Fruit Logistica 2024 is over and done and. Three days of networking, strolling around, and, for us, snapping photos, is now coming to an conclusion. Participants were generally happy. The protests and strikes that took place within and around Berlin sure made traveling less convenient, however people were able to get to the hall of exhibitions, that was filled throughout the day. “Fruit Logistica is the ideal opportunity to connect with customers” was a frequent comment from the attendees. Here is the URL to photo reports from those of the Dutch and Belgian firms that deal in fruit and vegetables. The international photos will be released later in the day.
Click here to view the International Photo Report of Fruit Logistica
Fruit Logistica continues to draw a lot of Dutch attendees and exhibitors. “You have a chance to talk with many suppliers however for buyers visiting Berlin is an absolute must,” one exhibitor says. Holland Fresh Group celebrated its 25th year. Holland Fresh Group celebrated its 25th year of participation. There was a lot to discuss in the discussion, from the limited access to many imported fruits as well as exotics and open-field veggies to the growing export of pear and the effects of the delayed deliveries coming from Asia as a result of the Red Sea crisis. The effects of conflict on Israel is evidently different depending on the group. Along with a variety of debuts, Limgroup’s very first strawberry varieties that were derived from seed has attracted attention. Also, Fresh Forward’s Wurtwinning brand name was Apple, Bloss at the trade event.
European farmers protests
The Belgian attendees, the majority of which were typically a part of the Belgian pavilion located in Hall 27 were happy as well. Even though some felt it was isolated – the visitors on their first day were unsure of how to locate the Belgians The booths were packed on the Thursday. One of the main topics for discussion was the protests by farmers which ended shortly before the opening of the fair. However, “I expect they’ll be again on the streets soon therefore we must get ready,” one trader told us. A lot of exhibitors have said that even though they understand the motivation of the protests by farmers but the blockades annoy them significantly.
The Berlin event is also an opportunity to display their innovative designs and packaging. Bart Nemegheer of De Aardappelhoeve is one example. He was thrilled with the rebound in sale of fresh potatoes this year. It was something Warnez was aware of as well. They also introduced a new potato brand too. We’ll talk about it to come. Tomeco’s Tom Verdonck also tested the people’s opinion on the Sweetest Queen tomatoes under a brand new Frieda design. Apart from these developments however, there were other familiar exhibits including Rubis Gold apples from the Devos stand and an Qtee on display at Fruithandel Wouters and Elite tomatoes of newcomer Elite Foods.
Fruit Logistica back to pre-pandemic stage
In spite of the strike at the airport and consequently, the cancellation of flight cancellations, thousands of people from around the globe attended the event. The numbers of visitors were excellent in the Halls 20 and 21 that, like usual included the largest number of German as well as Austrian exhibitors, with the highest attendance during the first two days. Certain exhibitors reported that attendance are back to pre-pandemic levels. The three-day festival held in Berlin has been progressively in comparison to Fruit Attraction in Madrid. This is certainly growing in popularity, with some segments of the industry assessing its fall date to be especially favorably. However, this growth does not come at the expense that of Fruit Logistica. Instead The two exhibits complement and strengthen each in a way, which means that each has a legitimate right to be there.
Artificial intelligence has increased the technological advancements in this sector. This is especially evident within the mechanical engineering sector. A variety of AI-related processes were consequently, displayed during Fruit Logistica, such as Frigotec’s most recent Softripe process for pineapples that are ripening as well as Kronen’s robot-driven process for processing avocados. In addition to the traditional FLIA Innovation Award, a distinct Technology Award was presented for the first time in this year. One of the recipients was Hepro’s self-service “Spargel to Peel’ asparagus peeling device.
It was also more than enough to be discussed at the years Fruit Logistica. The impacts of the pandemic the conflict situation in Israel as well as Ukraine as well as local issues such increasing tolls as well as minimum wage as well as ambitious targets for organic growth as well as a generally strained political circumstances dominated the debates at the event and in the events in the evening. The German production of fruits, however is a highly modern and innovative. It is also willing to be a part of the development of new concepts and concepts. For instance, the newest Bloss apple idea, which is an international partnership that Germany’s German industries of apple have taken part.
Fewer French companies
The French pavilion was home to less companies in this year’s edition: 75, compared to the 98 that were in 2023. The majority of attendees were pleased at the shift in hall (in 2023 the hall was 22 – which is the historical French hall). Visitors were more numerous and the overall atmosphere was better. This year, a lot of attendees complained that they felt the exhibit hall appeared to be “empty.” They also felt that the initial day was busier than second day.
The first time that Rungis International Market was the first time that Rungis International Market shared a booth together with an exhibit from the French National Federation of Wholesale Markets as well as the World Union of Wholesale Markets. The most popular topics that were discussed at the market were issues facing the sector of chicory (phytosanitary solutions are slowly disappearing as there’s an absence of alternatives) and the decrease in yield due to the flooding that has occurred that have affected northern France. Those floods affected carrot growers, too. The issue of the agriculture blockades and crisis was in the forefront of discussion and discussions, with particular emphasis on the future of agriculture. A few exhibitors showed the new varieties which were introduced during the final quarter of 2023. They included Frutastic by Gautier Semences and Eden Gold pear that was grown by Escande Nursery.
Unnerving Spanish cultivation
While Spain’s popularity has declined in recent times, the country recovered and was one of the top of the three countries, following that of the Netherlands as well as Italy. An Spanish firm was again present on the Innovation Awards podium, this year being the winner. This was Unica of Almeria which was awarded the award for its novel vegetable Zucchiolo created by Ifapa as well as Beyond Seeds. There were other new items that made an impression, including Anecoop’s latest Pea-mole Guacamole made mostly of avocado and peas that has more proteins and less fat as compared to conventional Guacamole.
Spanish guests and attendees are optimistic and pleased at the events, but they didn’t hide their worries about the difficulties that face their Spanish countryside. This is due to the increasing costs for production and is “choking” especially cooperatives and also the extreme droughts in many major production areas that span from the north to the south. The fair was Fruit Logistica, there were farmers’ demonstrations and roadblocks across many Spanish provinces. They expressed their diverse, varying opinions. At the fair, the strategic alliance between two large fruit cooperatives from Lleida, Actel and Fruits de Ponent was officially announced. Together, they’ll treat more than 110,000 tons of mostly stone fruits. The Spanish food and vegetable industry is expanding through the creation of huge organizations.
Contact, upon appointment only at the largest Italian businesses
Comparatively to other editions there were around a hundred more Italian firms in the 2024 edition of Fruit Logistica. A spokesperson from a major business association states that the 2024 event did not get as much attention as previous years, but it was still informative. There were good relationships between companies as everyone knew that this event is only through appointment, and that they were having it organized in the months prior. It is now a time for people to visit trade shows in order to meet potential clients is over in the case of large businesses. One of the main reasons behind the smaller number of Italian people attending are the lower investment as well as a general discontent about the high costs not just at the show but throughout the city (cabs and hotels, restaurant). Some people feel that it will not work with the supermarket schedules.
There isn’t much of UK website, yet very happy with its location
The United Kingdom was also not quite as attractively presented. However, those that were present on the best British exhibits in Hall 5.2 and 5.2, were thrilled with the high traffic area. Companies that produce potatoes said they are expecting to be out of potatoes in the next few months, and they will need look to import potatoes. The seed potato farmers experienced a healthier crop and sucked up the bulk of their crops before the torrential rains struck the nation.
The demand for soft fruits was limited than normal during January but there is a surge in demand in the days as Valentine’s Day approaches. Machinery companies report that it has had a busy year and high demand, as businesses keep moving towards automation. Technology for yield forecasting and robotics are seeing improvements and a rise in the demand for.
Poland is celebrating 15 years of being a part of a exhibit
The Polish attendees had something to be proud of: they’ve held a national joint booth since 1995. The majority of the time, there are apple merchants who are aware of potential on market opportunities in South American market, as shipping to Asia is much more difficult in this time of. With South Americans harvesting their own apple, the traders were searching to find new opportunities. Hall 21 was full of people. Because of the price of apples Many exporters view the season as successful however, their expenses are also rising dramatically.
The Turkish traders were pleased to not have been present at CityCube in the past. Following a number of complains, there was quite a large contingent of Turkish merchants and the Hall 27 area seemed to be a hit with everyone. Visitors and traders alike showed to the event and were served Doner sandwiches for lunch. In the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated last year and subsequent quake, business has continued to be very successful despite the nation’s escalating inflation. Prices are enormous, however their products also come at a premium. Turkish apple producers that export their products mostly to India are facing a larger issue. The process takes a lot longer and costs more for the apples to reach their final destination.
There was plenty of activity in Hall 5.2 in which the Portuguese people could be spotted. This was an excellent hall to wander through with many market possibilities. After a difficult pear harvest The exhibitors are hoping they will have a better experience this year. The issue of water is a constant for farmers in Portugal however, traders see an increase in interest from Europe for Portuguese exports. Additionally, they trade mostly with Brazil.
The Greeks resided in the hall 1.1. for several years. It was a large space, however without a lot of visitors as they themselves admit. In Hall 8.2 they found their market. They had plenty of citrus watermelon and kiwi displayed and in the hall, the Greek booths attracted a lot of attention. The volume of traffic in Hall 7.2c was noticeable as the hall was frequently crowded within the small space. In spite of the logistics challenges associated with exporting to Asia The Greeks had plenty of potential within Europe during the course of this season.
Positive North American exhibitors
Hall 23 was always the most North American exhibitors’ home place, with apples citrus, pears exotic/tropical fruits sweet potato, nuts as well as packaging, all of which were represented. Some new exhibitors were present However, the continent had a few exhibitors that were not able to make it back to Berlin. The overall representation of North America seems to be steady, even though the quantity of Canadian exhibitor booths was reduced to just four. Outside Hall 23, handful of exhibitors were found in areas that were more specific on their product, like greenhouse technologies, machinery and technology and logistics.
Additionally, there were a number of U.S. importers in the Latin America Hall (Hall 25) in the sense that they import goods in Mexico, Argentina, Chile as well as additional South American countries. All of them said that their connections to the world either through exports or sourcing in the first place, is their primary motivation of exhibiting. Being able to see suppliers and customers from around the globe at the same place is extremely valuable and productive and helps create an atmosphere of positivity.
Along with exhibits, more and more US as well as Canadian businesses are having representatives attend the exhibition. This is an excellent method of meeting suppliers from around the world without needing to travel to various nations to meet them in the flesh. Another benefit of attending is to have a taste of the latest trends in packaging and product design. The trends that are sweeping Europe right now is bound to make its way into North America in the coming times.
Busy Latin American halls
A Honduran vegetable merchant said that the event an opportunity to grow the relationships with customers and discover potential business opportunities. Ecuadorian banana exporters remained in business following the Russian restriction on certain companies. They said that they hope both governments can come up with the solution. It was clear that the Chilean pavilion was crowded, particularly with various events. Some attention was paid in the days leading up to Chinese New Year, to the most recent arrivals of cherries. The participants blasted the devastating forest fires that thankfully didn’t spread. There was a bustling PromPeru pavilion was crowded also, featuring an assortment of fruit and veggies on display. Avocados, grapes, as well as blueberries were prominently displayed. The pavilion of Argentina featured a variety of apples, pears and citrus fruits and exporters. The lemon industry is hopeful of a good year with full production to rebound from the low volume season. The issue of the current government has been discussed, and they have received comments that they’re watching closely to see what effect the new government has on the lemon industry as well as exchange rates and inflation.
The Argentina pavilion showcased a selection of apples, pear and citrus exporters and producers offering fruit. The lemon producers hope for a good season and fully-filled production levels to recuperate from the low volume of last year’s season. The issue of the new government has been discussed, along with comments that they’re evaluating the effect the new administration could have on industries the exchange rate and inflation.
Israeli seeds suppliers as well as exporters of fruit were extremely engaged at the trade show. Many of them said they had met with customers personally, as well as meeting new clients. The newest AI technology companies showcased their fruit scanning capabilities and the ability to measure quality with regular demonstrations. They said that the demand of potential clients and customers was extremely high.
More suitable site to Middle Eastern exhibitors
Hall 22 hosted exhibitors of in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, mostly Egyptian, Moroccan and Lebanese businesses, as well as different nationalities in the region. The hall’s location is better than the previous year, according to participants surveyed because it’s located situated in the middle of exhibition. The visitors who travel from the European towards the American halls, or the reverse direction, must traverse this hall, which is known as the MENA hall. This was a view shared by many Egyptian, Moroccan and Lebanese exhibitor, who also pointed out the effort to construct appealing, bright and spacious booths. Moroccan exhibitors were particularly pleased with the position of their pavilion compared with last year’s City Cube, which they believed was to be a bit isolated.
The exhibitors from the region pointed out how busy this hall remained during the event, up to the end in the final day according to them, is very uncommon and is a sign of the great success of this year’s event.
Click here to view the International Photo Report of Fruit Logistica