ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS AGENDA 2023
ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS SESSIONS TAKE PLACE ON THE MAIN STAGE ON THE SHOW FLOOR AT ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA IN HONG KONG ON 6-8 SEPTEMBER 2023. ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE TO ATTEND FOR ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS.
Asiafruit Congress brings you a high-quality line-up of respected industry professionals, all of whom are ready to share their knowledge and experience.
To propose a speaker or topic for Asiafruit Congress, please contact our programme manager John Hey via john@fruitnet.com
WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2023
Day One: Marketing & Consumers
11:00-11:10
WELCOME TO ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS
11:10-12:00
NEW MARKET DEMOGRAPHICS IN ASIA
India has just overtaken China as the world’s most populous nation. Mid-tier cities are on the rise across India and South-East Asia. And Asia is now home to more empty-nesters with more to spend on premium products. Leading experts look at Asia’s big demographic shifts, and what they mean for marketers.
- Prerna Garg, HSBC
- Chris Baker, Totem Media
12.00-13:00
NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS
Sponsored by 
13:00-14:00
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FOOD RETAIL?
A deep dive on the big trends shaping food retail in Asia. What is the future for the large format as minimarkets multiply? How is quick commerce changing fresh food distribution? And what retail supply models are developing in fresh produce?
- Edwin Sun, NielsenIQ
- Yang Qian, Pagoda
- Jose Vottero, Fresh Fruit-X
14.00-15:00
NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS
Sponsored by
15:00-16:00
MASTERCLASSES IN FRESH PRODUCE MARKETING
Discussion and case studies with leading fresh produce brands look at some standout marketing campaigns in Asia and the keys to their success.
- Konna Mu, Joy Wing Mau
- Julian Smith, Rockit Global
- Jan Doldersum, Rijk Zwaan
16.00-17:00
NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS
Sponsored by
THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2023
Day Two: Tech & Innovation
10:30-11:30
AI: POWERING NEW SOLUTIONS FOR THE FRESH PRODUCE TRADE
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in the fresh produce business, from crop forecasting and labour optimisation to quality control and traceability. Case studies look at some AI-powered solutions in action. What are the opportunities and challenges ahead? And what do the arrival of ChatGPT and Bard mean for the business?
- Elad Mardix, Clarifruit
- Roy Ortiz, Dole Asia
- Gary Loh, DiMuto
12:30-13:30
TECH LEADS PRODUCTION REVOLUTION
High-tech production is already a reality in controlled-environment agriculture, but it’s more complicated to develop in orchard crops. We spotlight some recent advances, from pre-harvest technologies to robot-ready orchard systems.
- Gareth Edgecombe, T&G Global
- Jesse Reader, Costa Group
14:00-14:30
PRESENTATION OF ASIA FRUIT AWARDS 2023
Winners announced:
meet the winners of Asia’s premier annual awards for the fresh produce business. Presented by Asia Fruit Logistica and Asiafruit Magazine.
15:00-16:00
BREEDING SUCCESS: VARIETAL INNOVATION
New premium varieties are bringing fresh impetus to a number of categories, be it grapes, apples or berries. We look at some of the varieties targeted at Asia. What are their attributes? How they are being developed in-market? And how are they reshaping their respective categories?
- Hannes Tauber, VOG
- George Jessett, Costa Group
- Marie-Anne de Béjarry, SNFL Group
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2023
Day Three: Markets & Trade
10:30-11:00
FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRADE IN FOCUS
Leading economist provides expert analysis of the changing global trade landscape through an Asia lens. What is the outlook for the Chinese economy as the government seeks to stimulate growth following the recent ‘reopening’ post-Covid? How are other economies across Asia performing? And how are global supply chains recovering?
- Betty Wang, ANZ
11:00-11:30
VIETNAM: SPOTLIGHT ON A RISING STAR
A look at the opportunities and challenges for imported fruits in the booming Vietnam market.
- Lu Minh Quang, Biovegi
- Angel Mompo, Fresh Fruit-X
12:30-13:30
CHINA’S CHANGING DISTRIBUTION LANDSCAPE
Fresh fruit distribution is evolving fast in China. Port decentralisation is a key priority to cut congestion and boost efficiency. New routes to market are developing as demand grows from second- and third-tier cities. Industry experts discuss the changing landscape.
- Iván Marambio, Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex)
- Wang Song, Qupai Fruit (Joy Wing Mau)
- Mike Chiue, Hongjiu Fruit Co
14:00-15:00
NORTH ASIA: FINDING GROWTH IN MORE MATURE MARKETS
Japan and Korea are well established markets for imported fruits, but they hold significant untapped potential for emerging categories and suppliers. We look at the changing consumer dynamics in both markets, and the keys to growing sales.
- Wayne Prowse, Fresh Intelligence Consulting
- Kennard Wong, Unifrutti Japan
- June Choi, Soo Il Commerce
- Sarah McCormack, Te Mata Exports
*Programme is provisional and subject to alteration and updates by the organisers.
