More than 90 exhibitors are set to showcase at Fruit Focus 2008, to be held at East Malling Research Centre in Kent on Wednesday.

The soft- and top-fruit event will this year focus on environmental issues, and provide a chance to investigate the latest technologies and industry development.

Leading industry experts at the National Farmers’ Union and HSBC Agriculture Fruit Forums will be discussing the opportunities and challenges that face the fruit sector.

Many exhibitors will be competing to provide fruit growers with eco-friendly options for every stage of production and distribution at the event, as well as providing ways of reducing growers’ costs.

Certis will be discussing the potential for cutting water demand in soft fruit grown in containers, using an innovative compost additive through its trials at the show. The trials, which have been taking place since 2007 with some encouraging results, will also compare the performance of the dry water management additive Celcote on blueberries and raspberries grown in containers.

Beekenkamp will have its range of trays and troughs that aim to reduce transport costs on display, and will be unveiling its Quickfold crate, which claims to be the easiest foldable crate in the world.

Ilex Organics has chosen to launch its BioAgri range of plastic films at the show. Escalating costs of waste disposal are forcing growers of any size to review their options, and Ilex believes its biodegradable range of mulching, clear and light reflective films provide a cost-effective, environment-friendly solution.

Packaging manufacturer Sharkpak will also highlight the environmental aspects of its packaging at the event. The company’s new extrafresh packaging solution uses perforation technology.

Come and visit the FPJ team on stand 21 at Fruit Focus.

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