Chile named Fruit Logistica partner

Chile, one of the leading fresh produce nations in Latin America, has been named as the official Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country.

The South American country has announced plans for a comprehensive trade fair appearance and will also provide the cultural and gastronomic framework for the reception following the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony in Berlin, Marigén Hornkohl, minister of agriculture for Chile, emphasised the significance of the trade fair: “This is an important day for our country. Fruit Logistica is regarded as the world’s leading event for the fresh produce industry.” As next year’s partner country, the minister sees an excellent opportunity for Chile to intensify fruit and vegetable marketing at Fruit Logistica and further strengthen business relations with Europe.

Representing the Fruit Logistica organisers, Messe Berlin GmbH CEO Raimund Hosch noted: “We are delighted that Chile will be the Fruit Logistica 2009 partner country. We have a special relationship with Chile and plan to do everything we can to ensure the country’s presence at Fruit Logistica attracts as much attention as possible. When it comes to agricultural goods, it is important to ensure that the healthiest, and not the cheapest, products reach the consumer’s table. And in this respect, Chile produces top-quality fruit and vegetables.”

Next to the US, Europe is Chile’s second largest market for fresh produce. A total of 716,504 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were exported to Europe in the 2006/2007 season, and the fresh produce trade is one of the country’s most profitable export sectors.

In 1980, the export volume was around 267,000 tonnes, and the 2m tonne mark was reached for the first time in 2003. This rapid increase has been driven by investments in innovations as well as ideal natural growing conditions in Chile.

Fruit Logistica 2008 attracted some 50,000 trade visitors from 125 countries to the biggest trade event for the international fresh produce industry. In an area covering 81,000m² of indoor space, 2,115 exhibitors presented a comprehensive market overview of products and services from all levels of the fresh produce trade.

The 17th edition of Fruit Logistica will take place from 4-6 February 2009 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.