AGENDA

 

FRUITNET TROPICALS CONGRESS 2025: A NEW TAKE ON TROPICALS

TUESDAY 24 JUNE 2025

 

09:00
REGISTRATION & WELCOME REFRESHMENTS 

09:30
WELCOME ADDRESS 

09:45-10:30
Session 1: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE 

There is huge potential in the tropical fruit category. Improved quality and availability are driving sales of key lines like avocados, mangoes and limes, as well as lesser-known products such as passion fruit and pitahaya. How can growers, marketers and retailers tap into new opportunities to grow consumption in different European markets? After a keynote presentation from Rabobank on the latest European market data, a panel of industry experts discuss the implications for the trade. 

  • Cindy van Rijswick, Rabobank
  • Maria Wieloch, ICA Sweden
  • Luca Battaglio, Battaglio

10:30-10:45
Session 2: FRESH-CUT FUELS TROPICALS GROWTH

The market for chilled fresh-cut produce has witnessed dramatic growth in recent years as consumers demand  healthier, more convenient snacking options. This has been a boon for tropical fruits like melons, pineapple and mangoes, providing an easier-to-eat alternative to whole fruit. How will this trend develop going forward?

  • Andrew Crawford, PrepWorld
  • Jai Thakrar, Jalaram Fruit

10:45-11:30
NETWORKING BREAK 

11:30-12:15
Session 3: TROPICALS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD 

Tropicals tick all the right boxes when it comes to satisfying demand for fruit that is healthy as well as tasty. They also align with growing consumer awareness of ethical issues. Many are supplied by developing countries where they offer a lifeline to rural communities. Companies need to find ways of sharing these messages more effectively with consumers. Fruitnet shines a spotlight on some of the initiatives driving change. 

  • Bruno Gioffre, Dole
  • Juan Pablo Duque, Equilibria Agro

12:15-13:00
Session 4: OPTIMISING THE SUPPLY CHAIN FOR TROPICALS 

Advances in logistics, ripening, postharvest and packaging are improving the quality and availability of Europe’s tropical fruit offer. We take a look at some of the most exciting developments in the category.

  • Tineke Van de Voorde, Port of Antwerp
  • Jarell Habets, Shypple
  • Marco de Jong, Experience Fruit Quality


 

13:00-14:00
NETWORKING LUNCH 

14:00-14:15
Session 5: UNLOCKING CONSUMER DEMAND

How can the sector tap into key trends such as snacking and health to maximise sales and lock in tomorrow’s consumers? Analysis of the latest consumer trends in the UK market.

  • Tom Hole, Kantar Worldpanel

14:15-15:00
Session 6: CATEGORY FOCUS 

Fruitnet shines a spotlight on some of the most exciting categories in the exotics line-up to see what is fuelling their growth. We bring you case studies on how innovative consumer branding, varietal innovation, product segmentation and consumer education are increasing sales of mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit and pitahaya. 

  • Gianpaolo Renino, Del Monte Fresh
  • Thierry Athimon, Frutas Montosa
  • Henry Robertson, Perfection Fresh Australia

15:00-15:30
Session 7: LOCAL FOR LOCAL: OPPORTUNITIES FOR EUROPEAN SUPPLIERS 

Rising temperatures and new production technologies have created an opportunity for European producers to supply the market with an ever-increasing array of domestically grown tropical fruits. We take two case studies, Dutch-grown ginger and Spanish papayas and pitahayas, to see how this will shape the market in the coming years. 

  • Arie Havelaar, Sawari
  • Angel del Pino, Anecoop

15:30-16:00
NETWORKING BREAK 

16:00-16:45
Session 8: HOW TO MAINTAIN SALES MOMENTUM IN A CHALLENGING LANDSCAPE 

European imports of mangoes and avocados are rising every year. What can be done to maintain this growth momentum and avoid price erosion? In a highly competitive market, how can optimise the potential of these and other tropicals in the retail, foodservice and wholesale channels? 

  • Wim Destoop, Westfalia Fruit

16:45
CLOSING REMARKS 

17:00-18:30
DRINKS RECEPTION

WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 2025

DELEGATE TOURS

09:00-12:00 Visit to Port of Antwerp

A short walk from the Hilton Hotel through the historic city centre takes us to Het Steen, the oldest building in Antwerp, located on the banks of the River Scheldt. Here we board the ship, which takes us on a tour of the Port of Antwerp that passes through Europe’s largest chemical cluster, offering impressive waterside views of the port. After about an hour, we reach our destination: the Deurganck Dock. With its 5km quayside, it is the largest tidal dock in the world and the main gateway for fresh produce arriving in Antwerp. The tour returns to our starting point along the same route over the river Scheldt, arriving back at Het Steen at lunchtime.