AGENDA

Fruitnet Berry Congress 2026 features a forward-looking agenda built around what consumers and supermarkets need next from the berry category. Under the theme Fresh Berry Connections, our agenda focuses on opportunities to develop better products, faster and more predictable supply chains, and more effective marketing strategies.

08:30
Registration and networking

09:30
Welcome and opening remarks
Introduction to Fruitnet Berry Congress 2026 and conference themes.

09:35
Talk: Market trends
Our opening speaker sets the scene and forecasts what the year ahead will bring for the berry category.

09:45
Keynote interview
An in-depth interview with one of the international berry market’s leading suppliers.

10:00
Discussion: What next for the berry business?
Analysis of fresh berry trends and new market growth opportunities, including emerging supply sources and the continued rise of year-round and local production. What are retail expectations, supply pressures, and shifting shopper behaviour doing to the business and its key players?

10:30
Networking break

11:15
Talks: Product innovation
A closer look at the work that berry suppliers are doing to develop more exciting products, and more effective marketing strategies.

11:45
Discussion: How can the category grow?
We explore the berry category in terms of its product mix, new varieties, future innovations, and the attributes that matter most to consumers, retailers and suppliers.

12:15
Brainstorm: Packaging potential
Berry business leaders consider the big challenges around cost, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance when it comes to packaging. How can the category tap into lighter materials, better recyclability, and formats that extend freshness without compromising consumer appeal?

13:00
Networking lunch

14:00
Keynote interview
One of the berry sector’s leading players offers their thoughts on its fast-paced technological evolution.

14:20
Talks: AI and automation
A series of updates on the berry sector’s most groundbreaking technological developments.

15:00
Discussion: How smart can the berry business become?
Our panel considers the latest advances in AI and automation, as autonomous machinery, AI-based grading systems, and more joined-up data management all look set to make the business more resilient, more sustainable, and more profitable. What are the next steps in this dramatic, rapid shift towards smarter supply chains?

15:30
Networking break

16:15
Keynote interview
Another leading player in the international berry business explains what consumers and retailers want from the category.

16:45
Discussion: The big picture
Our closing panel looks to draw some conclusions about the future of the global berry business.

17:20
Closing remarks

17:30
After work drinks

18:30
Conference and expo closes