Fruit Logistica 2009 underlined its role as the leading global trade event for the fresh produce industry with a record-breaking year that attracted 50,000 visitors from 125 different countries.

A record 2,288 exhibitors (up from 2,110 in 2008) attended the event, coming from 80 different countries (68 in 2008), covering 88,000m2 of exhibition space (81,000m2 in 2008). Around 89 per cent of the exhibitors came from outside Germany.

78 per cent of visitors to the event came from outside of Germany to join locals in establishing new contacts, meeting suppliers, finding out about new products and studying the market.

'Fruit Logistica continues to gain importance in the international fresh produce trade,' said exhibition executive Dr Christian Göke. 'There was no trace of crisis in the air this year. Despite difficult financial times, the industry's leading trade fair confirmed its status as the leading marketing platform for all players in the global value food chain.'

The event, which was officially opened by Germany's federal minister of food, agriculture and consumer protection Ilse Aigner, saw 92 per cent of exhibitors claim that participation had had a positive impact on business, with nearly 50 per cent closing new deals at Fruit Logistica.

Fruit Logistica exhibitors and delegates expressed their enthusiasm about the event, with Stuart Symington of the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum in South Africa saying: 'In today's challenging financial times, Fruit Logistica 2009 pulled out all the stops to foster confidence and build relationships in the fresh produce industry. Fantastic!'

Meanwhile Hein Deprez, CEO of Univeg, highlighted the business opportunities that arose at the event: 'Univeg staff from all over the world were at Fruit Logistica to meet customers, colleagues and friends from across the fresh produce industry. The trade fair offered opportunities to share fresh produce ideas and experience, assess the changing market demands and identify and explore new innovation possibilities.'