Fruit Attraction 2014

The sixth edition of Fruit Attraction, held in Madrid on 14-16 October, attracted a record number of visitors and exhibitors from around the world. Some 800 exhibitors took part in the show, covering an area of 26,000m2.

Companies from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the UK and Sweden all taking part. Companies from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and the USA will also attend, and for the first time, businesses from other countries such as Korea and Turkey.

The event included the first ever Fresh & Life berry symposium, organised by Freshuelva and Fepex, along with Ifema. As well as news on the latest developments in nutrition, research and production, the conference included a presentation from Rune Flaen, CEO of Norway’s leading fresh produce distributor Bama, looking at the growth in the berry category in Norway and presenting the company’s innovative distribution model.

Former Spanish president, Felipe González, and former secretary of foreign affairs and current managing director of OHL, Josep Piqué both offered their views on the geographical, technological, cultural and social change is influencing the fruit and vegetable sector, focusing on berries.

The fair also hosted the third International Seedless Grape Congress, Grape Attraction, organised by Apoexpa, in collaboration with Fepex and Ifema.

Highlights of the show included Pasarela Innova, a dedicated space showcasing some of the latest varieties and innovations in the industry; and #FruitFusión, a gastronomic area where chefs prepared recipes featuring some of the most ground-breaking products on show.

#FruitFusión also played host to Val Venosta’s “Golden Gold” awards that recognise the best retail and wholesale outlets selling the Italian marketer’s apples.