Fruit Today interviewed Silvia de Juanes, the trade fair’s Communication Manager for Spain and Latin America
Last year, Fruit Logistica had over 3,000 exhibitors for the very first time. What are the forecasts for this year?
The trade fair will once again bring together over 3,000 exhibitors, amongst them companies that represent the entire chain of value: from the seed companies to the retailers, although the focus continues to be centred on the producers, marketers and buyers. The elements involved in the success are really simple: we guarantee to offer the best business and innovation opportunities, and the best information for the worldwide fresh produce business.
Spain has an important presence at the Fair. What percentage does it currently represent?
This year an even greater Spanish participation is expected. It is already excellent and it reflects the highly important role that Spanish producers and suppliers play in the inter-institutional supply chain of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is natural for Spain to occupy a prominent place amongst the three main supplier countries, along with Italy and the Netherlands.
There is an important boom in ecological produce, how is this being dealt with at the fair?
By responding to the consumers’ demand, the “Organic” segment offers great potential to boost sales in the retail food sector. Follow me! is the slogan for a system that allows certified organic produce suppliers to be located quickly, directly and accurately. Using a special on-line service, professional visitors can create their own routes and easily identify organic produce suppliers.
The different conferences are amongst the fair’s most important values. Which topics will they cover at this edition?
This year’s programme starts off with the “Fruitnet World of Fresh Ideas”, which presents the latest trends and innovations in the world of fresh produce. This is followed by the “Fresh Produce Forum”, which covers a series of key challenges being faced by the industry.
There is also the “Future Lab”, which highlights some of the most interesting produce, services and trends during their conceptual phase. Additionally, information may be obtained about the new developments in the logistics of refrigeration at the “Logistics Hub”; seeing an advance of what will be tomorrow’s technology in the “Tech Stage” and passing through the “Frutic Symposium” to listen to how the use of water is optimised in the supply chain of fresh produce.
Finally, what challenges does Fruit Logistica expect over the next few years?
For the first time we will publish the “Statistics Handbook”, which is a guide where value is given to the production, exports and imports corresponding to the leading European markets.
On the other hand, the Fruit Logistica family is working on the launch of China Fruit Logistica, specialising in fresh produce, which will take place for the first time in Shanghai from the 14th to the 16th of May.
