Some 250 professionals from the international berry sector will descend on London this week for the first Global Berry Congress, organised by Eurofruit Magazine and supported by British Summer Fruits and Winter Berries.

The focus of the first debate to feature some of the world's leading berry companies will be 'How to develop better berries that meet the requirements of the consumer of the future'.

A host of speakers and expert panellists will voice their opinions on a range of issues at the two-day event, including Dr Ian Ferguson of HortResearch, Dr Andrew Fearne of Dunnhumby and Peter McPherson of BerryExchange. There will be sessions covering climate change and environmental factors, the challenge of working in a labour-intensive sector, and food service opportunities.