The sixth edition of Interpoma, the exhibition dedicated to the global apple industry, welcomed almost 11,700 overseas visitors to its 2008 event, including 4,600 overseas visitors.

The event, which took place in Bolzano, Italy on 6-8 November, saw visitors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas browse 17,000m2 of exhibition space and visit the conference 'The Apple in the World'.

Speakers at the conference, which was opened by Freshfel Europe/World Apple and Pear Association's Philippe Binard, covered a range of topics including growth markets, harmonisation and pesticide residues and the organic apple market.

Each successive edition of Interpoma further establishes its reputation as an international exhibition,' said Gernot Rössler, president of Fiera Bolzano. 'It is a steadily growing event which this year has taken a giant step forward, both in terms of its international scope and with regards to the number of visitors.'

Gerhard Dichgans, director of the VOG Association, praised the event's international feel, with nearly 40 per cent of visitors coming from overseas.

'This year, we have seen an increase in overseas visitors and delegations,' he noted. 'Every year, the high professional and scientific profile of the conference attracts hundreds of experts within the industry, confirming that Interpoma has, over the years, become the international benchmark for the apple sector.'

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