Brazil melon Fruit Logistica 2009

The Brazilian fresh produce industry is preparing to display its full fruit and vegetable offering during this year's Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany, the eighth time that the South American country has exhibited at the event.

Coordinated by IBRAF (Brazilian Fruit Institute) and supported by Apex Brazil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), Brazilian producers, exporters, associations and government bodies will all feature at this year's event, with the country occupying an area of 300m2 in Hall 25, stand C-09 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

'Brazil is focusing on increasing its international market share and we hope that 2010 will bring a more positive outlook for Brazilian fruit exports,' said IBRAF executive manager Valeska de Oliveira. 'As part of this process, Brazil's participation at Fruit Logistica will be greater in 2010, featuring companies that have already consolidated themselves in the international market, as well as newcomers who will be participating for the first time and are seeking to make trade contacts in order to begin exporting.'

The country will use the event to prepare for a year that is expected to see higher demand from the US and the EU for Brazil's fruit, as well as from growth markets such as the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Russia, Canada and Hong Kong.

Developing technology will also feature prominently on the Brazilian stand, IBRAF said, and will be showcased by EMBRAPA (the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and ITAL (the Institute of Food Technology).

'It is important to show that, behind the fruit presented to the international market, there is a significant amount of research and technology involved in constantly meeting the growing demands of customers,' noted Mr de Oliveira.