AGENDA
28 NOVEMBER 2023
A brave new world for berries
Global Berry Congress 2023 returns to Rotterdam after one of the most dramatic and challenging years for the berry business in recent memory. At this year’s event, our conference programme focuses on all of the big topics, including major market trends and industry challenges. This year’s agenda includes talks and discussions about inflation and the cost of living, climate change, sustainable packaging, tackling food waste, artificial intelligence, vertical farming and robotics, better engagement with consumers, compliance, emerging markets, and new supply sources.
HEADLINE HUB
INFORMATION & INSIGHT
Our Headline Hub stage delivers first-class analysis of current trends and possible future developments in key areas of the fresh berry business. The Headline Hub is a place for all stakeholders, from breeders and growers to buyers and category managers, to deepen their understanding of today’s fresh berry supply chains.
08:00
Registration opens
09:00
Networking
10:00
Welcome to Global Berry Congress 2023
• Mike Knowles, Fruitnet
10:05
A fragile future: where next for berries?
Following a year of economic downturn and climatic adversity, our opening session highlights the key trends and major challenges ahead for the international berry business. Expert speakers offer insightful industry analysis and consider the factors that will affect the sector’s fortunes during the next 12 months.
• Cindy van Rijswick, Rabobank Research Food & Agribusiness
11:00
Networking break
11:30
Sustainable sourcing: how to match supply with demand
In an international market that remains as complicated and challenging as ever, we look at some of the berry category’s recent success stories and find out how companies can overcome its biggest challenges. Our extended session highlights various areas of interest, including environmental and commercial standards, labour provision, quality improvement, and recent advances in new variety development.
• Salih Hodzhov, WB Chambers
• Omar El-Naggar, Bloom Fruit Consultants
• Hussein Hassan, Fresh All Green
• Matteo Molari, G-Berries
14:00
The art of artificial: technology lends a helping hand
Artificial intelligence has made itself a mainstay of the mainstream media since our last Global Berry Congress. In this session, we tap into some very real and authentic intelligence to deepen your understanding of where machines can take the berry business next. From yield forecasting and advanced grading systems that help to limit food waste, to smart robotics that can reduce the need for pesticides and workers.
• Paul Rooimans, Yield Computer
• Marco Snikkers, Onethird
16:00
Keynote interviews: thought leaders in conversation
Accomplished interviewees share some of their vast knowledge and experience in the fields of vertical farming, category management, and more. Don’t miss these vital contributions to our Global Berry Congress 2023 programme.
• David Meszaros, Smartkas
• Marion Regan, Hugh Lowe Farms
LAUNCHPAD
INVENTION & INGENUITY
The Launchpad stage presents more in-depth sessions on important topics for the berry business. Expert speakers give their assessment of new opportunities and challenges relating to new markets, alternative packaging, and transport services.
11:10
Oriental opportunities: a closer look at Asia
As Asia’s import markets recover following the pandemic, our speakers explore what new commercial opportunities might lie in wait for those berry companies who want to expand beyond their traditional, established markets in Europe and North America.
• John Hey, Fruitnet
13:30
Better blues: Costco’s Canada case study
Following a successful trial earlier this year, Costco Canada has committed to a wider roll- out of new, sustainable packaging for the blueberries it sells. We speak to the project’s architects and learn about the continued impact that more environmentally friendly packs can have in the fresh berry category.
• Shannon Boase, CKF
15:40
From A to Berry: lessons in logistics
Shipping and airfreight perform vital roles by connecting fresh berry supply to key consumer markets.
• Xavier Ripoll, Seafrigo
• Natasha Solano-Vesela, Hellman Worldwide Logistics
