The 26th edition of Macfrut, the Italian event dedicated to the fresh produce industry, is due to take place in Cesena on October 7-9.

And on October 6, the first European Fruit Summit is scheduled to take place at the same venue, during which leading international experts will discuss the problems, perspectives and future of the fruit market in Europe.

Technology will come under the spotlight during the conference and exhibition. On October 8, a session entitled ‘Technologies and logistics supply chain for consumers and environment’ will analyse how the technological development of the fruit and vegetable industry can ensure consumer food safety and environmental safeguards.

One new element of this year’s exhibition will be the ‘Road to quality’ area, where the most important international seed producers will talk with food industry clients and actors about which road should be followed to achieve quality agriculture. This special interest in the seed sector will come under scrutiny at the ‘Seed research at the service of the fruit and vegetable industry: opportunities and threats’ meeting on the same day, which will also examine genetic research in agriculture.

This year, Macfrut will also house a whole exhibition pavilion for fresh-cut produce, and the topic will be discussed during the final meeting of the show, entitled ‘Fresh-cut: a change is needed’ and organised by the Italian Association of Food Product Industries on October 9. This session will examine the role of the fresh-cut sector as a means of revitalising the fresh produce industry during a global economic crisis.

Macfrut 2009 aims to build on last year’s success, when it attracted more than 21,500 professional visitors, 25 per cent from other countries, with the participation of 74 foreign countries and 684 exhibitors.

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