also in the top five exhibiting countries were Australia, the USA, Egypt, and New Zealand.
Exhibitors and visitors were impressed by the global and regional reach of Asia Fruit Logistica.
“Asia Fruit Logistica is the most influential trade show for the industry in Asia,” said Vivian Wang, marketing director of Dole China, which exhibited together with Dole Asia. “Whether in terms of foot traffic, exhibitor scale, or level of global participation, it is a crucial annual event for Dole China and Dole Asia. It allows us to efficiently and intensively engage with a large number of high-quality suppliers.
“Asia Fruit Logistica is also attracting an increasing number of domestic fruit companies from China, who may be looking to enter the export business or showcase their strength on the international stage,” she added. “It further highlights the exhibition’s growing influence in China.”
Opening Gala Dinner
Asia Fruit Logistica kicked off with a joint Gala Dinner on the evening of Tuesday 3 September – co-hosted with official wholesale market partners – Guangzhou Jiangnan Agricultural Group and Shanghai Huizhan Fruit and Vegetable Market – and knowledge partner Asiafruit Magazine. More than 1,000 exhibitors, buyers and fresh produce key players enjoyed an evening of entertainment and networking at a spectacular location on Hong Kong’s harbour front.
Retailer’s Club benefits buyers and suppliers
Asia Fruit Logistica launched the ‘Retailer’s Club’ this year to enrich business and networking opportunities for visitors and exhibitors.
Only 100 top global retailers were selected to join the Retailer’s Club. Members were granted a full-access pass to Asia Fruit Logistica, exclusive access to the Retailer’s Club Lounge, and an invitation to the Opening Gala Dinner.
Retail buyers also benefited from Asia Fruit Logistica’s Speed Dating and Match Making services. It comprised a programme of more than 60 face-to-face meetings with leading companies, which supplied the exact products and services they needed.
“Participating in the Asia Fruit Logistica Retailer’s Club was an exceptional experience for us. It provided invaluable opportunities to engage with prospective suppliers from regions far beyond our own borders,” said Takatoshi Niwa, merchandiser of the Fruits & Vegetables Department at Belc Co in Japan.
Statements
Visitors
Hendry Sim, vice director, Laris Manis Utama (Indonesia)
“We brought three of our teams instead of two to Asia Fruit Logistica this year. So many of our suppliers are here in one place, it’s too good an opportunity to pass up. Our meetings have been back-to-back.”
Andy Lam, general manager, Shanghai Faith Intl Trade Co (China)
“Asia Fruit Logistica is considered an event of the highest quality for this industry, providing a great opportunity for everyone to communicate and understand each other’s developments and trends. I noticed many companies that didn’t have booths before are now starting to set up their own. Everyone is continuously breaking new ground.”
Robert Quinn, general manager of sales, RD8 (New Zealand)
“As a visitor, we’ve found the show to be well-attended and there’s a good range of attendees here. We feel a lot more positivity among our customers than we expected given the recent economic slowdown and cost-of-living pressures.”
Thao Nguyen, business manager, Hoang Phat Fruit (Vietnam)
“We can meet everyone at Asia Fruit Logistica. Industry stakeholders across the whole supply chain are here to network, explore new business opportunities and see the latest innovations. Even a typhoon cannot stop us from meeting up!”
Anup Karwa, executive board member, Innoterra (India)
“This stellar event gave Innoterra a fantastic opportunity to connect with global industry leaders and explore scaling our latest innovations of crop disease management in horticulture. The knowledge-packed event provided a launchpad for BanacXin and InnoGreen technologies in global markets. We are grateful to all of our partners, event organisers, and collaborators for making this journey possible.”
Exhibitors
Sophie Wang, founder and CEO, Huaxin Agriculture (China)
“Once again, there is a very lively atmosphere at Asia Fruit Logistica. I can clearly feel foreign exporters are paying a great deal of attention to the changes in China’s retail market. China’s regions are vast, and it’s challenging for foreign exporters to fully understand the market in one go. However, through a platform like Asia Fruit Logistica, people can come together to communicate and exchange ideas thoroughly. This helps them gain a better understanding of the changes occurring in the Chinese market and how to better align with future development trends.”
Giovanni Misanelli, director, Assomela (Italy)
“Assomela organised a stand at Asia Fruit Logistica together with its three main members VIP-Val Venosta, Vog, and Melinda – grouped together as From. We had important meetings during the exhibition, mostly with colleagues from European associations, Italian institutions in Hong Kong, and several foreign players who met our members to develop markets in Asian countries. This market remains highly important for Italian apples.”
Roger Horak, founder, United Exports (Australia)
“I think the show gets more important and more mature every year. The quality of the stands and the exhibitors is even better than last year. It has become an important stop for anybody in the business that’s serious about Asia.”
Angelo Costanzo, director, Valleyfresh North America (US)
“Although the show could not open on the last morning, we were able to reschedule our meetings that day as well as seeing customers before it reopened. So we actually got more out of the event! The week’s been good. We can see the real buyers are here. This event has also become very important for meeting with our Chilean and Peruvian suppliers about the upcoming seasons as well as with our Asian customers.”
Sara Grasso, export manager, Oranfrizer (Italy)
“The fair was very lively. On our stand, there were visitors from various countries across Asia. In strategic terms, the event is an important opportunity to plan sales of kiwifruit, apples, and plums in the Asian markets. Long transit times from Italy represent a challenge for exports of our fruit and vegetables to Asia, but all the same we find a favourable market in the region.”
Kaushal Khakhar, chief executive, Kay Bee Exports (India)
“We’re very happy with the show. The products we have to offer are very interesting for the visitors here, so we have been able to get the most out of the event.”
Sarah Liversage, marketing manager - APAC, Tomra Food (New Zealand)
“Overall, the event proved to be another success. Asia Fruit Logistica is an essential industry platform and meeting point for Tomra Food. It enables us to meet with customers and colleagues from around the world in one place.”
Kevin Au Yeung, Asia market manager, RK Growers (Hong Kong)
“Our new Samboa apple and Kikoka yellow kiwifruit from Italy stole the show at Asia Fruit Logistica 2024! Our team was inundated with interest and had a non-stop three days meeting with potential buyers.”
Sharon Kirk, international marketing, Southern Fruits and Ardgour Valley (New Zealand)
“It was great to finish on a high. We were able to carry momentum through every day and the fact we were able to get an extra couple of hours to fit in meetings that ran the risk of being missed was valuable. Thank you to the Asia Fruit Logistica organising team, and all those that made the journey to meet with us.”
