Fruit Logistica has announced that is announced that its partner country for the international fresh produce trade fair in Berlin next year is Mexico.

The world’s 10th largest agricultural exporter has a huge range of fresh produce and will be play a major role in the fair to be held on February 3-5 next year.

Mexico has increased its fresh produce exports to the EU by 16 per cent from 2007-08 and in 2010 will celebrate its independence bicentennial. Numerous growers, trade associations and other Mexican organizations will be present at the country’s stands in Hall 25 where it will showcase the largest ever exhibition of Mexican fresh produce ever seen in Europe under the slogan Best of the Fresh.

Mexico is the world’s largest exporter of avocado, mango, papaya and melons, including watermelons. It is also the second-largest exporter of onions, cucumbers, asparagus and limes and ranks third for aubergine, capsicum, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin, cauliflower and strawberries. Some 88 different fruit varieties are grown on 1,328,524 hectares of farmland along with 104 different types of vegetables, (554,708 ha). More than 130 different varieties of fresh fruit are produced in export quality.

The Mexican agriculture minister Mayorga Castañeda will be guest speaker at the opening of the event on February 2.