The organisers of international fresh produce trade fair Macfrut, which takes place in Cesena, Italy, on 7-9 October 2009, have published updated information about the show's format.

This year's event is set to be organised into a number of exhibition areas, each of which will showcase high-quality products and services.

The areas include: New Technologies, Seed Production and Organics; Agricultural Food Transport and Logistics; Packaging and Technology; and Fresh-cut and Ready-to-eat.

Macfrut also returns with a number of high-level conference meetings, which in 2009 will be divided into four clear categories: Scientific; Institutional; Trade (with a focus on fresh-cut and packaging); and a Worldwide Forum in cooperation with Italian marketing and research body CSO and the Regione Emilia Romagna.

A major promotional campaign for the event, which is billed as the most important exhibition and congress for the fruit and vegetable sector in Mediterranean Europe, is now underway in order to attract an increased number of overseas participants.

During the exhibition itself, guided tours to a number of companies in the surrounding area will be organised for foreign visitors; one for technology and one for production. These will enable trade professionals to meet and develop business opportunities.

Missions for incoming buyers and foreign trade professionals will also be on the schedule, with a special focus on South America and countries in the Mediterranean basin.

A free shuttle service from the airports of Bologna, Forlì and Rimini to the fair grounds and local hotels will be in operation this year too.

For the latest information about Macfrut, please visit www.macfut.com.