Asiafruit Congress 2012

As many as 400 fresh produce professionals attend the conference

Asiafruit Congress returns to Hong Kong on 2 September with a wide-ranging programme that will offer insights from some of the leading authorities in their fields.

Taking place the day before Asia Fruit Logistica at AsiaWorld-Expo, Asiafruit Congress is a must-attend event for anyone looking to get an in-depth insight to the latest market trends and opportunities in Asia, and to learn strategies for higher sales and better marketing.

In the final session of this year’s conference, expert speakers will analyse the market of today in Asia, and assess how it might look tomorrow.

Bruce Campbell, chief operating officer of New Zealand-based fruit science group Plant & Food Research, will look at breeding and product development for the current and future demands of consumers in Asia.

Sumit Saran, who recently joined Indian retail giant Future Group in the new role of head of international foods, will counter global perceptions of this vast emerging market in his address: ‘Discovering the pot of gold: ways to overcome the challenges in India’.

Asia's demand for safe food is set to rise dramatically over the next five years. But the increasing complexity of the food supplychain across the region, underpinned by a rapid growth in cross-border trade, makes it hard to monitor food quality.

Leading a breakout session on the subject, Patrick Vizzone, head of food and agribusiness in Asia for National Australia Bank, will examine what is happening to address the issue at government and corporate levels. He’ll also explain how demand for safe food is set to drive corporate activity moving forward.

The pear category is seeing renewed activity in Asia, where western varieties are very different from their local Asian counterparts. In addition to examining fresh market development efforts for western pears, a breakout session on pear marketing will profile some potentially groundbreaking new developments for the category.

Brett Ennis of Prevar, an Australasian joint venture set up to develop and commercialise new and innovative apple and pear varieties worldwide, will explain how its new Piqa range of pears combines the best characteristics of western and Asian pear varieties to deliver an entirely new product for consumers.

In addition to providing first-rate analysis and a platform to exchange information and ideas, Asiafruit Congress serves as a valuable primer to the trade show, enabling delegates to get a better grip on who and what they need to focus on at Asia Fruit Logistica, which runs from 3-5 September this year.

For more information or to register, visit www.asiafruitcongress.com