Asia Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair and exhibition for the Asian fresh produce industry, is attracting high interest among potential exhibitors as the deadline for applications approaches.

Key Southern Hemisphere exporter Chile has become the latest nation to sign up for the exhibition, which takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2-4 September 2009, joining groups from countries such as Australia, the Netherlands and the US.

'Its clear focus on the fresh produce sector across Asia makes Asia Fruit Logistica the obvious destination for anyone wanting to market fresh fruits and vegetables in the region,' said Gérald Lamusse, managing director of show organiser Global Fresh Produce Events. 'Established and new companies alike are now making the trade fair the centre of their marketing activities in the Asian region.'

Over 3,500 trade visitors from 57 countries across the globe attended Asia Fruit Logistica in 2008, with 92 per cent of visitors holding key purchasing positions in their company, according to independent research.

The event runs alongside Asiafruit Congress, the region's leading conference event which last year attracted around 600 delegates. This year's congress and networking event will focus on market opportunities in Indonesia and Japan and analyse the impact of fresh produce sales on the new market dynamics in China.