Outstanding innovations in the fresh produce industry will once again be highlighted at Fruit Logistica next year, with exhibitors at the Berlin-based trade fair being encouraged to send in their applications for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (FLIA).

The award recognises new products and services that have made a difference in the fresh produce sector, and is open to companies that have introduced an exceptional innovation to the market between 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009.

For the first time this year, the award is also open to exhibitors at Freshconex, which takes place in conjunction with Fruit Logistica at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds on 3-5 February 2010.

A panel of experts will select the year's ten most significant innovations from the applications submitted, and nominate them for the award, with the products or services going on display at a special exhibition area. Visitors to the event will then be able to vote for the winner during the first two days of the trade fair.

Previous winners of the prestigious award have included Rijk Zwaan's Salanova lettuce, FresQ/Rainbow Growers Group's Vitaminis vegetable snacks, the Intense tomato from Nunhems and Enza Zaden's Sweet Green Pepper.