On a general level, how are things shaping up for this sixth edition of Asia Fruit Logistica on 5-7 September in Hong Kong?
Gérald Lamusse: Our preparations for this year’s Asia Fruit Logistica are progressing very well, with our promotion work for the event in over 120 countries going strongly.
What are the projections in terms of exhibitor numbers and exhibition space for this year’s event?
GL: I am pleased to say that we have registered a positive development on both fronts. We expect around 350 exhibitors from 30-plus countries and all five continents. In terms of exhibition space, this year’s event will cover some 12,000m2. Both of these elements mean that this year’s edition will be the biggest and best we have ever had.
How many country pavilions will there be this year and have you seen any significant expansion of any of these pavilions?
GL: This year we have a record sixteen national pavilions. Going on a continent-by-continent basis, from Asia we have China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Oceania counts both Australia and New Zealand, while the pavilions from Africa include Egypt and South Africa. From Europe we have first timers Greece and the stalwarts France, Italy and the Netherlands. Argentina, Chile, Peru and the US complete the line-up from the Americas.
Are there any first-time exhibitors among the countries exhibiting at the show this year?
GL: I am delighted to say that we have a host of new companies exhibiting for the first time. They include organisations such as Portugal Fresh (Portugal), Fresh Green Agro (Uzbekistan), Fruits and Greens Co (Vietnam), Asia Exotic (Thailand), Farmsecure Fruit (South Africa) and Taiwan Vegetables & Fruits Exporters Association (Taiwan). We are particularly pleased with the spread of new exhibitors from across Asia and around the world. This underlines the value the fresh produce players worldwide see in Asia Fruit Logistica as an unparalleled business platform for the Asian market.
Tell us about your new venue for the exhibition, AsiaWorld-Expo Centre.
GL: With exhibitors from 30-plus countries and buyers from over 60 countries expected to attend this year, the location of our new venue alongside Hong Kong international airport is a huge plus. It is highly accessible, especially for visitors, while also offering top-class facilities and enough room to cater for further development of the event.
What are your projections on visitor numbers?
GL: Retail and wholesale buyers, as well as major importers, have long since recognised the value of visiting Asia Fruit Logistica as a key aspect in their procurement activities. This year we are expecting up to 6,000 top-level trade visitors from over 60 countries to attend the exhibition.
Are there any other points you'd like to mention?
GL: We have seen a pleasing increase in interest on the exhibitor side from Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, China, Chile, Australia, Italy and Spain amongst others, meaning that the scope of companies presenting their products and services in general will be better than ever – great news for the trade visitors. All this, together with the great Asiafruit Congress programme, points to a top-notch event for the Asian fresh produce trade on 5-7 September in Hong Kong.
An in-depth preview of Asiafruit Fruit Logistica and Asiafruit Congress on 5-7 September will feature in the July/August edition of Asiafruit. For more information on Asiafruit Congress and to register for the conference, visitwww.asiafruitcongress.com.
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