AGENDA

2023’s AGENDA

NEW TRENDS IN TROPICALS   

09:00-09:30
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING   

09:30-09:35
WELCOME ADDRESS 

09:35-10:15 SESSION 1

TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES   
Demand for tropicals is growing every year. Increased consumer interest in new flavours and varieties is creating new opportunities for global producers. How will the market shape up in the coming years? And how can suppliers make the most of new consumption potential? We take a look at the four most traded tropical fruits: avocado, pineapples, mangoes and papaya, to see how the trade is evolving. 

– Cindy van Rijswick, RABOBANK
– Desmond Jas, OLYMPIC FRUIT

10:15-10:30 NETWORKING BREAK   

10:30-11:00 SESSION 2

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR ETHICAL TRADE   
The last decade has brought big gains in ethical trade as more retailers and suppliers accept that improving working conditions in a global supply chain is a shared responsibility. But was this just a luxury of a booming economy? Leading suppliers look at how good working conditions can boost profits. 

– Simon Derrick, BLUE SKIES 

11:00-11:30 SESSION 3

MARKET GROWTH AND EVOLUTION   
Consumption of tropical and exotic fruit is growing steadily in Europe. But inflation is making consumers more cautious about their spending decisions. Our European retail and importer panel discuss how can the sector maintain price levels and tap into new marketing opportunities to ensure sustainable growth. 

– Maria Wieloch, ICA SWEDEN
– Avnish Malde, WEALMOOR 

11:30-11:45 NEWORKING BREAK   

11:45-12:30 SESSION 4

THE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE   
Consumers want more sustainable fruit. Companies need a robust framework to set sustainability goals and measure their progress. We look at some of the ways fresh produce companies are ensuring they make their own operations more sustainable while also contributing to the long-term future viability of the industry as a whole. 

– Xavier Roussel, DOLE
– Johnathan Sutton, WESTFALIA
– Lieselot van der Veken, PRO TERRA AGRO  

12:30-13:00 SESSION 5

BETTER FRUIT: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS   
New technologies are delivering improved quality and consistency and making tropical fruit production more sustainable. We take a look at some of the most exciting developments in the sector, from breeding through to retail, that are making fruit better.

– Tineke Van de Voorde, PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES
– Roland Wirth, FRIGOTEC 

13:00-14:00 NETWORKING LUNCH   

14:00-14:30 SESSION 6

RISING STARS: NEW PRODUCTS, NEW SUPPLIERS   
Peruvian pitahaya, Paraguayan persimmon and Colombian sugar mangoes are just some of the new products making their way to Europe right now. Closer to home, countries like Spain and Italy have spotted an opportunity to supply the European market with an ever-increasing array of domestically grown tropical fruits. How will this shape the market in the coming years? 

– Kaushal Khakhar, KAY BEE EXPORTS
– Clara Chico, ASPROCAN

14:30-15:30 CATEGORY SPOTLIGHTS   

AVOCADOS   
Citrosol presents the results of studies showing how its next-generation post-harvest treatments can minimise losses in avocados to maximise profits. 

– Benito Orihuel, CITROSOL 

MANGOES
Mangoes are typically sourced from a large number of small producers and managing quality and ripening can be difficult. AI-powered software can help control quality risk and manage uncertainties. 

– Daria Reisch, AGRINORM 

15:30-15:45 NETWORKING BREAK   

15:45

LIMES   
Global demand for fresh limes outstrips supply thanks to their increasing popularity in many culinary dishes and drinks. Which countries are lining up to feed Europe’s growing appetite in the years to come? 

– Peter Bouman, FRUIT MARKET INTERNATIONAL 

PAPAYAS
Papayas are gaining popularity in many countries. We look at how new, smaller hybrid varieties, effective communication on the health benefits of papayas and the development of European supply are driving demand for this product. 

– Jorge Ignacio Brotóns, BONNYSA  

16:45-17:00 SESSION 7

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: THE ROAD AHEAD FOR TROPICALS   
Consumers are developing an appetite for tropical fruit, driven by growing health and wellness trends and the search for new flavours. But rising costs, climate change and a move to more affordable options in these inflationary times is making life challenging for suppliers right now. We close Global Tropicals Congress with a look at effective strategies to build more sustainable supply chains that create long-term value for stakeholders. 

– Charles-Henri Deprez, GREENYARD

17:00-18:00 CLOSING DRINKS