Macfrut 2009

Macfrut is set to return in October this year, with the 26th edition of the event marking a break from tradition by taking place on 7-9 October 2009 to provide a bridge between Mediterranean producers and major international markets.

The event, one of the most important for the region's fresh produce industry, will this year focus on the evolution of the European fresh produce industry at the International Fruit Summit, with fresh-cut produce and the revitalisation of the Italian industry other key topics for discussion.

'The opportunity presented itself to organise the event in the gap between the end of the summer season and beginning of the autumn season for the majority of European and Mediterranean countries,' said Cesena Fiera president Domenico Scarpellini. 'Such a change in dates is an important element of our internationalisation strategy, where Macfrut is at the core of Italy's fresh produce sector and represents the production and logistics centre of Europe.'

A number of different promotional missions abroad have taken place to establish global relations with fellow events worldwide, and the international flavour will continue in October with delegations from Greece, Turkey, the UK, France, Germany, China, Spain, Ecuador, Egypt, Pakistan and Lebanon already confirmed.

Over 21,500 trade professionals visited the 2008 event, with 74 countries represented and 684different exhibitors displaying their products and services.