TIME FOR A FRESH LOOK AT TABLE GRAPES


Expert talks and discussions

Join leading players from the international table grape industry at Nuova Fiera Levante in Bari on 20-21 October to discuss key strategies to grow demand.

OVERVIEW

The development of tastier varieties and growing demand for healthier snacking options show there is huge potential in the table grape market. Having the right varietal mix is essential to satisfy market demand. What does today’s consumer want? And how can producers address environmental concerns in a sustainable way? 

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER

14:15 - 15:00
Panel Discussion: Packaging solutions
Packaging requirements for table grapes are changing rapidly, driven by retailer demands, sustainability targets, cost pressures and the need to protect quality over increasingly complex supply chains. This session explores the latest developments in materials and formats, and asks how the sector can balance performance, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

• Massimo Bellotti, Carton Pack

15:30 - 16:15
Panel Discussion: Global post-harvest technologies – A status report
Extending shelf-life, reducing losses, and maintaining consistent quality remain critical to the profitability of the global table grape business. This panel takes stock of the latest advances in post-harvest technology, from cooling and storage to treatments, monitoring and automation, and considers what the next commercial advances might be.

• Raffaele Benedetti, Unitec
• Stefano Borracci, Serroplast

16:30 - 16:45
Presentation: Global trends in fresh produce
An overview of the forces shaping the international table grape market. This presentation examines recent shifts in production, trade, supply windows and demand, highlighting the key trends, opportunities and competitive pressures that will influence the sector in the seasons ahead.

• Mike Knowles, Fruitnet

17:15 - 18:15
Panel Discussion: Production dynamics – Future supply scenarios in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most important table grape production and export regions, but its competitive landscape is evolving. Growers and exporters have to contend with changing varieties, rising costs, climate pressure, labour constraints, and stronger competition in key markets. This session considers how production could develop across the region, which origins are best placed to grow, and how Mediterranean suppliers can strengthen their position in international markets.

• Angelo Di Palma, Fruitsland
• Nicola Giugliano, OP Puglia Fruit
• Josefina Mena, Moyca
• Isabella Palumbo, CJO
• Vito Valenzano, Fra.Va

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER

10:00 - 10:15
Presentation: Strategic insights from apple marketing
The apple category has led the way in building strong brands, differentiating varieties and creating clearer propositions for consumers. This presentation considers what the table grape sector can learn from that experience, and how similar approaches to branding, segmentation and communication could help strengthen value and consumer engagement.

• Hannes Tauber, Vog – Home of Apples

10:15 -10:30
Presentation: Effective marketing strategies for grapes
What can the table grape business learn from the most effective marketing strategies in the wider fresh produce sector? This presentation looks at emerging trends in branding, consumer engagement, premiumisation, health messaging, digital communication and category differentiation, highlighting practical ideas that grape marketers can apply to build stronger connections with consumers and create greater value.

• Raquel Herce, Mint Global Marketing

12:30 - 13:15
Panel Discussion: Northern European imports – Dynamics and sustainability
Northern Europe remains a vital destination for global table grape exporters, but import patterns are being reshaped by changing supply windows, retailer requirements, costs and sustainability expectations. This panel explores how the market is evolving, what buyers are looking for, and how suppliers can remain competitive while meeting increasingly demanding environmental and social standards.

• Antonio Giuliano, Giuliano
• Atilio Saldias, Apofruit Italia
• Lennart van den Heuvel, Olympic Fruit

16:15 - 17:00
Panel Discussion: Variety innovations – How to match supply with new consumer demand
New varieties continue to transform the global table grape business, influencing production decisions, supply calendars and consumer expectations. This session examines the impact of that next generation, the characteristics that will define future success, and how breeders, growers and marketers can manage an increasingly crowded and fast-moving varietal landscape.

• Carlo Lingua, Grapa
• Darron Saltzman, Hort-IP Law
• Dimitrios Spanos, Grape Evolution
• Maurizio Ventura, Sun World

17:00 - 18:00
Panel Discussion: Round table – The futue of grape retailing
What will retailers expect from table grapes in the years ahead? Bringing together perspectives from across the market, this closing round table considers the standards that will shape future demand – from flavour, appearance and shelf-life to packaging, sustainability, consistency and value. The discussion will explore what suppliers need to deliver to ensure grapes remain attractive, relevant and profitable in the retail category of the future.

• John Pandol, Pandol Bros
• Lloyd Thompson, Marks & Spencer
• Valentina Tilgher, Dole Italia