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New EU organic logo chosen

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:18:11 +0000

The European Commission has announced the winning EU organic logo, which will appear on pre-packed organics from July

The European Commission today revealed the winner of the EU organic logo competition, which has received some 130,000 online votes over the last two months.

The winning design was created by German student Dusan Milenkovic, whose Euro-leaf logo gained 63 per cent of the vote.

On 1 July, the new EU organic logo will become mandatory for all pre-packaged organic products produced in any of the EU Member States, although it will be optional for imported products.

Other private, regional or national logos will be allowed to appear alongside the EU label.

Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, who first proposed the competition to select the logo, commented: "I'm delighted that we now have a fresh EU organic food logo. This exercise has raised the profile of organic food and we now have a logo which everyone will be able to identify with. It's a nice elegant design and I look forward to buying products carrying this logo from July this year."

The so-called Euro-leaf design depicts the EU stars in the shape of a leaf, set against a green background.

The winner and the winners of the second and third prize will be honoured by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development at an official award ceremony in Brussels in July. The three winners will receive prizes of €6,000, €3,500 and €2,500.

China to leapfrog US grocery market

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:02 +0000

A new report by industry expert IGD has forecast a change at the top of the international grocery market rankings over the next four years

IGD, the international food and grocery market analyst, has revealed in a new report that it is expecting China to overtake the US as the world's largest grocery market over the course of the next four years.

According to a forecast put together by the group entitled '10 for 2010', China's grocery market is set to grow to a value of €761bn by 2014, ahead of the US which is set to be worth €745bn. Currently, the US leads the way with a market value of €638bn, with China in second place on €529bn.

The reasons for the possible change include the hit that the US has taken through the economic crisis, higher investment and consumer spend in China, and China's population growth rate, IGD said.

India is also expected to move up in the rankings, with the forecast predicting that it will swap places with Japan to move to third place on €448bn (currently €279bn), while Russia is expected to move into fifth place by 2014 with a market value of €322bn (currently €186bn).

Brazil is set to move up one place on the list to sixth, according to IGD, with market value growth to €284bn from €185bn this year.

Of the major European markets, France is set to slip from fifth to seventh place on the list (estimated at €228bn in 2014), with the UK (€198bn from €170bn) and Germany (€168bn from €160bn) remaining in eighth and ninth places respectively.

Italy, however, is forecast to drop out of the top ten, with IGD predicting that Indonesia (€167bn) will appear in the rankings instead in 2014.

Record numbers for Fruit Logistica

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:18:40 +0000

Record levels of attendance and exhibitors have confirmed Fruit Logistica’s place as the world’s premier fresh produce trade fair

This year's Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin enjoyed record levels of participation, with some 53,000 visitors from 130 countries and 2,302 exhibitors hailing from 72 countries, underscoring its position as the leading global trade fair for the fresh produce industry.

The number of visitors was up six per cent on the 50,000 people who attended the fair in 2009, and the number of exhibitors also rose, with 89 per cent of those coming from outside Germany.

Dr Christian Göke, chief operating officer of event organiser Messe Berlin, said the numbers were representative of how important Fruit Logistica had become to the fresh produce sector.

"Fruit Logistica is clearly a premium product for Messe Berlin. Hardly any other industry worldwide has a trade fair with such an indisputable market leadership position as Fruit Logistica," he said.

"This is where all trading partners across the global value chain come together."

The event played host to top-ranking managers and industry representatives with high-level decision-making authority. Exhibitors and visitors said they had made excellent contacts with wholesalers and retailers, fruit and vegetable producers, and with importers and exporters.

Taking place in conjunction with Fruit Logistica was the third ever Freshconex, the only European trade fair for the fresh produce convenience sector, which attracted 71 exhibitors from 15 countries.

Port of Hamburg set for 'moderate growth'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:18:15 +0000

Germany's largest port is looking to bounce back from what it has described as a 'difficult year' in 2009

The Port of Hamburg is expecting an improved year through 2010 as it looks to recover from a difficult 2009 with moderate growth across port-related industries.

According to the Port Marketing Association, 100m tonnes of sea-borne cargo was handled at Hamburg in 2009, a drop of 21.4 per cent (or around 30m tonnes) that was mainly attributed to the global economic and financial market crisis.

"With a total transhipment volume of 110.4m tonnes in what was a difficukt year for the entire port-related industries and shipping sector, we recorded an exceptionally severe decline in the history of our port to date," said Claudia Roller, chairwoman of the Port of Hamburg marketing association, at the group's annual press conference. "In the period from January to December 2009, the terminals at the Port of Hamburg handled some 30m tonnes of cargo less than in the year 2008.

"However, since the third quarter of 2009, we have seen initial signs of a stabilising trend, and we are now witnessing a slight upward trend again," Ms Roller added. "An evaluation of the figures for sea-borne cargo handling in the fourth quarter of 2009 showed that in the second half of the year, transhipments of sea-borne cargo picked up by 3.7 per cent compared with the first half of the year. The negative trend is bottoming out, and the Port of Hamburg is once again headed for moderate growth."

Visit the website for the extensive breakdown of the Port's 2009 results, and coverage from the annual conference

Fruit Logistica 2010: Day Three Digest

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:08:41 +0000

More stories from the show floor during the final day of this year's Fruit Logistica trade exhibition in Berlin, Germany

Click on the following links to read news stories from Fruit Logistica 2010 about:

Device designed to remove pomegranate seeds wins Innovation Award
Sensational Flavours from Rijk Zwaan
Veneto’s agricultural producers exhibit for the first time together
Calabria presents red onions from Tropea and potatoes from Sila
Grimaldi Group: shipping company focuses on the fresh produce market
Tunisia potato exports increase
Landgard Stiftung is supporting new talent
Del Monte presents new ripening technology
Extremadura's cherry growers plan to recapture German market
Flanders makes its mark as an original brand
Hall Forum: "New marketing norms in Europe – How is the trade coping?"
Agribusiness – Partnerships in the produce food chain
Pluots: New product from Andalusia
Brazil Fresh Produce: Inaugural meeting at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Asparagus from Lazio headed for the German market
Israel: Carmel Agrexco reduces CO2 emissions
Fyffes planning to strengthen market share
Weighing and packing line by S&B
Sugar-sweet cherimoyas from Granada
Harsh winter in Central Europe boosts sales of potatoes from Cyprus
Major Chinese growers establish business contacts
DFHV training platform for the fresh produce trade
"Silver Grape" for Messe Berlin
"Prodotti di Puglia" now a protected geographical indication
Crunchy snow peas and aromatic cardamom from Guatemala
ULMA presents automatic machine for single packs
AFFELDT presents variable packing system
Zespri heads for the Middle East
Sweet peaches and nectarines from Aragon
IFCO: 3,500 returnable containers for Berlin food bank
Burkina Faso seeks new buyers for green beans
Chiquita to develop fresh produce departments
Certified organic Indian herbs and vegetables on their way to Europe
Egypt's presence growing steadily
Pakistan's export development unparalleled
Perfect papayas from Costa Rica
Debut for Malaysian dried ambarella
Smart Protection from BASF
Herbs from Palestinian growers for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Short-term contracts dominate in Murcia
Hungary: from apricots to watermelons
Poland with a joint stand from Masovia
Practical MiniBox from SurplusSystems
Innovations for the fresh produce business – Packaging trends 2010
GPC – Optimising procurement processes through classification and standardisation

Device designed to remove pomegranate seeds wins Innovation Award

The international industry experts have chosen the winner of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA) 2010. It is a device designed to remove pomegranate seeds made by the company Mehadrin Tnuport Export of Israel. The coveted Innovation Award was presented for the Arils Removal Tool (ART). This device facilitates the quick, clean and easy removal of seeds from pomegranates, allowing consumers to conveniently enjoy this vitamin-rich fruit. Noa Ohad, Shoham Product Development, accepted the award. The company expects the development of the Arils Removal Tool to increase the sale of pomegranates. Second place went to the Dutch HZPC Holland BV for the Pommonde® Potato Taste Concept, which offers consumers innovative and practical guidance in purchasing potatoes. Third place was awarded to Unitec S.p.A. from Italy for its QS_300portable quality control device. This unit enables the user to quickly inspect and determine the inner quality of all major varieties of stone and pomaceous fruits.

Sensational Flavours from Rijk Zwaan

“We are presenting our new product line ‘Sensational Flavours’ for the first time in Germany at FRUIT LOGISTICA”, says Steven van Paassen, Communication Manager at Rijk Zwaan. This new line represents special products along with a whole concept. It comprises 13 vegetable varieties, including such as different green and red tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, aubergines and melons. The Manager emphasises that products in this new line distinguish themselves primarily through their particular flavour. They cater to the premium segment and therefore undergo regular testing and comparison against reference products. These tests include both tasting and laboratory testing to ascertain such features as sweetness, acidity and succulence. Van Paassen comments that the FRUIT LOGISTICA went very well. Visitors to the stand included customers from 21 countries in Europe as well as North and South America and Australia. (Hall 1.2, Stand D-11, contact: Steven van Paassen, tel. +31-610-923052, e-mail: s.van.paassen@rykzwaan.nl)

Veneto’s agricultural producers exhibit for the first time together

Seven production cooperatives from the Italian region of Veneto are presenting their products at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time under the auspices of the Veneto Ortofrutta growers’ association. In the past year they produced 129,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables with a combined value of EUR 94.5 million. 20% was exported, says association manager Cesare Bellò. He explained that there is a significant demand for the association's five different varieties of radicchio. Cultivation of radicchio is regionally restricted, which makes it impossible to satisfy the 50% increase in demand. The association is taking advantage of the opportunities at FRUIT LOGISTICA to tap into new markets. Promising contacts were also established with potential customers from Great Britain and Denmark. (Hall 2.2, Stand C-11, contact: Cesare Bellò, tel. +39-0422-345164, e-mail: cesarebello@ortoveneto.it)

Calabria presents red onions from Tropea and potatoes from Sila

The famous red onions from Tropea, the clementines and now potatoes from Sila – all with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) – are at the centre of the fruit and vegetable range being presented at FRUIT LOGISTICA by twelve production cooperatives and four independent companies from the Italian province of Calabria. This raised the number of exhibitors this year to 16. Germany, Poland and Russia are the main buying countries; Switzerland and Austria chiefly import Calabria's organically grown products. (Hall 4.1, Stand C-01, contact: Dr. Giacomo Giovinazzo, tel. +39-0961-853074, e-mail: g.giovinazzo@regcal.it)

Grimaldi Group: shipping company focuses on the fresh produce market

The Grimaldi Group, owners of the shipping company of the same name as well as Minoan Lines and Finnlines, is banking heavily on the transport of fruit and vegetables. Which is why the company is exhibiting at the FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time. Fruit accounts for 40% of the cargo on the route between Barcelona and Sardinia, and each trip from Genoa to Libya carries between 60 and 70 shipping containers full of apples, reports Commercial Manager Dr. Guido Grimaldi. Many commercial companies are not aware of the advantages of transporting goods by ship, Grimaldi says. You can reach Barcelona from Rome twice as fast as with a lorry at only half the cost. All decks are equipped with outlets for supplying electricity to refrigerated containers so that diesel units can be switched off, reducing emissions. Grimaldi sees potential markets opening in Morocco and Tunisia. (Hall 4.2, Stand A-12, contact: Paul Kyprianou, tel. +39-081-496246, e-mail: kyprianou.paul@grimaldi.napoli.it)

Tunisia potato exports increase

With eight exhibitors this year, the Tunisian joint stand is presenting a large selection of fruit and vegetables at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "More than just oranges and dates, our growers are offering all kinds of fresh vegetables in large quantities", says Habib Zaghdane, Chief Agricultural Engineer of the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency. "We are also showing the world the quantities we can deliver." Since Tunisia gained privileged access to the European market for its potatoes, the crops have been increasing by 9.5% each year since 2006. Tunisia's mainly exports oranges. In 2009, 300,000 tonnes were produced, of which 27,000 tonnes were exported. Of the 128,000 tonnes of dates produced, 30,000 tonnes were sold outside the country. (Hall 1.1, Stand C-09, contact: Habib Zaghdane, tel: +2-16-71771300, e-mail: zaghden.habib@apia.com.tn)

Landgard Stiftung is supporting new talent

"We are introducing our Grow Award this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA", says Torsten Brandt, Landgard Corporate Communications Manager. "This award is aimed at supporting young people in the fresh produce industry". Interested newcomers can register for the Landgard Foundation Grow Award this spring. The five winners will receive financial support up to EUR 5,000 and will be invited to the official award ceremony on 10 June 2010. Henning Schmidt, CEO of the Landgard Foundation, explains the organisation's goal: "We hope the award winners will set an example for other young people and encourage them to develop their own ideas and promote the horticulture trade". (Hall 20, Stand C-02. Contact: Torsten Brandt, tel. +49-2839-591120, e-mail: torsten.brandt@landgard.de)

Del Monte presents new ripening technology

"One of our highlights at FRUIT LOGISTICA is the presentation of our new CRT packaging for bananas", explains Reinhard Hagemann, General Manager of Del Monte (Germany) GmbH. Controlled Ripening Technology increases the shelf life of bananas in sealed boxes by up to three days without any abnormal colour changes. "All of the experts I talked to at the trade fair agreed that this is a major innovation for the banana industry", Hagemann said. "Following a four-week series of ripening tests in our facility in Berlin, we started supplying CRT products to various test markets this week in the metropolitan Berlin area". Hagemann went on to mention other trade fair highlights including the Del Monte fresh cut pineapple, winner of the Superior Taste Award 2009 presented by the International Taste and Quality Institute in Brussels. (Hall 7.2c, Stand B-02. Contact: Reinhard Hagemann, tel. +49-40-236772230, e-mail: rhagemann@freshdelmonte.com)

Extremadura's cherry growers plan to recapture German market

Nineteen companies, marketing associations and research groups are at FRUIT LOGISTICA this year to represent the Extremadura region, which is known for its production of stone and pomaceous fruit. Among those attending is the Association of Cooperatives from the Jerte Valley, which represents some 4,000 growers that produce 14 million kilos of cherries each year, making them Europe's number one source of cherries. Products range from the Burlat cherries harvested in April to the Picota cherry that ripens late in the year. This variety is grown exclusively in the sunny Jerte Valley and develops an intense aroma thanks to the longer ripening period. "Picota cherries have a high sugar content and are particularly crunchy. When the fruit is harvested, the stem remains on the tree without any damage to the cherry", says Export Manager Tino González explaining what makes these cherries so unique. More than two-thirds of the harvest is consumed in Spain – despite the extensive marketing campaigns sponsored by European trading partners. According to González, "We are here at FRUIT LOGISTICA for two reasons. Participation at this trade fair is essential to the success of our business, because this is where the whole industry meets. We also want to recapture the German market – above all for our Picota cherries and for our cherries packed in trays". (Hall 8.2, Stand A-02. Contact: Marisol Hurtado, tel. +49-179-7566641).

Flanders makes its mark as an original brand

As a source of products from this area of Belgium, Flanders is becoming increasingly recognised in the international marketplace. Twenty fruit and vegetable growers from the region are sharing a joint stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA this year. Key agricultural exports from Flanders include potatoes (667,000 tonnes per year). Germany is the most important export market for fruit from the region. Other key export countries are France, the Netherlands, Russia and Great Britain. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-03/4, B-06. Contact: Paul Coenen, tel. +49-221-254857, vlam.belg.agrar@t-online.de)

Hall Forum: "New marketing norms in Europe – How is the trade coping?"

Since 1 July 2009, 27 marketing standards for fruit and vegetables in the EU have been abolished. In the meantime, several new standards have been adopted. The impact that this has had on the trade was the focus of the Hall Forum entitled "New marketing norms in Europe – How is the trade coping?". Frederic Rosseneu of Freshfel Europe in Brussels explained the circumstances behind the changes in the standards and the current situation in various countries at the European level. Ulrike Bickelmann of Germany’s Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) took a close look at the standards and the associated inspections. Wolfgang Ahlers of Univeg Germany expressed his delight that the authorities have been highly cooperative up to now, and that food retailers have generally accepted the "soft" transition. However, true streamlining of the bureaucracy or reductions in costs, as announced prior to the transition, have yet to be realised.

Agribusiness – Partnerships in the produce food chain

The Hall Forum "Agribusiness – Partnerships in the produce food chain" focused on today's close ties between production, the agricultural industry and the retail trade. The objective is to ensure top quality at all levels – from seeds to the POS. Innovative products are aimed at strengthening the competitive position of growers and retailers. It is important to ensure consumers are guaranteed maximum product safety. Agricultural technology plays a key role in achieving today's goals. In his introduction, Dr. Andreas Brügger, Managing Director, DFHV (German Fruit Trade Association), presented the most important issues and aspects, from seeds to the POS. Afterwards, specific areas were explained by experts from the various sectors. The development of new seeds and varieties were discussed by Michael Kester of Syngenta based in the Netherlands. Using Belgium as an example, the practices of growers were examined by Paul Coenen, Managing Director of the Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM), Dave Marris from the pesticides unit at BASF Agricultural Division in the United Kingdom, and Dr. Horst Lang, Director of Quality Assurance for the German retailer Globu. Close cooperation between the various links in the chain is crucial to offering consumers high-quality, safe products. The entire sector appears to be on the right track and this has not been negatively affected by the current crisis or weak prices. As Dr. Horst Lang pointed out, in the long run, there’s no alternative to quality.

Pluots: New product from Andalusia

They are very sweet, juicy and crisp – and they come in yellow or dark red. The Royal company based in Spain is presenting their Pluots to trade visitors for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. After a three year test phase, the hybrid fruit, which is a cross between plums and apricots, are now ready for the world market. "We'll produce 1 million kilos this year", said Royal Sales Representative Alexander Koch. The key markets for the fruit are the United Kingdom and Germany, where the European innovation is already listed by Rewe. The family-owned company based in the Andalusian city of Seville is also presenting a new variety of cultured blueberries at the trade fair. "The blueberries are harvested in Morocco starting in February and can be shipped to Europe within four days. We produced 500,000 tonnes last year and expect to increase this amount to 2 million kilos by 2011", Koch said.
The region of Andalusia exported EUR 3 billion worth of fruit and vegetables in 2008 – primarily to Germany, France and the United Kingdom. There are 42 companies and growers' associations exhibiting their products at FRUIT LOGISTICA under the auspices of the Extenda export promotion organisation. (Hall 18, Stand A-01. Contact: Pablo Lería, tel. +34-902-508-416, e-mail: plc@extenda.es).

Brazil Fresh Produce: Inaugural meeting at FRUIT LOGISTICA

Under the name Brazil Fresh Produce, a group of Brazilian fruit producers and exporters are exhibiting for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA with a new joint exhibition stand. The official inaugural meeting, with its initial 12 members, took place at the trade fair in Berlin. According to the president of the new association, Luiz Roberto M. Barcelos, they represent about 70% of Brazil's fresh fruit exports. This currently represents a relatively small proportion of the country's total agricultural exports and they hope to significantly increase this amount in future. Working together the association can better react to day-to-day problems, exploit synergy effects and develop new markets, Barcelos said. In cooperation with the responsible ministries, they also want to see the same high standards for exports applied to the domestic market. The organisation's presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA has paid off. "The buyers are more optimistic than they were last year and are again talking about increasing the supply quantities", Barcelos explained. (Hall 25, Stand A-02. Contact: Luiz Roberto M. Barcelos, tel. +55-84-33245038, e-mail: luizbarcelos@agrfamosa.com.br).

Asparagus from Lazio headed for the German market

Asparagus from the Italy's capital region of Lazio will soon compete with imports from Peru on the German market prior to the start of the new season. Meetings have already been held at FRUIT LOGISTICA with two interested buyers from a retail chain, reports Giancarlo Benella, Director of the C.O.P.A. agricultural cooperative, whose 160 members produce roughly 1,000 tonnes of asparagus annually on 250 hectares. Responding to growing demand, the cooperative is for the first time planning to export its products. The Lazio joint exhibition stand includes 10 commercial groups representing some 5,000 agricultural producers. (Hall 4.2, Stand C-08. Contact: Giancarlo Benella, tel. +39-0761-438207, e-mail: info@copacanino.it).

Israel: Carmel Agrexco reduces CO2 emissions

Carmel Agrexco, a major Israeli producer, has significantly improved its carbon footprint by installing more efficient cooling systems in its cargo ships. Forgoing airfreight, 90% of the company's products are now transported by ship. According to company officials at FRUIT LOGISTICA, this reduces CO2 emissions by 30%. Over the past five years, fuel consumption has been lowered by 60%. The modern freighters are equipped with refrigeration holds, which means that refrigerated containers are no longer necessary. This lowers the energy required for transport by 25%. (Hall 3.2, Stand D-12. Contact: Taly Sive-Lahav, tel. +9 72 (0) 3 563 09 40, e-mail: info@agrexco.com).

Fyffes planning to strengthen market share

"When Fyffes entered the market in 1929 with its blue label, this marked the first time in the history of the fruit trade that fresh fruit was sold under a brand name", explained Ralph Fischer, Marketing Manager for the international fruit import company Weichert & Co KG. "Supported with an extensive, groundbreaking advertising campaign, Fyffes successfully managed to differentiate its fruit from that of its competitors". After introducing an organic banana at FRUIT LOGISTICA last year, the company is aiming at consolidating and expanding its market position at this year's trade fair. Fischer mentions pineapple as another major group being exhibited at the FRUIT LOGISTICA. Their objective is to expand the current market share. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Michaela Schneider, tel. +49-172-24018228, e-mail: mschneider@fyffes.com).

Weighing and packing line by S&B

S&B Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH is at FRUIT LOGISTICA this year to present a cross-section of its current range of products to international trade visitors. The company, in cooperation with the Sorma Group, is one of the leading manufacturers of packing machines and systems for fruit, vegetables, potatoes and frozen food products. Trade fair highlights include the CP800 weighing and packing line for carrots and the AT 5 E automatic net clipping machine. The CP800, for example, consists of a computer controlled high-performance weighing machine for filling polyethylene bags or trays. The high performance microprocessor makes it possible to use 100 different configurable operating programs. According to the company, this makes operating the line easier and user-friendly. (Hall 3.1, Stand D-18. Contact: Thomas Carta, tel. +49-6047-96370, e-mail: info@sbsorma.de)

Sugar-sweet cherimoyas from Granada

"Very few people know that 90% of global cherimoyas are grown on the coast of Granada and Malaga", says Alfonso Zamora of the Granada producer and trade association Ecohal Granada. About 30 to 40 million kilos of the exotic, heart-shaped fruit are harvested annually in the provinces of southern Spain. The advantage of the cherimoya, which due to its cream-coloured fruit flesh and the creamy taste is also known as the custard apple, is its sugar sweet and highly aromatic flavour. The disadvantage: it ripens very quickly and when it has reached the optimum stage for consumption the green skin has already turned brown. Most consumers find this irritating. This is why only 20% of the harvest is exported, mainly to France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Along with the "white delicacy", as the cherimoya was called by the Spanish conquistadors of South America, the eight Ecohal exhibitors are at FRUIT LOGISTICA to promote their sun-ripened mangos, melons and medlar fruit as well as their extensive range of vegetables. (Hall 18, Stand A-07. Contact: Alfonso Zamora, tel. +34-659-480878, e-mail: alfonso@ecohalgranada.com).

Harsh winter in Central Europe boosts sales of potatoes from Cyprus

The harsh winter in Central Europe was a good thing for Cypriot growers, who experienced mild temperatures and are counting on an outstanding harvest. Their spring potatoes are now in high demand in this area. "Our 14 exporters are very satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair so far", says Loucas E. Symeonides, Director of the Republic of Cyprus Embassy trade office. "This is where they meet existing customers and establish new business contacts". While Germany, the UK, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands are key importers of potatoes, citrus fruits and herbs from Cyprus, the growers are planning to develop new markets in Austria, Poland and other countries. Lemons from Cyprus are now also being exported to Singapore. (Hall 2.1, Stand D-03/E-03. Contact: Loucas E. Symeonides, tel. +49-30-2844596, e-mail: info@zypern.com)

Major Chinese growers establish business contacts

Major Chinese growers are establishing business contacts at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The largest trading partner for Carrefour, Katopé and Tesco produces 15,000 tonnes of pomelos for export each year along with an equal amount for the domestic market, says sales manager Yinghao "Howard" Zhuang of the Zhangzhou Zhuangyi Agriculture Development Co. Ltd based in the province of Fujian. "We have already started negotiations with Edeka", he adds. Botou Dongfang Fruit Co. based in the province of Hebei cultivates nine different pear varieties. "We export 10,000 tonnes annually", says International Trade Department Manager Xuesong Han. As an export destination, Europe ranks in fourth place followed by the United States, Australia and Canada. (Hall 6.2, Stand D-06c. Contact: Yinghao Zhuang, tel. +86-134-59687460, e-mail: topfruit.howard@gmail.com; Hall 5.2, Stand C-09. Contact: Xuesong Han, tel. +86-135-13171988, e-mail: btdfgpgs@yahoo.com.cn)

DFHV training platform for the fresh produce trade

For more than 20 years the DFHV (German Fruit Trade Association) has been organising advanced training for people who deal with fruit and vegetables in their daily work. The number of training courses has been steadily increasing. All of the activities have now been united in the Fresh Seminar, the new DFHV training platform (www.frischeseminar.de). "Fresh Seminar" is not just a new name for the association's previous training programme. It also represents a new approach with a modular structure. This enables prospective participants to arrange their own personal seminars, explained a DFHV representative at FRUIT LOGISTICA. These tailor-made programmes are directed at the food retail sector and regional clients as well as at wholesale buyers including canteens, hospitals and the German military. "Standard courses" are also available for trainees, young professionals, managers and other specialists. (Hall 20, Stand A-13. Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, tel. +49-172-2117255, e-mail: bruegger@dfhv.de)

"Silver Grape" for Messe Berlin

On behalf of Messe Berlin, the FRUIT LOGISTICA organisers, COO Dr. Christian Göke accepted the "Grappolo d’Argento" presented by Dr. Roberti Romagno, Mayor of Rutigliano in Apulia. For the past 12 years, the 700-gram "Silver Grape" has been awarded for special contributions to the region's table grape industry and was awarded abroad for the first time. FRUIT LOGISTICA has raised the value and the brand awareness of grapes and contributed to their stronger presence on the world market. Günter Schweinsberg, Chairman of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Trade Fair Advisory Board and Managing Director of Fruchthandel Magazin, was also presented with a specially designed, cube-shaped artwork made of silver, gold, terracotta and wood by the head of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Pasquale Redavid.

"Prodotti di Puglia" now a protected geographical indication

Dario Stefàno, Minister of Agriculture of Italy's Apulia region, described the EU recognition of the appellation "Prodotti di Puglia" as an "important milestone". This provides the framework for protecting the domestic agricultural industry's quality products from illegal copying, said the politician at FRUIT LOGISTICA. After launching a promotional campaign in Italy, they are about to sign an agreement with a key representative of the German retail trade for a similar campaign. He said Germany is not only a key importer of Apulian agricultural products, it also serves as a springboard to countries in Eastern and Central Europe, Stefàno said. "The Apulian companies at FRUIT LOGISTICA are the "pride of our region“, he added. (Hall 4.-2, Stand A-10. Contact: Gertrud Schmitz, tel. +49-211-3879961, food@dusseldorf.ice.it)

Crunchy snow peas and aromatic cardamom from Guatemala

"We are the world's largest exporter of snow peas", says Regina España, trade representative for the Guatemalan export organisation Agexport. Exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the third time, the Latin American country is introducing its wide range of fresh produce to customers ranging from snow peas, broccoli and carrots, to blackberries, melons, pineapple, mangos, papayas and pitahayas. For the first time, the Excard company is showcasing its assortment of spices: "23,000 tonnes of cardamom are cultivated in Guatemala annually. This makes us the world's largest exporter", says Managing Director Rodolfo Rivera. The spice crops are grown by 150,000 small farmers without chemical additives and shipped mainly to the Arab world as well as to Europe, the USA and Canada. "I've closed so many deals at the trade fair that I actually could have gone back home half way through the event", says Rivera with a smile. (Hall 25, Stand C-07. Contact: Regina España, tel. +502-2422-3561, e-mail: regina.espana@agexport.org.gt)

ULMA presents automatic machine for single packs

"Our visitors are clearly interested in our products", says Jesus M. del Rio, General Manager of ULMA Packaging GmbH. Most of them are from Germany, France, Holland, England and other Western European countries. "We attracted more attention this year from Eastern European countries including Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Russia", says the managing director. The automatic sweet pepper single pack machine on display is attracting a lot of interest from visitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. It can handle up to 80 packs per minute. The robot arm is equipped with camera detection. The stainless steel design of the automatic packing machine is also suitable for high-humidity environments and can be combined with a weighing unit. Photocell control is used for printing various labels. (Hall 3.1, Stand A-05. Contact: Jesus M. del Rio, tel. +49-7303-90199663, e-mail: jmdelrio@ulmapackaging.de)

AFFELDT presents variable packing system

AFFELDT Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH is introducing a combination packing system at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The fruit is moved to the weighing machine by a conveyor system and distributed within the machine on 14 vibration channels. The entire system is designed so that sensitive fruits roll instead of dropping. This means that the fruit is not damaged in the weighing and packing process. After passing the vibration channels, the fruit is conveyed to the 14 weighing containers. The electronic weighing system precisely determines the entered target weight and creates a packing unit, which is then forwarded to the selected packing machine. The variable packing system on display is suitable for a variety of applications for packaging soft fruits such as apples, pears, tomatoes, nectarines and peaches. It can be used to make many of the types and forms of packaging required by the market. (Hall 3.1, Stand C-19. Contact: Frank Regener, tel. +49-4121-296326, e-mail: f.regener@affeldt.com)

Zespri heads for the Middle East

More sales, more trading volume, more profit for kiwi growers: "We are making good progress despite the price pressure the industry is experiencing", says Marketing Services Manager Europe, Jean-Louis Warnimont from the marketing firm Zespri International Ltd. at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Zespri is thinking big: "Over the past few years we have increased our marketing in Italy so that we can include it on our list of major buyers along with Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain". This year the company is planning to take on the UK, France and the Middle East. A long-term goal for Zespri is to capture the Eastern European market. (Hall 6.2, Stand C-10. Contact: Jean-Louis Warnimont, tel. +32-3-2010812, e-mail: jean-louis.warnimont@zespri-europe.com)

Sweet peaches and nectarines from Aragon

"The German market is crucial for organic products", says José Antonio Coll of the producer association Excofrut from the Spanish province of Huesca. Some 33 companies with an annual production of 12 million kilos of fruit have joined together in an association to more aggressively market their stone and pomaceous fruit. The province of Huesca in the region of Aragon is mainly known for sweet peaches and nectarines with a high sugar content thanks to the favourable microclimate. Aragon is the second place leader for Spanish stone and pomaceous fruit cultivation. Apple, pear, peach, apricot, cherry and plum trees grow on 50,000 hectares. "We come to FRUIT LOGISTICA every year to develop new sales markets and consolidate existing ones", says Coll. The Zufrisa company is mainly looking for suppliers to secure the raw materials base for its fruit purees. Suppliers of oranges, tangerines, pomelos, peaches, apricots, apples and pears are welcome. (Hall 8.2, Stand B-01. Contact: Miguel Mainar, tel. +34-976-475720, e-mail: mmainar@sirasa.net)

IFCO: 3,500 returnable containers for Berlin food bank

At FRUIT LOGISTICA Karl Pohler, IFCO CEO, offered a Berlin food bank 3,500 reusable containers for collecting the 150 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables left over from the trade fair. Sabine Werth, Director of the Berliner Tafel e.V. (food bank), was presented with a symbolic green returnable container. Messe Berlin was also commended for its many years of support for food bank at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The Berlin food bank now has a large number of reusable containers for this and similar projects. (Hall 20, Stand B-02. Contact: Viviane Zenau, tel. +49-89-7590050, e-mail: v.zenau@worldwide-responsibility.com)

Burkina Faso seeks new buyers for green beans

"The trade fair has been a great success for us. Potential customers from England, Spain, Germany and the USA visited our stand. We were also able to see what our competitors are doing and learn about the GlobalGap certification system". For Marie Claire Kadeoua, this is the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Her aim is to open up new markets for Burkina Faso beans. Kadeoua is the national coordinator for the PACVA project. This is an initiative that works to modernise the value chain in the West African fresh produce sector with support from the United Nations and the Italian government. The aim is to fight poverty and increase the income of small farmers and other operators. Beans are the primary target product and an important crop for Burkina Faso. But production has fallen sharply in recent years. Two cooperatives with a total of over 1,150 members and a current harvest of 750 tonnes are involved in the project. "We mainly exported beans to Italy in the past. But it is always risky to be dependent on a single buyer. That is why we are looking to find new customers here". (Hall 5.2, Stand C-03. Contact: Marie Claire Kadeoua, tel. +226-70267774, e-mail: kadeouataminy@yahoo.fr)

Chiquita to develop fresh produce departments

Fresh produce departments represent enormous image-building potential for the industry, particularly in these times of recession and tough competition. With this in mind, Chiquita is presenting new perspectives at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The concept goes beyond competitive differentiation based on price alone and is geared towards the emotional needs of consumers at the POS. Retail environments that appeal to the senses and give consumers a special shopping experience increase the desire to spend and the appeal of the products in question. Chiquita aims to develop and improve fresh produce departments in cooperation with food retailers. "By joining forces with our commercial partners, we can more quickly achieve our common goal of increasing customer traffic and sales", says Ernst Schulte, Managing Director of Chiquita Germany/Austria. (Hall 25, Stand C-08. Contact: Christin von Dahlen, tel. +49-40-37479848, e-mail: christin.vondahlen@edelman.com)

Certified organic Indian herbs and vegetables on their way to Europe

Gopalan Organics, the Indian presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA, is showcasing organic herbs. Basil, chives, mint, tarragon, oregano, sage, rosemary and parsley thrive on the outskirts of Bangalore. The quality is so high that the company has been supplying the British supermarket chain Tesco with its herbs for many years. Various fruit and vegetable varieties with organic certification are currently being grown on 48 hectares of land, says manager Pooja Iyer. Due to the great popularity of produce from Bangalore, the company is planning to cultivate another 120 hectares with fruit and vegetables including pomegranates and table grapes. (Hall 7.2c, Stand A-07. Contact: Pooja Iyer, tel. +91-9902994444, e-mail: gbd@gopalanenterprises.com)

Egypt's presence growing steadily

The size of the Egyptian national pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA increased again this year and now includes 55 exhibitors. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is one of our most important trade fairs. In just three days we can meet with all of our customers, from seed growers and trading partners to packing machine manufacturers", says Product Manager Amr Mohamed El Beltagy of the Belco Egyptian Co. for International Trade. Speaking for all of the exhibitors, the Chairman of the Egyptian Exporters' Association, Sherif El Beltagy, says, "We find the entire fresh produce industry value chain at this trade show. In this respect, Berlin is an ideal location". (Hall 2.1, Stand A-03. Contact: Sherif El Beltagy, tel. +202 (0) 27 35 72 13, e-mail: sherif@belco.com.eg)

Pakistan's export development unparalleled

Pakistan is represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time with an official national pavilion under the auspices of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. "We already sell our mangos to the Metro Group", Managing Director Hussain Imtiaz of Imtiaz Enterprises says. The company also sells around 18,000 tonnes of the "Sindhri" and "Summer Chausa" mangos to the major supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Delhaize and Carrefour. "With a brix level of up to 29, our fruit are absolutely delicious", Ahmed says. The local Kinnow tangerines are also increasingly popular, says Waheed Ahmed, Chairman of the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association. In 2005, exports of the citrus fruit totalled 260 tonnes. "This year, 52,000 tonnes of Kinnows are heading for Russia alone", Ahmed says. (Hall 7.2c, Stand A-05a. Contact: Waheed Ahmed, tel. +92 (0) 21 1 11 66 64 22, e-mail: iacfruit@hotmail.com)

Perfect papayas from Costa Rica

"Above all we want to showcase our new papaya variety this year", says Marianela Montero of the Costa Rican export promotion organisation Procomer. "The 'Procosí' variety is grown exclusively in Costa Rica. We call it the 'perfect papaya', because it is sweeter than other varieties, has a longer shelf life and is the ideal size – not too big and not too small". The tasty tropical fruit may very well capture the European market soon. "We have been able to conclude some excellent business deals at FRUIT LOGISTICA". The six Costa Rican exhibitors are also presenting roots and tubers including camotes (a variety of sweet potato), yucas, and chayotes, a member of the pumpkin family. And, of course, the Central American country's classic produce – bananas and pineapples. "In 2009, pineapples beat bananas to gain first place among the export crops for the first time", says Montera. 60% of global pineapple production comes from Costa Rica. The country is committed to high environmental and social standards for cultivation. European consumers in particular appreciate these certifications, which are awarded in accordance with guidelines such as those issued by Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, and of the fact that the produce is organically grown. (Hall 25, Stand A-05. Contact: Marianela Montero, tel. +506-2299-4859, e-mail: mmontero@procomer.com)

Debut for Malaysian dried ambarella

Malaysian exhibitors are showcasing fresh Paiola papayas, jackfruit and ambarellas, which are being introduced to the public at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "We are unable to bring the fresh fruit to Berlin, so we decided to present the stone fruit in dried form instead. The sweet pulp tastes a little like pineapple", says Abdul Rashid bin Bahri, Export Manager of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Fama. The fruit are also known as hog plums. Paiolas are said to have a higher concentration of vitamin C than oranges. Jackfruit pieces can be served in sweet or salty pickles. Malaysia exports fresh produce worth EUR 50 million. 50% of this goes to Singapore, bin Bahri says. (Hall 7.2c, Stand B-01. Contact: Abdul Rashid bin Bahri, tel. +6 03 (0) 61 26 20 20, e-mail: rashid@fama.gov.my)

Smart Protection from BASF

BASF presents new solutions for sustainable fresh fruit and vegetable production at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The company has developed treatment concepts called "Smart Protection" which make it possible for fruit and vegetable growers to meet today's agricultural standards. These include optimum yield quality, environment friendly production at reasonable costs, and compliance with legal limits on pesticide residues. "Smart Protection" programmes provide reliable protection against diseases and lower residue levels. They also provide maximum flexibility with regard to harvesting times, the exhibitor explains. In line with the theme "Living Food Quality Together", BASF is helping partners guarantee sustainability across the entire value chain, from the implementation of sustainable crop growing in the producer countries to the formulation of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. (Hall 21, Stand A-12. Contact: Elise Kissling, tel. +49-621-6027450, e-mail: elise.kissling@basf.com)

Herbs from Palestinian growers for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA

Fresh vegetables and herbs are being presented by Palestinian growers from the Jordan Valley for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The growers have been exporting their products to the UK, the United States, Germany, France and increasingly to Russia for several years now, says Tareq Khaizram. The Agrisector Marketing & Development Manager of the company Sinokrot Global Group continues: "20 growers' associations deliver our premium products. The extraordinary microclimate in the valley means that we can grow crops and harvest out of season". The food retailer Edeka has already entered into negotiations with Sinokrot at FRUIT LOGISTICA, the manager says. (Hall 4.1, Stand A-15. Contact: Tareq Khaizram, tel. +970 (0) 22 95 57 01, e-mail: tareq@sinokrot.com)

Short-term contracts dominate in Murcia

The Spanish region of Murcia is feeling the effects of the global financial crisis at FRUIT LOGISTICA. A number of long-term contracts were concluded last year, but this year short-term agreements dominate. "We have yet to see how strong purchasing power will be this year", says Gines Vivancos Mateo, General Manager in the Murcia Ministry of Agriculture. Nevertheless, they are very pleased with how the trade fair for fresh produce has turned out. "For us, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the most important trade fair in Europe". The region of Murcia has been represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA for many years now – this year with 36 exhibitors – and represents about 20% of the entire fruit and vegetable production of Spain. (Hall 18, Stand A-10. Contact: Teresa Torres Sarabia, tel. +968 36 27 10 629, e-mail: mteresa.torres@cam.es)

Hungary: from apricots to watermelons

"This is the 13th time that the Agrármarketing Centrum has supported and organised the trade fair presence of the most outstanding Hungarian fruit and vegetable export companies", says project manager Róbert Ivánfalvi. He points out that 16 of the producers represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA represent a total of around 35 Hungarian agribusinesses. Products include apricots, sweet-tasting sour cherries, lettuces, sweet peppers, watermelons and mushrooms. For example, DATÉSZ Zrt. has twelve production sites in the south of Hungary and 2,000 growers in a total area of over 20,000 hectares. The company sells 70,000 to 100,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables each year. This encompasses over 25 different fruit varieties sold as 80 to 100 different products, and 60 different vegetable varieties in 120 different product forms. (Halle 23, Stands D-03/E-02. Contact: Róbert Ivánfalvi, tel. +36-1-4508863, e-mail: robert_ivanfalvi@amc.hu)

Poland with a joint stand from Masovia

The Polish region of Masovia is represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time, with 15 fruit and vegetable growers at a joint stand. "We are very pleased with the response we have received at FRUIT LOGSTICA", says Rafael Rzepkowski. "We want to use the trade fair to draw attention to ourselves both as a tourist region and a producer country". Key business partners have largely been German clients, he says. However, they would now like to try to capture the Russian market, in particular. (Hall 6.2, Stand D-02. Contact: Rafel Rzepkowski, tel. +48 22 5979 178)

Practical MiniBox from SurplusSystems

The collapsible MiniBox was first presented at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009 as a preproduction prototype, Hajo Geugelin from SurplusSystems reports. "We then found a number of interested retailers such as Edeka Südwest, Tengelmann and Netto, who now use the MiniBox. The boxes are unique in that they have the logistical dimensions to fit on Euro-pallets as well as in all standard Euro-crates with the box-in-box system". The folding box is available in two different sizes: 60 x 40 cm and 40 x 30 cm. Possible uses include grapes in 1.5 kg packages, clementines in 1.8 kg packages and tomatoes in packs of 2.0 kg. Customers can then use the value-added collapsible mini-boxes later as practical containers, for instance for toys, tools or refrigerated foods. (Hall 21, Stand D-09. Contact: Hajo Geugelin, tel. +49-228-42285452, e-mail: hajo.geugelin@surplussystems.de)

Innovations for the fresh produce business – Packaging trends 2010

Innovations revitalise business and attract attention. They also drive profitability. Not only the product is at the centre of attention, but also the packaging, which plays a decisive role when it comes to success or failure. Packaging is what really promotes the product. In this Hall Forum, experts took a look at the packaging trends in 2010, from retail packaging at the point of sale, to packaging for fresh-cut products and other special product groups. The topics also included logistical issues and costs.
Massimo Bellotti, Export Manager at Nespak Imballaggi, Italy, and Jean-Marie Salaun from the La Tour Cooperative, France, impressively described the latest packaging trends for the fresh produce sector. They also explained the long and sometimes complicated path to developing new packaging, as well as the preferences and trends in consumer behaviour and the ecological aspects.

GPC – Optimising procurement processes through classification and standardisation

Electronic media are making new inroads into the everyday fresh produce business. More and more of today's procurement processes are handled electronically. This significantly speeds up operations and improves transparency while lowering costs compared to conventional methods. At the same time, is makes it essential for business partners to "speak the same language". And this requires a new global classification of products. GS1 Germany has developed the Global Product Classification (GPC) and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN, formerly EAN) for clearly identifying products and services on an international scale.
In the Hall Forum, Thomas Fuchs, Director of Business Solutions & Consulting at GS1 Germany in Cologne, and Hanjörg Lerch, in charge of retail standards and industry cooperation at Metro AG in Germany, explained GPC development, principles and applications along with the roadmap for implementation. According to Hanjörg Lerch, his company expects suppliers to introduce and implement the new standard, whereby the process will be gradual and is likely to take some time before it is complete.

Fruit Logistica 2010: Day Two Digest

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:40:59 +0000

More stories from exhibitors at this year's Fruit Logistica fresh produce trade event in the German capital Berlin

Click on the following links to read news stories from Fruit Logistica 2010 about:

Moroccan agriculture minister is pleased about the good feedback
FresQ generating constantly high sales figures
Thai exporters looking for new markets
Turkish fruit and vegetable exports remain high
Euro Pool System helps Haiti
Landgard brand moves into the limelight
Spanish institute brings suppliers and importers together
Unicorn: Hispalco introduces new brand
Denmark: Sweet snack carrots instead of spicy crisps
Debut: Red Niagara grapes from Brazil
Southeast Sicily's fruit and vegetable cluster makes its international debut
Indonesia, Macedonia and Ukraine now with SIPPO
Bananas from the Canary Islands debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA
DFHV: New monitoring report on residue data
CSO dispatches Mr. Fruitness to continue battle against obesity
Mexico focuses on prickly pears
Great Britain: Potato Council begins promoting seed potatoes
GFI: Many promotions in the pipeline
Lithuania: Wild berries and mushrooms of exceptional quality
Dutch pavilion goes CO2 neutral
SanLucar: Top quality from apples to zucchinis
Fuji Packaging hopes to capture fresh produce market
Greek exhibitor offers fruit and asparagus
EDEKA distinguishes itself with store brands
Algeria introduces Deglet Nour organic dates
Asociex: Aromatic tangerines from Spain's sunny coast
Prices for dessert apples and pears in Switzerland under pressure
Chile: Strong presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Catalonia: Flat fruit, guaranteed without fuzz
Valencia: Citrus fruits with guarantee of origin
Mexico: Fruit partner with great potential
Food retail industry in Europe: Opportunities to escape the economic crisis

Moroccan agriculture minister is pleased about the good feedback

Good news from Morocco, the world's second-largest exporter of citrus fruit: producer Wenza Fruits Exotiques s.a.r.l. will be at a joint stand presenting horned melon (also known as kiwano) and sweet pepino fruit, both of which are grown in the desert south of Agadir. "They are grown under glass and very aromatic", explains manager Martinus Hopman. Morocco will be represented by 37 exhibitors at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA, where it will have a 900m² stand showcasing the authentic taste of Moroccan fruit and vegetables. "Our producers make good contacts here. "Next year we'll have 15% more exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA", says Moroccan Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhennouch. Saad Benabdallah, Managing Director of Maroc Export, the country's export bureau, adds, "We also offer foreign investors an opportunity to invest in our agriculture". (Hall 1.1, Stand B-02, contact: Saad Benabdallah, tel. +212-522-302210, e-mail: info@marocexport.ma)

FresQ generating constantly high sales figures

Despite the global financial crisis, Dutch marketing organisation FresQ generated good turnover in 2009 and plans to continue this trend in 2010. "Our figures increased from 393 million in 2008 to 407 million last year", Spokeswoman Margôt Hart-Beekman said at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Five producers have joined forces to create the second largest alliance of greenhouse vegetable growers. Although they mainly produce tomatoes and sweet peppers, they also grow aubergines, pepper and cucumbers. FresQ focuses on regionalism. Three companies recently moved to Britain to grow vegetables there and cooperate with local retailers, Ms. Hart-Beekman explained. (Hall 1.2, Stand E-05. Contact: Margôt Hart-Beekman, tel. +31 (0) 6 22 32 73 43, e-mail: m.hart@fresq.nl)

Thai exporters looking for new markets

According to Boonmee Wongshotisatit from the Asia Exotic Corporation, Thai exporters are convinced that FRUIT LOGISTICA is "the ideal place to meet all our customers". The trade show regular now wants to open up new markets in Eastern Europe. Suwanchai Chavanchankij, who is in Berlin for the second time, says the trade fair is also a great place to find out about the latest trends in the sector. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is superb and extremely useful for us", Chavanchankij says. (Hall 7.2c, Stand A-06. Contact: Suwanchai Chavanchankij, tel. +662-982-7036, e-mail: suwanchai@siamjumbo.com, Stand B-05. Contact: Boonmee Wongshotisatit, tel. +66-2529-3340, e-mail: boonmee@asia-exotic.com)

Turkish fruit and vegetable exports remain high

Twenty fresh fruit and fresh vegetable producers and packaging machine companies is presenting their products in the Turkish pavilion at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. They'll be in good spirits because 2009 was an excellent year for Turkish producers. The overall volume of exported fresh fruit and vegetable products rose to 2.7 million tonnes, up 19% year-on-year on the 2008 figures. Ali Karvak, the chairman of the Mediterranean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Union, says the overall value of exports in 2009 was US$ 1.9 million, of which citrus fruits accounted for $800 million, other fresh fruit accounted for $492 million and fresh vegetables made up the remaining $653 million. Russia is the largest importer of Turkish fruit and vegetables, followed by Bulgaria and Germany. "Germany is a key market for Turkish producers", Kavak says. (Hall 2.1, Stand D-08a. Contact: Sultan Bayak, tel. +90-324-2376800, e-mail: argeqakib.org.tr)

Euro Pool System helps Haiti

Euro Pool System has launched a special campaign for FRUIT LOGISTICA. The company is donating 0.25 Eurocents cents for every rotation during the trade fair. Given that the FRUIT LOGISTICA runs for three days and there are an average of 1.8 million rotations a day, that comes to about 13,500 Euros. Euro Pool System, which takes part in FRUIT LOGISTICA every year, is Europe's largest logistics service provider of returnable packaging for fresh produce. With 45 service centres spread across Europe, the company deploys 123 million blue and green recyclable containers that rotate more than 600 million times a year. "We have an average market share of 41% in the six largest European fruit and vegetable-producing countries. What's more, our packaging is considered some of the best on the market", says Peter Willems, the CEO of Euro Pool System. (Hall 20, Stand A-14. Contact: Mario Winter, tel. +49-2222-911300, e-mail: mario.winter@europoolsystem.com)

Landgard brand moves into the limelight

Landgard is inviting FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors to come to its "country garden". The corporate group wants to demonstrate to customers, producers and other interested parties how it has changed from a purely production-oriented group to a marketing and service organisation. The three companies Landgard, Godeland and Peter Vetter came together under a single roof – Landgard Gruppe Obst & Gemüse – last year, and their presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA is aimed at focusing greater attention on their corporate brand. "We want people to see Landgard as more than a variety of marketing approaches", explains Torsten Brandt, the head of corporate communication. "The different Landgard divisions are available to partner customers and producers around the clock, 365 days a year, bundling goods and offering Landgard customers made-to-measure services. Using the Landgard leitmotif as a basis, the Landgard corporate brand needs to trigger far more associations in the minds of the various target groups". (Hall 20, Stand C-02. Contact: Torsten Brandt, tel. +49-2839-591120, e-mail: torsten.brandt@landgard.de)

Spanish institute brings suppliers and importers together

"FRUIT LOGISTICA is the world's leading trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry. All of the competitors in the business are gathered here together. Information concerning production, industry and trade all run together in one neutral location", says Juan Albrit, Head of the Fresh Products Division at ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade. The fresh produce sector is significant for Spain, considering that it constitutes 10% of the country’s total exports. The principal import country for Spain’s fruit and vegetable sector has traditionally been Germany, followed by Great Britain, France, Italy and the Netherlands. The Institute for Foreign Trade has pledged to strengthen the internationalisation of domestic businesses. To accomplish this, the Institute is not only providing the 315 Spanish exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA with space to meet and deal with importers. Visitors to the ICEX stand can also perform targeted searches online for suppliers and then transfer suppliers' profiles to a smartphone via Bluetooth. (Hall 11.2, Stand A-05; contact: Juan Abrit, tel.+34-91-3496352; e-mail: juan.a.abrit@icex.es)

Unicorn: Hispalco introduces new brand

"We are using FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce our new Unicorn brand to the market", says David Sanz of the Spanish business Hispalco, explaining his trade fair objective. The full-range retailer, based in Spain's Valencia region, annually distributes around 2 million kg of vegetables and up to 10 million kg of citrus fruit, in addition to stone fruit and pomaceous fruit, melons, grapes, berries and exotic fruit. Up to now, the fresh products have principally been sold under the brand name "MonnaLisa" to customers throughout the world. Sanz describes the brand concept as "produce of the highest quality". Every pallet is examined during packaging; further spot checking is then done in the logistics centre. "Three years ago we started having an outside company handle our quality control; complaints have decreased to 0.6% since then", relates the marketing professional of this 22-member business. While the MonnaLisa brand is protected under zoning laws, the Unicorn brand can be used for mass marketing. (Hall 10.2, Stand B-02; contact: David Sanz, tel.+34-96-3404422; e-mail: dsanz@hispalco.com)

Denmark: Sweet snack carrots instead of spicy crisps

New at FRUIT LOGISTICA: Sweet-tasting snack carrots in convenient 100 g packs, plus a range of carrots for grilling, braising or cooking in a wok. These products can be found in Hall 1.2 at the stand of the Denmark-based Northern Greens. "We are very pleased with the progress so far. We use FRUIT LOGISTICA to obtain a better perspective of the global fruit and vegetable market", explains Jörgen Nielsen, Director of Northern Greens. Northern Greens represents the marketing interests of Danish fruit and vegetable farmers and offers consumers gourmet stays and restaurant guides for Denmark. (Hall 1.2, Stand D-10; Contact: Jörgen Nielsen, tel. +45-40-28 28 71, e-mail: jnn@northerngreens.dk)

Debut: Red Niagara grapes from Brazil

After revolutionising the Brazilian market over the past few years, the red Niagara grape is making its first overseas appearance at the FRUIT LOGISTICA and will be available for the first time for worldwide sale. The grape is characterised by its soft pulp, sweetness and high degree of succulence. In 2009 Brazil exported fresh fruit with a total value of US$ 559 million, representing a decrease of 22.7%. The country also exported US$ 2 billion in processed fruit. Tapping into new markets including the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and Hong Kong, this year Brazil again hopes to achieve the volume of sales it had in 2008. "For 2010, Brazil has set the goal of expanding its presence on the international market", says Valeska de Oliveira, Executive Manager of the IBRAF Brazilian Fruit Institute, who has organized a joint stand for Brazilian exporters this year for the eighth time. (Hall 25, Stand C-09; contact: Marcio Damasceno, tel. +49-179-8759154, e-mail: damasceno@ajasolutions.co.uk)

Southeast Sicily's fruit and vegetable cluster makes its international debut

The fruit and vegetable cluster representing Southeast Sicily is using FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce itself to the international public. Its formation in Europe's southernmost province is a reaction to sinking consumption figures and rising costs, says Sandro Maria Gambuzza, Chairman of the Agricultural Association and Board Member of the Chamber of Trade and Industry for Ragusa. The goal of grouping 771 strong and innovative businesses with a combined total of over 6,000 employees and annual turnover of over EUR 600 million is to concentrate the choice of products, to raise quality standards and to reduce costs. (Hall 4.1, Stand C-12; Contact: Dr. Vincenza D’Ambrogio, tel. +49-170-4402634, e-mail: vdambrogio@itkam.org)

Indonesia, Macedonia and Ukraine now with SIPPO

"SIPPO is a Swiss Import Promotion Programme for small and medium enterprises from emerging markets, helping them prepare their market image and supporting them for three years in Europe", explains Project Director Constantin Kostyal. Three such supported countries are represented at the SIPPO stand at this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA: Indonesia with one company, Macedonia with eight and Ukraine with four. "All of these countries have tremendous potential for agriculture", says the Project Director, "with good water, soil and climate and with their strong knowledge of agriculture". The range of products extends from peppers, cherry tomatoes and lettuce from Macedonia, to honeydew melons, seedless watermelons and sweet cherries from Ukraine, to Alfonso mangos, mangosteen and ginger from Indonesia. "The main objective for us and the exhibitors is to strengthen our existing trade partnerships and to find new partners", adds Kostyal. (Hall 23, Stand D-01; Contact: Constantin Kostyal, tel. +41-44-3655268, e-mail: ckostyal@sippo.ch)

Bananas from the Canary Islands debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA

Canary Island tomatoes have long since gained a permanent place in the diets of European consumers. With a total export value of EUR 120 million in 2008, the aromatic, sun-ripened fruit are distributed across Europe via Rotterdam. Along with their most important export fruit, Canary Island companies are now presenting bananas for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. 291,000 tonnes were produced on the islands off the coast of Africa in 2009. Three-quarters have traditionally been shipped to Spain, but this is about to change. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is an important platform for us to explore market potential. We believe that Germany and Belgium in particular are the markets of the future", says Pedro Monzón from the export promotion organisation Proexca. The exporters hope that the quality of their fruit will become the key to its success. "The ships only travel for three days, so the bananas arrive with a different level of ripeness compared to the fruit coming from overseas". (Hall 8.2, Stand C-05. Contact: Pedro Monzón, tel. +34-928-266733; e-mail: pedro.monzon@proexca.es)

DFHV: New monitoring report on residue data

The German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) is presenting a monitoring report developed in cooperation with QS GmbH at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The residue status of around 6,000 product samples from more than 20 different product groups and over 50 countries of origin was tested for the joint report. The focus was on strawberries and leafy vegetables as well as table grapes and herbs. Copies of the monitoring report will be handed out to visitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA. DFHV staff will be available on site to answer questions on residues and other aspects of food quality assurance. "It is a major step forward for businesses and consumers alike when the existing monitoring systems in the fresh produce industry are closely linked and able to pool their expertise", says DFHV Managing Director Dr. Andreas Brügger. (Hall 20, Stand A-13. Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, tel. +49-172-2117255, e-mail: bruegger@dfhv.de)

CSO dispatches Mr. Fruitness to continue battle against obesity

The Mr. Fruitness project, financed by the Italian fruit and vegetable service centre CSO together with the EU and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, has been approved for another three years until 2012. The project promotes fruit and vegetable consumption among children and adolescents and aims to combat obesity, which is increasing in young age groups. With the help of Mr. Fruitness, the green comic book-style superhero, the health advantages of fresh produce over junk food are demonstrated to schoolchildren in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Poland and Sweden. Speaking at FRUIT LOGISTICA, CSO Director Luciano Trentini said new components include online sports on the website www.fruitness.eu and a card game. The range of fruit served on promotional trays sponsored by nine CSO members from the Emilia Romagna region was expanded to include plums. The Centro Servizi Ortofruticolo companies are once again presented in grand style on the Piazza Italia at FRUIT LOGISTICA. (Hall 2.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Elena Vincenzi, tel. +39-059-7863894, e-mail: elena.vincenzi@fruitecom.it)

Mexico focuses on prickly pears

"Last year, our exporters at FRUIT LOGISTICA achieved sales worth US$ 40 million", says Jorge Rueda Sousa, representative of the Mexican ministry of agriculture. "And they are determined to exceed this figure in 2010"! As the FRUIT LOGISTICA partner country, Mexico is represented by around 40 companies and organisations whose members include more than 4,000 producers. Mexico is the EU's fifth most important trading partner for avocados. Other key export fruits include limes, blackberries and mangos. This year the country is promoting its prickly pears. The juicy, red pulp of this fruit is especially popular among North European consumers. (Hall 25, Stand A-04. Contact: Jorge Rueda Sousa, tel. +32-2644-1300, e-mail: jorgerueda@sagarpaue.be)

Great Britain: Potato Council begins promoting seed potatoes

Great Britain is one of the biggest seed potato exporters, with over 90,000 tonnes shipped to 50 countries last year. 150 different varieties are available – reason enough for the British Potato Council to exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time this year. The cool climate and strong winds in the growing regions of Scotland and the north of England prevent aphids from reproducing, reducing the spread of viruses and ensuring particularly healthy crops. (Hall 3.2, Stand B-17. Contact: Mark Prentice, tel. +44-131-4724149, e-mail: mprentice@potato.org.uk)

GFI: Many promotions in the pipeline

The GFI (German wholesale market association) is once again planning a number of retail sector promotions with its marketing partners Zespri, EOS, Melasí and Sopexa. "Chiquita and Enza are a logical continuation in our development of marketing partnerships. We provide marketing opportunities with quality buyers through our fresh produce networks in the independent food retail sector", says GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge. He explains that the GFI organises distribution channels through farmers' markets, specialised dealers and retail market halls for its partners and their brands. Kluge is particularly looking forward to new partnerships resulting from FRUIT LOGISTICA. (Hall 21, Stand F-09. Contact: Andreas Foidl, tel. +49-30-3989610, e-mail: andreas.foidl@grossmaerkte.org)

Lithuania: Wild berries and mushrooms of exceptional quality

The Lithaunian company Fudo have had an extremely successful start to their exhibition at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Fudo markets wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and porcini and wild berries including lingonberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries, all of a consistently high quality. "We are very pleased with our presence at this dynamic trade fair. We establish more new contacts at FRUIT LOGISTICA than at any other exhibition. This is also where we have very intensive and productive sales talks", says Fudo Sales Manager Ausra Armoniene. Along with wild berries and mushrooms, Fudo also sells the requisite wooden containers in a variety of sizes. (Hall 23, Stand D-05. Contact: Ausra Armoniene, tel. +370-618-77906, e-mail: ausra@fudo.lt)

Dutch pavilion goes CO2 neutral

The 84 exhibitors in the Holland Pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA are exhibiting at a CO2 neutral stand. The carbon trader Soil & More calculates the CO2 equivalent for the import and export association Holland Fresh Group. The pavilion operators will then purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, says Holland Fresh Group exhibition manager Ger van Burik. Sales figures for fresh fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands have remained constant in 2009 at 3.2 billion kg, van Burik says, "but trade volume was down by comparison". With exports of around 1 billion kg of fresh fruit and vegetables, Germany remains the Dutch producers' most important trading partner. (Hall 3.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Ger van Burik, tel. +31-7-03 47 52 53, e-mail: info@hollandfreshgroup.com)

SanLucar: Top quality from apples to zucchinis

The Spanish company SanLucar exports fruit and vegetables from over 30 countries. Key buyers are Germany and Austria, where the fresh produce is sold in Edeka, Karstadt/Perfetto, Rewe and other supermarkets. 90 products ranging from apples to zucchinis, with soft fruit, stone fruit, citrus fruit and apples playing a central role. The company's 140-member staff work together with contract growers throughout the world. "Long-term partnerships and rigorous quality control are at the heart of our corporate philosophy", says Ilka Hein, press officer of the company, which was established in 1993. Full traceability is guaranteed for every batch back to its field of origin. SanLucar is currently building a logistics centre in Ettlingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to ensure that clients get their produce 'faster and fresher'. The company has set customer care as its primary objective at its eighth FRUIT LOGISTICA appearance. (Hall 5.2, Stand C-11. Contact: Ilka Hein, tel. +49-170-9136882, e-mail: ilka.hein@sanlucar.com)

Fuji Packaging hopes to capture fresh produce market

Japanese manufacturer Fuji Packaging's packing machines have been established in Europe for three decades now, but the company has only recently ventured into the fresh produce market. What better reason, following its great success in the Netherlands, for the Japanese business to exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time. Two packaging machines for sweet peppers and chicory are on display. The high-speed machines can pack up to 110 units per minute. (Hall 3.1, Stand D-08. Contact: Kai Wintjen, tel. +49/40/4806 110, e-mail: verkauf@fuji-packaging.de)

Greek exhibitor offers fruit and asparagus

This year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA features 17 of the “most dynamic” Greek exporters, according to the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, which has organised the joint stand once again this year. Together they represent a multitude of fruit and vegetable producers. Key products on offer include peaches, nectarines, kiwi fruit and asparagus. (Hall 2.1, Stands D-01/2, E-01/2. Contact: Tania Avloniti, tel. +30-210-9982144, e-mail: avloniti@hepo.gr)

EDEKA distinguishes itself with store brands

"As one of Europe's leading fruit marketers, maintaining a clear quality profile is one of our top priorities", said Uwe Bockius, Manager of the EDEKA fruit office. This unit belongs to EDEKA headquarters in Hamburg and manages the groupwide purchasing of fruit and vegetables from more than 80 countries worldwide. The focus of the EDEKA trade fair exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 is on trends, future markets and current requirements of supply chain management, particularly with a view to the group's high quality standards. One area of emphasis is the range of EDEKA store brands. "Visitors can get comprehensive information on such things as our premium range, EDEKA SELECTION Yacaran", Bockius said. EDEKA is the first vendor in the German market to establish a premium brand for fruit and vegetables. This complements the differentiated store brand range with its strong brands that include "EDEKA RioGrande" (fruit), "EDEKA GärtnersBeste" (vegetables) and "EDEKA BioWertkost". The store brands are continuously optimised and expanded with new products. (Hall 6.2, Stand C-02. Contact: Gernot Kasel, tel. +49-40-63770, e-mail: info@edeka.de)

Algeria introduces Deglet Nour organic dates

Algeria is exhibiting this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA with a larger stand and with four major exporters. "Our new export fruit is our Deglet Nour dates, which are organically grown", said stand manager and trade fair and export office assistant (Safex) Mustafa Slimani. "Theses dates are very nutritious and taste great"!. The growers are hoping their presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA will produce business contacts for marketing the country's vegetables, such as sweet peppers, potatoes, cucumbers and wild onions. The Algerian Ministry of Commerce is supporting the trade fair appearance. (Hall 1.1, Stand C-03. Contact: Mustafa Slimani, tel. +213-21210123 30, e-mail: contact@safex-algerie.com)

Asociex: Aromatic tangerines from Spain's sunny coast

The province of Castellón on Spain's Mediterranean coast produces 90% of Spain's tangerines. A scientific study has shown that the "Clemenules" variety, a mutation of the seedless "Fina" first discovered in the province in 1953, is the citrus fruit with the highest Vitamin C content. It was presented at FRUIT LOGISTICA by 21 of the 118 companies and producer organisations that have joined forces in the Asociex Castellón export organisation. On 32,000 hectares, they produce 1.2 million tonnes of tangerines annually for the world market. Key importers in Europe include Germany, France and the United Kingdom. "At FRUIT LOGISTICA we primarily want to establish new business contacts. The rapidly growing markets in Poland and Russia are of special interest to us", said Asociex General Secretary Enrique Ribes. Participation in the trade fair is a must for the tangerine experts: "Anyone from our industry who isn't at FRUIT LOGISTICA, is an unknown". (Hall 11.2, Stand B-03. Contact: Enrique Ribes, tel.+34-964-342390; e-mail: asociex@asociex.com)

Prices for dessert apples and pears in Switzerland under pressure

With 50,292 tonnes, the inventory of dessert apples in Switzerland at the end of January was 10% higher than the previous year and 8% higher than 2008. "The competition in the red varieties is really tough, and the sales are currently high", said Rolf Matter, PR Director for the Swiss Fruit Association, at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. Inventory shrinkage in January was 7% above that of the previous year. According to Matter, three factors have contributed to this: a market-induced, general drop in the producer standard price by 20 centimes per kilogram for all major varieties on 1 December, 2009, the waiving of charges for storage costs by warehouse keepers, and the extraordinary marketing efforts of food retailers. At 6,213 tonnes, the high inventory of pears at the end of January was just 672 tonnes below the record level from 2008 (6,885 tonnes). Inventory shrinkage for pears was also significantly higher than in the three previous years. (Hall 20, Stand A-17. Contact: Rolf Matter, tel. +41-41-7286860, e-mail: rolf.matter@swissfruit.ch)

Chile: Strong presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA

Despite the global financial crisis, Chile's presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA keeps getting bigger. "We have been exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA for nine years and our exhibition stand grows in size every year. We now have 240m² of exhibition space. The products we sell on the global market are characterised by our exceptionally rigorous quality assurance programme", says Christian Carvajal M., Associacion de Exportadores de Chile. Retailers and consumers can choose from 75 different fruit varieties, including kiwis and blueberries. This year the main focus for establishing business contacts is on Eastern and Central Europe. "At FRUIT LOGISTICA we can establish, renew and maintain a lot of business contacts. It is the most important trade fair for the fruit trade." (Hall 25, Stand B-05, Contact: Christian Carvajal M., tel. +56-2 472 47 34, e-mail: ccarvajal@asoex.cl)

Catalonia: Flat fruit, guaranteed without fuzz

Josep Ortiz is convinced: "The future belongs to flat fruit". The managing director of the family-owned Sat Ort Bell based in Lleida, Catalonia is exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time and is introducing "Platerinas" – a crossbreed between flat peaches, called Paraguayos, and nectarines. "Platerinas are easy to eat. You don't have to open your so mouth wide, you don't get your hands messy, and because of the firm flesh you can even carry the fruit in your trousers pocket." In contrast to the flat peaches already available on the market, Platerinas don't have the typical fuzzy skin that some people are allergic. Instead they have the firm, smooth surface of nectarines. The balanced sugar-acid ratio is especially appreciated by customers north of the Iberian Peninsula. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is a fantastic trade fair. Prospective customers from France, Holland, Italy, Russia and Estonia have visited my stand", says Ortiz. His company is one of 21 exhibitors at the joint stand of the Catalonian export promotion organisation Prodeca. (Hall 8.2, Stand B-04; Contact: Montserrat Costafreda, tel. +34-(0)-607-073089)

Valencia: Citrus fruits with guarantee of origin

Valencia is Spain's oldest and most important citrus crop region. More than five million tonnes of tangerines and oranges are harvested here annually, which is more than two-thirds of the national production. The 28 companies exhibiting at the Valencia region's joint stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA are focusing on citrus fruits in all varieties in addition to their pomegranates and kaki fruit, garlic and onions. "The growers keep adding new varieties to the market", says Javier Molina of the Valencia Ministry of Agriculture, explaining the abundance of products. Around 10% of the fruits bear the EU seal of origin "Protected Geographical Indication" and may be marketed under the "Cítricos Valencianos" label. This guarantees, among other things, a level of ripeness of 7-8 and a minimum juice content of 40% for tangerines and 35% for oranges. (Hall 11.2, Stand A-02; Contact: Javier Molina, tel. +34-963-422717, e-mail: molina_jav@gva.es)

Mexico: Fruit partner with great potential

Mexico is this year's official FRUIT LOGISTICA partner country and the main focus of a Hall Forum. Gabriel Padilla of the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Fabricio Blanco of Fresh Kampo International and Philippe Binard of Freshfel expounded not only on the productivity of the North American country. From the perspective of importers, he also explored the additional optimisation potential. Mexico is the world's tenth largest agricultural exporter. The country is the leading exporter of avocados, mangos, papayas, watermelons and other melons. Mexico is the second largest exporter of onions, chickpeas, cucumbers, asparagus, pecans and limes, and the third largest exporter of aubergines, sweet peppers, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkins, cauliflower and strawberries. Gabriel Padilla described the impressive array of fruits and the outstanding production conditions. He also emphasised that Mexico is taking the necessary steps to meet all food safety requirements. Fabricio Blanco expounded on this subject with examples based on daily practice. Philippe Binard attested to the good prospects of Mexican products on the European market. He said this is already especially important for Mexico's agricultural industry.

Food retail industry in Europe: Opportunities to escape the economic crisis

In keeping with tradition, the first FRUIT LOGISTICA Hall Forum was dedicated to the food retail industry. Dr. Jürgen Elfers of Commerzbank - Corporates & Markets cast an analytical glance at the situation in the German and international food retail industries and addressed a number of issues: How is the global and European retail trade presenting itself during this economic crisis? How are the various trade formats positioned? What can be expected in the future? What signals are the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia sending? What is the role of the global players? How are the German players positioned? He concluded that the giants in Germany's food retail trade would remain under pressure. In Western Europe, he said, supermarkets are reporting turnaround stories. In his opinion, the much invoked Eastern European markets could actually collect on promises of good productivity per unit area, even if there are, in some cases, significant differences from country to country. Russia, he says, is still the most interesting market. Although he sees definite signs of growth in Asia, he did not share the euphoria of some for the Chinese market.

Fruit Logistica 2010: Day One Digest

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:40:32 +0000

A round-up of news from the first day of Fruit Logistica, which took place in the German city of Berlin on 3-5 February 2010

Click on the following links to read news stories from Fruit Logistica 2010 about:

State Secretary Klöckner opens the show
Quality and safety not at dumping prices
Partner country Mexico welcomes the sector
Minister Zaia recognises importance of FRUIT LOGISTICA
Hungary advertises lesser known products
South Tyrol focuses on organic farming
Inter Weichert introduces new packaging for "Pitúmettes"
Cobana: Boruszewski warns against further price decline
Alara Agri Business monitors quality in real time
Tokita Seed: Colourful siblings for the Tomatoberry
Europe largest market for South African fruit
Total Produce restructures British companies
Brussels: number of exhibitors more than doubled
Individualised packaging design from South Korea
Peel and slice carrots in a single step
Swiss exports supply premium-quality niche markets
Argentina explores the market for pomegranates
Apples from Germany. The right fruit for you.
Portuguese pear producers seek new markets in the east and north
Nothing but 'Sensational Flavours' at Rijk Zwaan
Peru helps producers prepare to export
Ecuador wants to conquer east European markets
Tomato caviar along with "groovy" and "funky" asparagus dishes
Denmark presents top-quality organic vegetables
Vienna Wholesale Market: two-thirds for fruit and vegetables

State Secretary Klöckner opens the show

Julia Klöckner, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection today opened FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading international trade fair for the fresh produce trade. She joined Dr Christian Göke, Messe Berlin Chief Operating Officer, and FRUIT LOGISTICA Global Brand Manager Gérald Lamusse on a vitamin-rich journey across the continents. Together with Dr. Göke and the Ana Graciela Aguilar Antuñano, Chief Executive Director of the Mexican Association ASERCA, Klöckner cut the white ribbon to officially open the pavilion for Mexico, this year's partner country. "In 1999, Mexico exported US$ 400 million in agricultural products to Europe. In 2008, goods worth US$ 800 million were exported. FRUIT LOGISTICA is one of the world's most important trade fairs for Mexico", explained Ms Antuñano. "Fruit and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. At FRUIT LOGISTICA, the whole world comes together with high-quality products", Klöckner added. "Thanks to international cooperation, agriculture, production and consumers are accessible all at once".

Quality and safety not at dumping prices

In the face of last year's widespread price cuts by discount chains and the food retail sector, the theme "Top image, but low returns. Does fresh produce need a relaunch?" presented at 29th Fresh Produce Forum proved to be more current than ever. The situation in the market hasn't changed so far this year. Production and trade continue to suffer. In the meantime, it has become clear that the ongoing price cuts don't benefit anyone. Not even the discount chains managed to increase sales. In the end, it comes down to the battle for market share. Some of the players in the retail trade, including Metro Group CEO Eckhard Cordes and many other retail managers, have long since expressed doubt about this kind of competition. Consumers also seem to have gradually caught on to the idea that they may someday have to pay the bill for today’s cheaper prices.
Quality and food safety are not to be sold at dumping prices. Prof. David Hughes from Imperial College London, an internationally recognised expert in fruit and vegetable marketing, is familiar with all aspects of international trade thanks to his various activities for commercial enterprises. He presented some impressive approaches and new opportunities at this year's Fresh Produce Forum. A panel discussion was presented with the following specialists: Andreas Allenspach, Fresh Produce Marketing Manager of MIGROS Cooperative Association, Switzerland, Henning Schmidt, CEO of Landgard eG, Germany, Hein Deprez, CEO of the Univeg Group, Belgium and Dr. Michael Loschelder, a lawyer for industrial property rights specialising in brand, anti-trust and copyright law, Cologne, Germany. The lively discussion showed how all links in this chain, from production to the food retail sector – which includes discount outlets emphasised Walter Pötter of Lidl – are dissatisfied with the current situation and are looking for new concepts. The panellists indicated that it was time for everyone to sit down at the same table. Weak prices and low margins are no good to anyone.

Partner country Mexico welcomes the sector

The word of the day at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 opening ceremony at the ICC Berlin was "Quality". German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner, who was present at the event via video conferencing from Brussels, described FRUIT LOGISTICA as the world's most important platform for fresh produce, one which lays the foundation for the future in terms of quality. Ana Graciela Aguilar Antuñano, Chief Executive Director of Aserca (Apoyos y Servicios a la Comercialización Agropecuaria) and representative of the official partner country Mexico, announced her country's biggest-ever exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA along with the largest variety of Mexican fruit and vegetables ever presented in Europe. Antuñano confirmed Mexico's ranking among the top 15 agricultural exporters in the world by the World Trade Organisation. "Avocados, lemons, beer, tequila and honey stand for Mexican quality all over the world", she said.
"Quality" was also a running theme throughout the speech of Oliver Weidner, Director of International Quality Management for Lidl, Germany. His journey through time went from the development of the fresh produce industry to the "Green Revolution" of the 60s, all the way to the enlightened and quality-conscious buyers and consumers of today. His credo: "In today's market, only those who really examine the consumers' ideas of quality and consistently put these into practice can be sure of securing acceptance as a trustworthy market provider."
Emmanuel Jacquin, Head of the European Commission Fresh Produce Unit, spoke about the numerous campaigns and measures taken over the last few years. He said these measures have improved European quality standards and continually develop sales potential for agricultural goods. Pointing to the future he added, "Value creation for the consumer needs to be increased even further. This clearly includes product quality and environmental sustainability." Messe Berlin's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Christian Göke underscored the impressive FRUIT LOGISTICA track record with some remarkable figures. More than 2,300 exhibitors from over 70 countries will be present at this year's fair. The share of foreign exhibitors is over 89%. Göke explained, "As trade fair organisers, what pleases us even more than these figures is the quality of this trade fair". All of the world's key market players are in Berlin for FRUIT LOGISTICA, which has become a don't miss event for the sector. Göke said he hoped all FRUIT LOGISTICA participants enjoy interesting discussions, promising contacts and successful business dealings at this year's fair.

Minister Zaia recognises importance of FRUIT LOGISTICA

Speaking at the trade fair, Luca Zaia, Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said, "As the sector's most important trade event, FRUIT LOGISTICA provides excellent opportunities to Italian agricultural producers". The politician took a few hours time on Wednesday to visit the various companies from Italy exhibiting at different stands across three halls. He posed for photographs with products and staff at the stands and answered questions from the numerous TV crews from Italy. Once again, Italy is the leading country at the trade fair with 413 exhibitors and 15% more display stand area this year. Minister Zaia said he was impressed by the presentation of the regions and companies. He explained that quality and certification are key factors when it comes to products and that Germany remains the most important market for Italy's agricultural sector.

Hungary advertises lesser known products

"Hungarian fruit and vegetable production is currently undergoing rapid development", explained Dr Béla Mártonffy, Managing Director of the Hungarian inter-professional organisation FruitVeB. He said that the aim was not to promote Hungarian goods as a mass product in Europe, but to emphasise the special quality by taking advantage of conditions in the Carpathian Basin. "In unison with better known Hungarian goods, like chillies, watermelons, mushrooms, apricots, sour cherries and walnuts, we wish to expand our export product range" said Mártonffy. For example, he mentions sweet cherries, sour cherries (for fresh consumption), sugar melons, asparagus and sweet maize as well as tomatoes for fresh consumption. "FRUIT LOGISTICA provides Hungarian fruit and vegetable producers with the ideal platform to promote lesser known goods in other parts of Europe and to find retail partners for these goods". (Hall 23, Stands D-03/E-02, Contact: Anita Ferencz, tel. +36-70-334-7540, Email: anita.ferencz@fruitveb.hu)

South Tyrol focuses on organic farming

"With a stake of 25% in Europe’s organic apple crop, South Tyrol is already the strongest supplier of organic apples in the European Union", reports Paul Zandanel from the Export Organisation South Tyrol of the Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano speaking at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Approximately 4% of South Tyrol’s apple crop is organically grown each year on around 680 hectares of land at an altitude between 200 and 1,100 metres. The crop yield has consistently increased over the past years. Some 37,000 tonnes of organic apples were harvested in 2008, 31,000t in 2007 and a total of 24,000t in 2006. In 2009, 35,000 tonnes were harvested. “Due to increasing demand, we are planning to cultivate even more apples in compliance with organic guidelines, while taking care to adjust the variety to meet market requirements”, Zandanel adds. (Hall 4.2, Stand B-10, contact: Paul Zandanel, tel. +39-0471-945750, E-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com)

Inter Weichert introduces new packaging for "Pitúmettes"

Celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary this year, Internationale Fruchtimport Gesellschaft Weichert GmbH & Co. KG is introducing new packaging options for their "Pitúmettes". As an alternative to net bags, trade visitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA will see a new, attractive tray that accommodates six pieces of fruit, as well as a sleeve that holds three pieces. Inter Weichert is also presenting a ready-to-eat papaya – the "Solo Sunrise" variety from the brand "Nino". Transported by ship, it offers an attractive alternative to air freight goods. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-04, contact: Ralph Fischer, tel. +49-40-32900220, e-mail: info@interweichert.de)

Cobana: Boruszewski warns against further price decline

Price decline has been the key topic of many conversations and discussion forums at FRUIT LOGISTICA this year. Jürgen Boruszewski, Managing Director of Cobana Fruchtring GmbH & Co. KG, emphasizes the crucial need to make food retail industry customers and consumers aware of the real implications of price decline. "If the prices that producers charge are consistently lower than their actual costs over a long period of time, it can have severe consequences on the procurement of goods." If such an unfavourable variance is sustained, Boruszewski predicts that export will likely shift its focus to new and different markets outside of Europe. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-05, contact: Stephan Schlick, tel. +49-40-30305270, e-mail: sst@cobana-fruchtring.de)

Alara Agri Business monitors quality in real time

Alara Agri Business, a member of the UNIVEG group, announced today (3rd February) at FRUIT LOGISTICA that it will begin utilising the Xsense™ monitoring system for perishable goods. Developed by StePac, part of the DS Smith Plc group, the system provides real-time monitoring of the temperature and relative humidity inside fruit storage containers. Implementing this technology will enable Alara to better monitor the condition of its cherries and figs as they are transported from the company’s packing facility in Turkey to destinations throughout Europe. "We see Xsense as an important tool for building our brand’s reputation. It will also help us improve our market presence, customer service and customer satisfaction", says Alara’s CEO Kerim Taner. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-03, contact: Nancy Goovaerts, tel. +32-15-324296, e-mail: nancy.goovaerts@univeg.com)

Tokita Seed: Colourful siblings for the Tomatoberry

Tokita Seed brings Far East innovations to the tomato market. Two years after its Tomatoberry took third place in the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award competition, the Japanese company is now debuting its heart-shaped Tomatoberry Grande – twice the size of the Tomatoberry – at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Three colourful siblings will also be unveiled at this year's trade fair: the chocolate-brown Sunchocola, the yellow Sunlemon and the green-ripening Sungreen. (Hall 1.2, Stand A-04, contact: Hiromi Kameyama, tel. +81-80-3002 4457, e-mail: hkameyama@tokitaseed.co.jp)

Europe largest market for South African fruit

Europe is the largest market for fruit products from South Africa. The country exports 1.5 million tonnes of fruit to Europe each year. This accounts for about 70% of the entire fruit production. Seedless lemons are joining a complete range of fruit products on the market this year. "For us, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the perfect one-stop-shop. Here we can meet all the key decision-makers in the fruit trade", explains Stuart Symington from the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (fpef). "We can trade with Europe on a timely basis – due to the geographic location – and not lag behind because of the time differences in Asia or America. (Hall 5.2, Stand C-02, Contact: Stuart Symington,
tel. +27 82 685 5984, e-mail: stuart@fpef.co.za)

Total Produce restructures British companies

At FRUIT LOGISTICA the Irish Total Produce Group is introducing the restructuring of its British companies announced just a few days ago. Under the umbrella of Total Worldfresh (formerly Redbridge Worldfresh) the companies are now classified according to business units. Total Berry is merging operations with soft fruit and Total Cherry is responsible for cherries and other pome fruit. Utopia, acquired at the end of November, will be merged with Total Exotics. Total Fruit is responsible for the import of apples, pears, citrus fruits and grapes and Total Import for the non-retail-oriented vegetable trade. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-11, Contact: Vincent Dolan,
tel. +353 86 820 49 36, e-mail: vdolan@totalproduce.com)

Brussels: number of exhibitors more than doubled

16 trading companies – ten more than last year – are represented at the joint stand organised by Brussels Export at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "This is most important trade fair for our exhibitors. The whole world comes to Berlin", says Eric van der Berghe. Fifteen of the participants are located in the European Centre of Fruit and Vegetables, which provides storage space for 32,000m². (Hall 6.2, Stand C-07, contact: Eric van den Berghe, tel. +32 499 86 72 62, e-mail: evandenberghe@mrbc.irisnet.be)

Individualised packaging design from South Korea

The South Korean company Teabang specialises in individualised packaging designs and packaging for food products. The company is present with its products for the second time at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "We would like the European market to get to know us and our products better", said Director J.K. Ho. (Hall 3.1, Stand C-18, contact: J.K. Ho, tel +82 11 356 0643, e-mail: jeikota@gmail.com)

Peel and slice carrots in a single step

The Finnish company Oy Fomit's Formit MPP630 Profiler makes it possible to peel and shape carrots to make baby carrots or carrot balls in one step. The machine has self-sharpening knives and cuts the carrots without water. "We are at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time and hope to set up international business contacts", says Rune Särs, Sales Manager. The product line also includes a potato peeler that peels potatoes of any size without manual adjustments and is controlled by computer programs. (Hall 4.1, Stand B-10, contact: Rune Särs, tel. +358 50 4440 522, e-mail: rune.sars@foodprocessing.fi)

Swiss exports supply premium-quality niche markets

"The minimum wage for seasonal workers in the fruit and vegetable farming industry are twice as high as the EU average", says Bernadette Galliker, Director of Sales Promotion for the Swiss fruit association at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "At the same time, according to a study by the Federal Office for Statistics, only 7.4% of an average family budget is spent on food in Switzerland." Because of the high cost of living, Switzerland continues to enjoy tariff protection that is intended to ensure domestic fruit prices cover the producers' costs, says Bernadette Galliker. "Imports are always possible, but are mainly limited to products that are not offered on the domestic market." That would affect, for example, an annual 5,000 to 10,000 tonnes of apples and pears respectively, mainly from June to August. Exports are restricted to high quality niche markets with approx. 1,000 tonnes of apples per year. (Hall 20, Stand A-17, contact: Rolf Matter, tel.: +41-41-7286860, e-mail: rolf.matter@swissfruit.ch)

Argentina explores the market for pomegranates

"We lead the world market in the export of pears and citrus fruits", says Patricio Pizzoglio of the Argentinean export promotion organisation Fundación Exportar. The country exported about 455,000 tonnes of pears and 244,000 tonnes of lemons in 2009. Key buyers include Brazil, Russia and the EU where Holland and Italy head the list. The blueberry has emerged as an up and coming crop over the past several years and is mainly sold in the EU, especially in Great Britain. In this sector, Argentina is the second largest exporter in South America after Chile. The 42 companies, which are exhibiting under the umbrella of the Fundación Exportar, see FRUIT LOGISTICA mainly as a way to establish business contacts with customers. "We also want to start exporting pomegranates in 2011. FRUIT LOGISTICA is a good opportunity to explore the market potential for this product", says Pizzoglio. (Hall 25, Stand B-07; contact: Patricio Pizzoglio, tel. +49-(0)-171-5204176; e-mail: pp@mrecic.gov.ar)

Apples from Germany. The right fruit for you.

"This is a great initiative, a first-class campaign. This is why we support you", said Julia Klöckner, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, to the press on the first day of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. With the new campaign "Apples from Germany. The Right Fruit for You", the supporting producer organisations are taking the promotion of German apples into their own hands. Dietmar Bahler, Managing Director of the Deutsches Obst-Sorten Konsortium GmbH, explained that the launch date for this campaign is 11 January 2010, the first day of the German apple. He said apples are the favourite fruit in Germany. The production volume comes to about one million tonnes per year. The sales volume of the German producer organisations is around 650,000 tonnes per year. This year the campaign supporters will make EUR 100,000 available for "Apples from Germany. The Right Fruit for You."

Portuguese pear producers seek new markets in the east and north

With annual production of 200,000 tonnes, Rocha pears are an important export product for Portugal. Coopval, Granfer and Unirocha, three of the largest producers, are exhibiting at a joint stand this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "For us this is the best place to meet customers and open up new markets", says Ricardo Silva of Unirocha. He adds that the focus of the Portuguese fruit producers is on Eastern European countries including Russia and Scandinavia, but there is also potential for sales in Germany. So far, the main buyers of pears, apples and plums have been Great Britain, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. (Hall 3.2, Stand B-23, contact: Ricardo Silva,
tel +351 261 336130, ricardo@unirocha.com)

Nothing but 'Sensational Flavours' at Rijk Zwaan

The Dutch seed company Rijk Zwaan is presenting its products at FRUIT LOGISTICA under the banner "Sensational Flavours". "The vegetable varieties we sell that grow from our seeds are distinguished by their remarkably good flavour", said Communications Manager Steven van Paassen. Inspections and taste testing ensure that Rijk Zwaan tomatoes are not only sweet, but actually taste "remarkable", before they are sent to market. "The entire value chain meets here at FRUIT LOGISTICA, from producers to food retailers. We are at the very beginning of this chain. Without seed growers there wouldn't be any innovation, for which FRUIT LOGISTICA represents an ideal platform". (Hall 1.2, Stand D-11. contact: Steven van Paassen, mobile phone: +31 (0) 6 10 92 30 52, e-mail: s.van.paassen@rijkzwaan.nl)

Peru helps producers prepare to export

"The expectations of our exports at FRUIT LOGISTICA are surpassed all over again each year", said Carlos Jaime Montoya, a representative of the Peruvian Embassy in Berlin. At this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA, the exporters are presenting avocados and artichokes, mangos and citrus fruits, grapes and organically grown bananas – and asparagus, of course, in which the country leads the world market. The tender spears are cultivated in Peru on 27,000 hectares, and thanks to the favourable climate, the crop can be harvested year-round. "In 2009 we exported US$ 251 million worth of fresh asparagus, with nearly two-thirds going to the United States", said Leyla Rebaza of the Peruvian Asparagus and Vegetable Institute (IPEH). Spain is the most important customer for tinned asparagus – value of 2009 exports: US$ 113 million. The Lima Chamber of Commerce uses FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce small and medium-sized businesses to the export market, with support from the EU's Al-Invest programme. (Hall 25, Stand C-06. Contact: Carlos Jaime Montoya, tel. +49-(0)-176-80236213; e-mail: montoya@embaperu.de)

Ecuador wants to conquer east European markets

"Papaya, mango and pineapple have grown sharply in recent years. But the most important export product for our farmers continues to be bananas", said Mary-Francis Andrade of Corpei, an Ecuadorian organisation that promotes exports. Three out of ten bananas eaten worldwide originate from the Andean country; 217 million crates with a value of about US$ 1.9 billion were exported last year. Meanwhile, the demand for organically grown fruit continues to grow. High priority is also placed on compliance with social standards in production, Andrade said. The most important market for Ecuadorian bananas has traditionally been the United States, but the country is planning to develop its position in the European market. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is a good opportunity to explore new markets. Currently, Eastern Europe is particularly interesting for us – Poland and the Czech Republic, for example", Andrade said. (Hall 25, Stand C-10. Contact: Mary-Francis Andrade Mendoza, tel. +593-(0)-9-9412309; e-mail: mandrade@corpei.org.ec)

Tomato caviar along with "groovy" and "funky" asparagus dishes

The Dutch Best Fresh Group is presenting numerous innovations at FRUIT LOGISTICA. "Tomberries" are the smallest tomatoes in the world, "like tomato caviar", said Managing Director Kees Valstar of the partner company Valstar Holland, who is also director of the Best Fresh Group. The European innovations "Soup Creation" and "Salad Creation" are fresh ingredients that are packaged together and that can be used to prepare healthy meals. The asparagus dishes called "groovy", "fantasy", "paradise" and "funky" are raw green asparagus tips that are prepared in a wok with different sauces. "At this trade fair, we talk to suppliers, food retailers and end customers. That's important, since 95 per cent of our products are sold in Europe", Valstar said. (Hall 1.2, Stand E-11. Contact: Kees Valstar, tel. +31 (0) 1 74 53 06 00, e-mail: info@valstar.nl)

Denmark presents top-quality organic vegetables

Gasa Nord Grönt represents about 100 Danish organic vegetable producers, and is exhibiting its wide range of products at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time. "We can no longer concentrate solely on the markets in Denmark. Europe is the market of the future for us. FRUIT LOGISITCA is the right place to make the appropriate contacts for this", said Kristian Kaae, Sales Manager for Gasa Nord Grönt, which generates annual turnover of EUR 100 million. The organic products cultivated on 1,000 hectares are subject to strict safety inspections and are all Global Gap-certified. Global Gap is a standard for fruit and vegetable farming that is recognised worldwide. (Hall 6.2, Stand B-03, contact: Kristian Kaae, tel. +45 30 71 05 55, e-mail: kk@gng.dk)

Vienna Wholesale Market: two-thirds for fruit and vegetables

"The Vienna Wholesale Market was founded in 1972 and covers an area of about 300,000m²", reports Alexander Hengl, PR Manager in the Vienna City Magistrate's Office, at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The market is continuously expanding with the addition of a modern waste disposal site and other facilities. About two-thirds of the wholesale market area is available for fruit and vegetables, Hengl said. "We turn over about 200,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables each year". The wholesale market is used by 460 merchants and producers. "For us, the Vienna Wholesale Market is the central platform for trade with the newer EU member states in the east". The PR manager mentioned that the company is taking part in the trade fair for the fourth time this year. "For us, FRUIT LOGISTICA serves more as a place to meet with business partners than for setting up new trade opportunities". (Hall 21, Stand F-07. Contact: Alexander Hengl, tel. +43-1-400012436, e-mail: alexander.hengl@wien.gv.at)

Ausveg calls for Fruit Logistica involvement

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:10:43 +0000

Australia’s peak vegetable grower body Ausveg has accused the country’s government of shunning Fruit Logistica

The chairman of Australia’s peak vegetable grower body has expressed dismay at the country’s low level of representation at this year’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin.

Australia’s government needs to place more emphasis on the horticulture trade, said John Brent.

“Australia recently sent 114 officials to Copenhagen for the Climate Change Summit yet they have shunned this key international trade event,” he said.

Fruit Logistica, which took place in Berlin last week, is the world’s largest fresh produce trade fair, this year bringing in 2,302 exhibitors from 71 countries, and an estimated 50,000 visitors from 125 countries.

“The government have shown disregard for the most critical trade event for the vegetable industry at a time when the Australian market is being flooded with vegetable imports,” said Mr Brent in a statement.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade were extended an invitation but showed little interest in what is a crucial event for our industry.

“The government was happy to rush through the new Horticulture Industry Award 2010 which will make it increasingly difficult for growers to compete with countries such as China and New Zealand. But when it comes to supporting the industry at a key trade event they are nowhere to be seen.”

Australia’s vegetable trade deficit has rocketed in recent years; in 2008/09 the trade deficit in vegetables was four times the level in 2004/05. Exports fell 1.6 per cent while imports rose 80 per cent over the four-year period.

“By ignoring events of this kind, the government is passing up important new trade opportunities while countries such as Chile, Spain and Egypt, which had significant presences at the event, took full advantage,” said Mr Brent.

Fruit Logistica 2010: Preview Reports

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:40:05 +0000

All the news ahead of the start of Fruit Logistica, the leading exhibition event for the fresh produce sector

Click on the following links to read news stories from Fruit Logistica 2010 about:

Fruit and vegetables "safer than ever"
Cuts in fresh produce prices threaten supplies
Germany lags behind on healthy eating
Dole presenting sustainability projects
GFI focusing on communication
UNIVEG presents global sustainability strategy
Chiquita brings a fresh perspective
BVEO: Apples lead the market
IFCO supports food banks with reusable solutions
New record crop for South Tyrolean apple growers
Anecoop records €450 million in sales
Freshfel Europe uses trade fair for meetings and networking
Export of Styrian apples has increased five-fold
Canada Pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time
Cleanly Separating Pomegranate Peel from the Arils
French exhibitors with an array of new products
Technology solutions and reusable packaging from the USA
Flandria is the best known vegetable brand in German retail
DOEK: Systematic support for the Russian market
5-a-day: focus on schools and workplaces
Sensors for fruit recognition from apples to lemons
Seedless aubergine from France
Celluloses de la Loire : Cost-effective shipping of apples
Maersk: New refrigerated containers protect the environment
San Jorge Packaging: Modified atmosphere bags keep fruit fresh
Region Basilicata opens new office in Berlin

No need to worry about fruit and vegetables. They're safer than ever!
"German fruit and vegetables have never been safer!" These were the words of Thomas Bittel, Vice President of the German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV). Bittel reassured consumers that fears about possible pesticide residues are completely unfounded, a fact confirmed by a recently published report by the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). "There is not one single case known in Germany in which a consumer has fallen ill after eating fruit or vegetables containing residues", Bittel said. The DFHV expressly backed a recent Federal Consumer Protection Office statement that fears about the possibility of residues should not keep consumers from eating fresh fruit and vegetables. The association was just as clear about the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables: "Eat as much as possible!" The Federal Consumer Protection Office says the current high quality would not have been possible if fruit growers and trading companies hadn't invested millions of Euros in recent years or established comprehensive quality management systems. (Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, German Fruit Trade Association. Tel.: +49 228 911450, tel.: +49(0)172 2117255, e-mail: bonn@dfhv.de)

Cuts in fresh produce prices threaten supplies
The German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) warns that "price wars" between retailers could harm production in German in the long term and therefore jeopardise the supply of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables. The warning was issued by DFHV Vice President Thomas Bittel at the opening of FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin. Price cuts have hit fruit and vegetables much harder than any other segment. Indeed Bittel said that many of the specialised growers in the fresh produce sector are on the verge of bankruptcy because they can no longer get a decent price for their goods. "If 50 heads of lettuce in a supermarket cost the same as a pack of cigarettes, one must start thinking there's something wrong here. That we are seriously destroying value", Bittel said. Grower's prices must once again be in line with the market and reach a different level, he added. Bittel said not just the quality of goods was gradually being eroded, but the very basis for the production of healthy foods. What's more, the world's most precious resources – agricultural land and fresh water – are declining while the global population is increasing and nutritional patterns in densely populated emerging countries are changing. "The international competition for high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables will increase dramatically in the coming years", he said. The DFHV believes that the organisational structure of German producers and the fruit trade will have to change and adjust to the size structure of the customers. It says that fruit producers and retailers will need more predictable planning and a stronger commitment from buyers in the future. "This is the only way we can guarantee to continue to be able to supply consumers with high-quality fruit and vegetables", Bittel said. (Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, German Fruit Trade Association. Tel.: +49 228 911450, tel. +49(0)172 2117255, e-mail: bonn@dfhv.de)

Germany lags on healthy eating
"Far too little fruit and too few vegetables are consumed in Germany", said Thomas Bittel, the vice president of the German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV) at the start of the FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin. According to market research company GfK Nürnberg, per-capita consumption of fruit and vegetables in Germany was less than 69 kilograms in 2009. The World Health Organisation, the German Nutrition Society and many other organisations recommend a minimum daily intake of 600 grams of fruit and vegetables. "We're far from that level here in Germany, where we consume only about 250 grams a day", Bittel said, adding that it is apparently difficult to explain the value of eating fresh fruit and vegetable – especially to young consumers. He said that although computer skills are considered essential, fewer and fewer children know the difference between an orange and a grapefruit, or have ever tasted vegetables like Savoy cabbage or aubergines. For these and other reasons, it is particularly regrettable that Germany's federal states are hesitant at best in implementing valuable initiatives like the EU school fruit programme. "The country is missing out on an excellent opportunity to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables among young people in particular", Bittel said. (Contact: Dr. Andreas Brügger, German Fruit Trade Association. Tel.: +49 228 911450, tel.: +49(0)172 2117255)

Dole presenting sustainability projects
"As the world's largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables, the Dole Food Company is looking forward to coming to the FRUIT LOGISTICA once again and meeting many European customers to discuss business developments, new products and services, and ongoing projects", says Jean-Christophe Juillard, the president of Dole Europe. Juillard said the general economic climate would undoubtedly be a major topic of discussions at the trade fair. In the fruit industry as elsewhere, the difficult conditions had to be countered "by innovative concepts and well-developed services and bearing sustainability in mind because this is increasingly important in the consumers' eyes", he stressed. "In this respect, Dole will be presenting specific projects focusing on issues like soil protection, water management and the reduction of CO2 emissions". (Hall 6.2, Stand A-02. Contact: Renate Paulmann, tel.: +49(0)40-32906236, e-mail: renate.paulmann@dole.com)

GFI focusing on communication
With some 2600 wholesalers, importers and producers, Germany's wholesale markets supply more than 50,000 independent retailers, market traders, hotels and restaurants, branch-based organisations and bulk consumers. These markets have a combined space of 2,700,000m², employ some 20,000 people and sell products worth about 9.8 billion Euros a year with a total weight of 7.4 million tons. The German Wholesale Market Association (GFI), the organisation representing the sector's interests, will be at FRUIT LOGISTICA with a new stand concept. According to GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge, "The new design of our trade fair stand will emphasise even more clearly the ability of wholesale markets to act as modern, multifaceted and high-quality trading platforms. Communication is one of our key focal points. That is why we have added a lounge to our new, centrally-located trade fair stand so that we can offer customers and networking partners a discrete atmosphere in which to talk". (Hall 21, Stand F-09. Contact: Andreas Foidl, tel.: +49-30-3989610, e-mail: andreas.foidl@grossmaerkte.org)

Univeg presents global sustainability strategy
"Looking back over the past year, we can say that Univeg has worked hard to integrate the group's different companies since FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009", says Francis Kint, CEO of the fruit and vegetables division. "FRUIT LOGISTICA provides a perfect opportunity to meet our clients and suppliers in person. It gives us a chance to discuss our products and service solutions with them and tell them about the interesting initiatives that Univeg is working on". One of these initiatives is the global sustainability strategy that the group is presenting for the first time at the trade fair. It will also be announcing a decision to become a full member of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). According to CEO Kint, UNIVEG is a market-oriented company that aims to play a pioneering role and to demonstrate how sustainable supply chain initiatives can create new business opportunities and consolidate existing business ties. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Nancy Goovaerts, tel. +32-15-324296, e-mail: nancy.goovaerts@univeg.com)

Chiquita brings a fresh perspective
Chiquita is encouraging dialogue at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA with its theme "A fresh perspective". The company is showing retailers new opportunities for image building, competitive differentiation and the creation of added value. Four multimedia stations with different themes illustrate Chiquita's visions and fields of expertise. Product quality and breadth of range, brand strength and the complex issue of commitment to CSR highlight different aspects of the brand. The central 'perspectives' station demonstrates how companies and retailers can work together to create added value with "fresh perspectives" and strategic category management. All of the themed stations focus on consumers' preferences and expectations with regard to fruit and vegetables. "You need to hit the nail on the head in meeting consumers' needs if you want to provide targeted solutions that are not defined by price alone", explains Sandra Paulus, Chiquita's marketing manager. (Hall 25, Stand C-08. Contact: Christin von Dahlen, tel. +49-40-37479848, e-mail: christin.vondahlen@edelman.com)

BVEO: Apples lead the market
An average of 1.3 to 1.5 million tonnes of fruit were harvested annually in Germany over the last years, according to Karl Schmitz, Managing Director of BVEO, a fruit and vegetable industry association. The market leaders were apples with 900,000 to 1.1 million tonnes and a share of around 75% of the total fruit crop. Schmitz goes on to report that 10,500 German companies produce 3.3 million tonnes of vegetables annually over an area of almost 115,000 hectares, most of it open land. The total greenhouse area amounts to around 1,450 hectares. Depending on seasonal availability, locally produced vegetables range from different varieties of cabbage, roots and tubers, leafy varieties and fruit vegetables to herbs and lettuces. The German growers' organisations account for about two-thirds of the market share for apples and approx 40% for vegetables, Schmitz reports. (Hall 20, Stand A-08. Contact: Dr. Markus Nöthen, tel. +49-228-24200520, e-mail: noethen@drv.raiffeisen.de)

IFCO supports food banks with reusable solutions
This year's FRUIT LOGISTICA marks the launch of IFCO's WORLDWIDE RESPONSIBILITY initiative. "As the global market leader in reusable packaging solutions, IFCO plans to shore up support with a broad base of food bank organisations throughout the world", explains Karl Pohler, CEO of IFCO. The company will provide the charitable associations with reusable containers to reduce their disposal costs for non-reusable packaging. IFCO also supports the organisations by co-sponsoring delivery vehicles. "IFCO can look back on a successful year in 2009. We now want to focus our corporate responsibility on very specific projects and assist the food bank organisations with our expertise and packaging solutions", Pohler says explaining the company's commitment. In addition to its product innovations, IFCO is presenting its new project this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA. (Hall 20, Stand B-02. Contact: Viviane Zenau, tel. +49(0)89/7590050, e-mail: v.zenau@power-group.net)

New record crop for South Tyrolean apple growers
The 8,000 apple growers of South Tyrol have broken their records of the last three years by producing 1,016,289 tonnes of apples. This exceeds the 2008 harvest by no less than 9%, says Paul Zandanel of the Export Organisation South Tyrol from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. "The leaders this season are Golden Delicious, Gala and Red Delicious". The inner and outer quality of the apples is excellent, Zandanel reports. "Optimum weather conditions meant that growers were able to keep to the official harvest window. This means that South Tyrol will again be able to supply very high-quality produce in 2010". Zandanel points out that projections for the 2009/10 marketing season remain uncertain due to recent price trends. (Hall 4.2, Stand B-10. Contact: Paul Zandanel, tel. +39-0471-945750, e-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com)

Anecoop records €450 million in sales
"In the previous 2008/2009 campaign we generated sales of around €450 million and we marketed 672,000 tonnes of fresh products", reports Anecoop Managing Director José M. Planells. He adds that the company has 87 agricultural cooperatives throughout Spain. "We are the leading European supplier of fruit and vegetables and one of the world's leading exporters of citrus fruits with more than 330,000 tonnes marketed. Our Bouquet, Black Cat, Nadal and other brands are known worldwide". The marketing enterprise is presenting several new products at FRUIT LOGISTICA including the new "Clemensoon". This early clementine is sold exclusively by Anecoop. The second-tier cooperative recently opened a subsidiary in Moscow. "Our new subsidiary enabled us to immediately address the demand in the Russian market", says the managing director. (Hall 11.2, stand B-07, Contact: Carlota Pardo, tel. +34-963-938556, e-mail: info@anecoop.com)

Freshfel Europe uses trade fair for meetings and networking
"Freshfel Europe sees FRUIT LOGISTICA as a unique platform for meetings and networking with its members and other industry representatives", explains Philippe Binard, General Secretary of Freshfel Europe. For almost a decade Freshfel has been conducting an important meeting on trade policy at FRUIT LOGISTICA to discuss the latest developments in the industry with members of the entire supply chain in Europe and beyond. Topics include trade talks, food safety, pest control, climate change and the European School Fruit Programme. (Hall 20, Stand A-13, Contact: Philippe Binard, tel.: +32-2-7771580, e-mail: info@freshfel.org)

Export of Styrian apples has increased five-fold
Some 50% of Styrian apple production is exported to over 30 countries, including Germany, Great Britain, Spain and Sweden and increasingly to Eastern European countries. "The first shipment of apples recently went to Qatar and we just sent an offer to Cuba", says Dr. Roman Seligo, Managing Director of EVA Handels GmbH. Speaking at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 he reported that apple exports have increased five-fold over the past several years. "The special flavour of the Styrian apple and the high quality standards for production, storage and marketing ensure that people all over the world keep falling 'freshly in love' with the Styrian apple", says Manfred Stessel, Managing Director of Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH, alluding to this year's Styrian trade fair slogan. (Hall 20, Stand A-18, Contact: Franz Schaden, tel.: +43-664-88418840, e-mail: office@opst.at)

Canada Pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA for the first time
Canada is exhibiting in its own pavilion for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. "We are proud to give our member companies the chance to take part in this international trade fair. This enables interested businesses from abroad to discover what the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) has to offer", explains CPMA President Dan Dempster. The CMPA is a non-governmental organisation representing more than 690 members who account for over 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada. (Hall 23, Stand C-02, Contact: Tina Vigliotti, tel.: +1 613 226 4187-217, e-mail:tvigliotti@cpma.ca)

Cleanly Separating Pomegranate Peel from the Arils
Israeli exhibitor Hefestus Ltd. is introducing its processing equipment for pomegranates at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. The system cleanly separates the peel from the arils. "Conventional processors squeeze pomegranate juice out in various ways, including pressing the juice with the peel, which causes a bitter taste due to the highly concentrated tannins in the peel", explains President and CEO Oded Shtemer. "Using Hefestus' technology improves the natural flavour of the pomegranate juice. The automatic process also shortens production and significantly lowers labour costs". (Hall 1.1, Stand E-18, Contact: Oded Shtemer, tel.: +972 (0) 4 6 27 18 35, e-mail: hefestus1@hefestus-slb.com)

French exhibitors with an array of new products
Sopexa brings together a total of 181 French companies and sales promotion associations that are introducing a variety of new products at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010, including pre-cooked and seasoned potato wedges and pre-cooked, vacuum-packed red beet cubes by Lunor. Fleuron d’Anjou offers a premium quality pre-washed lamb's leaf lettuce in a colourfully designed 150-gram stay-fresh bag. Rougeline has added the Pinkoo tomato variety to its line of products. Tomate Jouno presented its new variety called Blackpearl. Pom’Évasion introduces "Les Mop", the children's apple for collectors. The new product line from Concept Fruits includes cooked, vacuum-packed chestnuts with mushrooms, mild onions or raisins and dried apricots. The "Big Bag" by Luc Sockeel Emballages fits perfectly into the various pallet-compatible fruit or vegetable crates. (Hall 22, Stand C-11, Contact: Isabella Lacourtiade, tel.: +49-211-4980827, e-mail: isabella.lacourtiade@sopexa.com)

Technology solutions and reusable packaging from the USA
Seventeen exhibitors are represented in the 300m² USA pavilion at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010. Among them are regular exhibitors such as Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers, Cranberry Marketing Committee, PALM Nuts & More, USA Pears and the Washington Apple Commission. Newcomers this year include KPG Solutions and Macro Plastics. KPG Solutions offers high-tech solutions for perishable products in the supply chain including the fully integrated ERP and Food Safety Manager software programs. Macro Plastics is a leading global provider of bulk returnable and reusable containers. The company's products and services are used for transport and storage in the agricultural and food processing industry as well as in retail and industrial markets. (Hall 23, Stand B-01, Contact: Christel Wagner, tel.: +49-30-83051158, e-mail: christel.wagner@fas.usda.gov)

Flandria is the best known vegetable brand in German retail
Belgian growers cultivate 870,000 tonnes of vegetables each year for the fresh foods market. This includes 517,000 tonnes that are field-grown and 353,000 tonnes grown under glass, reports Paul Coenen, Manager of the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Office (VLAM), speaking at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 kickoff. A total of 500,000 tonnes bear the Flandria seal. In all, the Flandria family includes 55 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Belgium exports 737,000 tonnes of fresh vegetables each year, with 570,000 tonnes going to EU countries. Of this amount, 165,000 tonnes are sold in Germany, including 76,000 tonnes of tomatoes, 27,000 tonnes of head lettuce, 16,000 tonnes of cucumbers and 13,000 tonnes of leeks. Belgium is the fifth largest supplier of vegetables to Germany, Coenen said. “According to a market survey, 88% of the respondents indicated that Flandria is the best known vegetable brand in the German retail sector. 75% indicated that Flandria achieves the greatest market penetration”. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Paul Coenen, tel. +49-221-254857, e-mail: paul.coenen@vlam.be)

DOEK: Systematic support for the Russian market
In spring of 2000, the six leading growers' organisations for marketing dessert apples in Germany, which represent nearly 80% of the entire marketing volume from organised production, founded the German Fruit Export Office (DOEK). The goal is to systematically develop the Russian market and to provide local support. A cooperative agreement was concluded with Rus Marketing GmbH, which maintains a representative office in Moscow. Along with fruit and vegetables, future plans focus on supplying flowers and plants. DOEK is represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 at the joint stand for the German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BVEO) in Hall 20. (Hall 20, Stand C-08. Contact: Dr. Ewald Ewering, tel. +49-177-1720183, e-mail: ewering@rusmarketing.ru)

5-a-day: focus on schools and workplaces
Schools and workplaces are the focus of the new 5-a-day campaign that is providing information to trade fair visitors in Hall 20 and is seeking dedicated participants. “Fruit and vegetables need to be made available where people eat meals and snacks. This is why we need school fruit programmes everywhere, so that children and youth have access to fruit and vegetables in the schools. We are also initiating campaigns in companies so that employees can quickly and easily get the fruit and vegetables they want”, said Helmut M. Huss, CEO of 5 am Tag e.V., as he described the campaign offensive. He points out that, following the successful pilot project in summer 2009, several federal states in Germany are starting the school fruit programme this year. The programme is supported by the European Union. (Hall 20, Stand C-10. Contact: Petra Huber, tel. +49-621-33840114, e-mail: info@machmit-5amtag.de)

Sensors for fruit recognition from apples to lemons
The French company MAF Roda Agrobotic is presenting its complete range of calibration systems at FRUIT LOGISTICA. In just a few seconds, Globalscan V, Lemonscan V and Viotec can scan and sort apples, lemons, etc. into quality grades and colours. Cherryway, the system that is especially designed for cherry tomatoes, cherries and other small fruit varieties, uses the Optiscan-V method and classifies the small vitamin-rich fruits by colour and diameter. MAF Roda Agrobotic is also demonstrating its Speed Packer V6, which gently packs citrus fruits in multiple layers. The globally-active company, which invests 3% of its annual turnover in research and development, offers solutions for a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. (Hall 3.1, Stand C-05. Contact: Sophie Dragusanu, tel. +33-(0)-5-63632770, e-mail: comminication@maf-roda.com).

Seedless aubergine from France
Gautier Seeds, France, is bringing to market the seedless aubergine Shakira. Other new developments presented at FRUIT LOGISTICA include tasty Minilou and Delicassi cherry tomatoes, early-ripening Arisona and Soraya melons, and the delicious mini lettuces Ticcos and Rivale. Gautier Seeds cultivates vegetable varieties to meet consumer demand and develops them until they are ready to be marketed as standard or premium products. (Hall 1.2, Stand C-04. Contact: Françoise Belin, tel. +33 490 240 240, e-mail: francoise.belin@gautiersemences.com)

Celluloses de la Loire : Cost-effective shipping of apples
Celluloses de la Loire has developed a new generation of apple packaging. The French company is presenting its ComPackTrays at FRUIT LOGISTICA. These products are designed for environment-friendly and cost-effective apple transport and storage. The space-saving cellulose trays lower fruit transport costs. Each tray has space for an additional layer of apples. This means an additional palette can be placed in each standard high-cube container. The compact storage also protects fruit more effectively. The trays are made of 100% recyclable paper and are biodegradable. (Hall 21, Stand E-07. Contact: Jean-Philippe Riffault, tel. +33-(0)-299-719522, e-mail: jpriffault@cdl-ofec.com)

Maersk: New refrigerated containers protect the environment
The refrigerated containers presented by Maersk at FRUIT LOGISTICA produce up to 30 kilos less CO2 per day. This is made possible by the specially developed software QUEST (Quality and Energy efficiency in Storage and Transport of agro-materials), which maintains a constant temperature in the container. Present this year for the ninth time at FRUIT LOGISTICA, the shipping company is providing information on the new generation of StarCare controlled atmosphere containers that maintain uniform quality of bananas for 50 days and thus enable longer transport routes. (Hall 25, Stand D-19, tel. +45 33 63 35 34, press@maersk.com)

San Jorge Packaging: Modified atmosphere bags keep fruit fresh
The Chilean company San Jorge Packaging is presenting its FF (fresh fruit) brand of polyethylene packaging foils at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The modified atmosphere technology keeps fruit fresh and crunchy on long shipping routes and maintains it sensory properties. FF packaging enables the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through a polyethylene layer, thus slowing down the natural degradation processes inside the fruit. San Jorge Packaging is reportedly the leading supplier of modified atmosphere bags for Chilean exporters. The company has developed special high humidity bags designed for air transport. (Hall 8.2, Stand C-03. Contact: Vivian Serani, tel. +56-(0)-2-5961036, e-mail: vserani@sanjorgepackaging.cl).

Region Basilicata opens new office in Berlin
Parallel to FRUIT LOGISTICA, the Region Basilicata from Italy is opening its first European branch office on Thursday. The office is co-located with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Berlin. “Desk Basilicata” is a pilot project in conjunction with “Verso l’Europa – Path to internationalisation”. Plans calls for branch offices in several other European cities. The aim is to focus on small companies that need professional support to improve their ability to compete on foreign markets. This will promote the food industry, as well as crafts and tourism. On 4 February at 12.30 pm, the speaker for the region's agriculture sector, Vincenzo Viti, and other representatives will be presenting the project as part of a press conference at the Basilicata booth. (Hall 4.2, Stand C12. Contact: Dr. Vincenza D’Ambrogio, tel. +49/170/4402634, vdambrogio@itkam,org)

More information at www.fruitlogistica.com

Fyffes withdraws innovation entry

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:31 +0000

Fyffes has withdrawn its Fruit Logistica Innovation Award entry following a trademark dispute

European importer Fyffes has had to withdraw from this year’s Fruit Logistica Innovation Award because of a trademark issue with its wax-tipped bananas.

The importer was in the running for the award with its Fyffes Organic Bananas, each tipped with green food-grade wax to signify the product’s environmentally friendly origins.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2010 is open to all exhibiting companies at the event who have introduced an exceptionally innovative new product or service between 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009.

But the Innovation Award announcement brought Fyffes’ product to the attention of Australian company Pacific Coast Eco Bananas, which for ten years has been marking the tip of their organic bananas with red wax. The company also offers bananas with green and blue wax tips.

“We immediately sought legal counsel,” company spokeswoman Dianne Sciacca told Australia’s Foodweek.

Fyffes has now withdrawn its entry after receiving documentation from Australian and overseas trademark authorities.

“Their withdrawal from the award is a satisfactory outcome for our company and eco products, and confirms the value of international trademarks system,” said Ms Sciacca.