News from Fruit Logistica Feb. 9

Global production: 1.5 billion tonnes of fruit and vegetables

Speaking at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 opening press conference, Messe Berlin Chief Operating Officer Dr. Christian Göke reported that over 1.5 billion tonnes of fruit and vegetables were produced worldwide last year. According to information from the AMI (agricultural market information service), around 820 million tonnes of vegetables and 700 million tonnes of fruit were produced globally in 2010. "10% of fruit are exported in cross-border trade, and just 3-4% of vegetables", Göke said. Fruit production experienced a slight decline in 2010.
Tough competition in the global fruit and vegetable market

"The competition for producers who supply high-quality and safe fruit and vegetables in adequate quantities will intensify." This was the cautionary advice of Jürgen Boruszewski, member of the executive committee of the German fruit trade association (DFHV), at the FRUIT LOGISTICA opening press conference. Increasing demand from the growing world population will be accompanied by fiercer competition for scarce resources, he said. Many countries are already buying large land areas on other continents in order to ensure a steady supply of food for their citizens. The DFHV representative warned that, if this development continues, it will become more and more difficult for Germany's producers to compete successfully, particularly with emerging economies.
Fruit and vegetable consumption in Germany continues to drop

German consumers bought an average of 142.9 kg of fresh produce per household in 2010, slightly less than in the previous year, but spending was higher at an average of EUR 249.19. These figures from the AMI (agricultural market information service) were announced at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 opening press conference by Messe Berlin Chief Operating Officer Dr. Christian Göke. Fruit took the larger share at EUR 127.34 (+2%) and 81.5 kg (-1%). This is equivalent to around 220 g per day. There were no changes in the popularity scale. The most popular fruit varieties are apples (19.5 kg), followed by bananas (14.7 kg) and oranges (9.2 kg). Germans spent EUR 121.85 (+8%) per household on 61.4 kg of fresh vegetables. Consumption was 2% lower than in the previous year, reaching an eight-year low. Tomatoes (10 kg) still lead the way here, followed by carrots (7.8 kg) and cucumbers (6.3 kg).
Germany: Fruit and vegetable prices remain low

Fruit and vegetables are still among the most affordable foods in Germany, Jürgen Boruszewski, member of the executive committee of the German fruit trade association (DFHV), said at the FRUIT LOGISTICA opening press conference. Fruit prices had risen by around 5% in 2010, but in 2009 they had fallen by almost 4%, Boruszewski said. Vegetable prices went up by just over 6% in 2010, having dropped over 4% in 2009. Because of the low base level, these percentage increases only meant a few cents in real terms, Boruszewski explained. He expects a slight increase in prices in 2011.
Famila Kiel has Germany's most popular fresh produce departments

Famila Kiel's fresh produce departments have been voted the most popular in the country by consumers in a representative survey. Günter Schweinsberg, publisher of Fruchthandel Magazine and chairman of the Trade Fair Advisory Board, announced the winner of the FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Retail Awards 2011 at the FRUIT LOGISTICA opening press conference. Fresh produce departments are regarded as a calling card for food retailers and, according to the survey results, influence the consumer's overall impression of a supermarket.
Anecoop with growth in sales of EUR 14 million

"In the last campaign 2009/2010 we had a turnover of around EUR 481 million and sold 625,000 tonnes of produce", reported Joan Mir, Managing Director of Anecoop since 1 January 2011. In the season before sales reached EUR 467 million. Anecoop highlights at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 include the introduction of new mandarin varieties "Garbi" and "Safor". The association is also presenting its new packaging image designed for the bouquet premium brand. Anecoop this year celebrates the 35th anniversary of the founding and the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the seedless watermelon. According to the Anecoop managing director, "This is very significant, because we are the market leaders in the sale of these melons in Europe". (Hall 11.2, Stand B-06. Contact: Carlota Pardo, tel. +34-963-938500, e-mail: info@anecoop.com)
Bayer CropScience: Focus on sustainable agriculture

Bayer CropScience plans to gear its activities more consistently towards the promotion of sustainable farming. In line with the company's "Working together for sustainable agriculture" theme at FRUIT LOGISTICA, Bayer is presenting projects with food industry partners that make it possible to produce high-quality food in a sustainable manner. Sustainable solutions based on seeds, innovative pest control and extensive consulting play a key role in safeguarding harvests, increasing long-term yields and maintaining crop quality. (Hall 20, Stand C-13. Contact: Utz Klages, tel. +49-2173-383125, e-mail: utz.klages@bayer.com)
VLAM presents export winners

According to Paul Coenen, Director of the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Office (VLAM) in Germany, "The top sellers in Belgium's export package are tomatoes, cabbage lettuce, cucumbers and leeks". Belgian growers cultivate 870,000 tonnes of vegetables each year for the fresh produce market. 570,000 tonnes are distributed to EU countries, including 165,000 tonnes to Germany. "In a market survey, 88% of the respondents indicated that Flandria is the best known vegetable brand in the German retail sector. 75% indicated that Flandria achieves the greatest market penetration", Coenen said. The quality seals, particularly "Flandria", and the fruit brands are the focus of the Belgian stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. 'With 500,000 tonnes sold annually, the Flandria quality seal is the most important producers' fresh vegetable brand in Europe – 55 fresh vegetable varieties and 35 specialty street products. (Hall 6.2, Stand B-06. Contact: Paul Coenen, tel. +49-221-254857, e-mail: paul.coenen@vlam.be)
Cobana Fruchtring: Close to producers and consumers

Cobana Fruchtring is presenting the group's corporate profile at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 with the slogan "Nah dran" (close by). "The concept draws on current developments in the fruit trade with regard to the challenges of procurement directly from producers and optimum safeguarding of quality and availability in a market that is becoming further concentrated", explains Marketing Manager Stephan Schlick. He believes that having a direct connection to the producer creates greater transparency and confidence in a reliable supply. Schlick goes on to explain that the fruit industry must adapt by shifting from conventional commodity trading to the provision of a complete service. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Stephan Schlick, tel. +49-40-30305270, e-mail: sst@cobana-fruchtring.de)
Dole: Four pillars of sustainability

"Dole Europe is pursuing a sustainability strategy based on four pillars", Oliver Engelken, Dole Business Director Northern Europe, explains at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. One of these, the company's so-called water footprint, is the exhibitor's focus at this year's trade fair. Dole presents four initiatives for more efficient use of water in Hall 6.2. These involve maximising the use of rainwater, implementing modern irrigation technology, significantly reducing the use of water in fruit packaging – demonstrated by the "New Millennium Packing Plants" – and efforts by the company to improve wastewater quality. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-02. Contact: Xavier Roussel, tel. +49-40-329060, e-mail: xavier.roussel@dole.com)
France: Sweetcarpaccio, Kiwi de l'Adour and Antarès

One of the many new products presented by French exhibitors at the Pavillon France at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 is the iridescent red and green "Sweetcarpaccio" from Tomate Jouno. Prim'land and Sikig's "Kiwi de l'Adour" is the only French kiwi fruit to have been awarded the Label Rouge quality award and carry the European seal of origin PGI. Fruits-Union SAS presents the early-ripening green "Summerkiwi" and the "Pêches Plates", which are flat white peaches. Rougeline-Odélis has added four cold-pressed juices to its product range: the "Jus et nectar de fruits Rougeline" come in a selection of Marmande tomato, pineapple tomato, organic kiwi fruit or strawberry. Lunor offers pre-cooked organic lentils and kidney beans. Le Verger de la Blottière presents its new apple variety "Antarès®". And Soleco-Florette presents two new salad mixes, "Lollo Rosso & Batavia" and "Lamb's lettuce and rocket". (Hall 21, Stand E-09. Contact: Barbara Peters, tel. +49-211-4980827, e-mail: barbara.peters@sopexa.com)
Freshfel Europe uses the trade fair for meetings and networking

"FRUIT LOGISTICA is a great place for networking and talking with industry leaders and representatives about the role of Freshfel, the achievements reached, and the priorities for future actions”, says Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe. Furthermore, for the past decade Freshfel has been holding an important trade policy meeting at FRUIT LOGISTICA to discuss the industry's latest developments with members from across the chain and across Europe. Issues include trade developments and negotiations, food safety, plant health and the European School Fruit Scheme. (Hall 20, Stand C-15. Contact: Philippe Binard, tel. +32-2-7771580, e-mail: info@freshfel.org)
New premium snack from Fyffes

Fyffes is introducing an innovative premium snack in the new "Vegetable Snack Segment" at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. Made from cooking bananas, "Fyffes Plantain Chips" are available in three different flavours. "With this new product Fyffes hopes to offer German trade partners and others a trendsetting incentive for the promising vegetable snack segment", says Oscar Dominguez, Business Development Manager for Fyffes Plantain Chips. The chips contain no sodium glutamate, no artificial colours or flavours, no cholesterol and no trans fats. "Just fresh, high-quality ingredients for a balanced and natural taste sensation", says Dominguez. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Michaela Schneider, tel. +49-172-4018228, e-mail: mschneider@fyffes.com)
GFI has new strategy

The focus of the GFI (German wholesale market association) exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA is on strategic development. GFI members recently passed a resolution to adopt an open approach to food retail markets and to broaden the association’s range of tasks. "We are now accepting members from over 3,000 farmer’s markets and 15,000 fresh produce retail outlets, and thus to all wholesale market customers", explains GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge. The members would also benefit from the expansion of GFI’s business portfolio, which now covers the full spectrum of trade management. (Hall 21, Stand F-15. Contact: Frank Willhausen, tel. +49-170-5577514, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org)
IFCO: New reusable containers for perishable goods

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 is where IFCO is presenting its Banana Crate, Egg Crate, and Meat Crate product innovations designed for perishable and fragile goods. These reusable containers developed by the international logistics service company offer customers a sustainable alternative to disposable packaging. In line with food hygiene standards, IFCO’s "green crates" facilitate the transport of fresh foods from the producer to food retailers. At the same time, they support environmental protection by avoiding waste and reducing carbon emissions. (Hall 20, Stand B-02. Contact: Ines Rößler, tel. +49-89-7590050, e-mail: i.roessler@power-group.net)
Inter with ripe Kent mangos and new small packs

The stand sponsored by Internationale Fruchtimport Gesellschaft Weichert GmbH & Co. KG, is where visitors can sample ripe Kent mango and learn about the company’s new small packs for passion fruit and rambutan. “The focus of our exhibit this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA is on products from Columbia, Brazil and Peru,” explained Marketing Manager Ralph Fischer. Once again, the company is presenting a selection of its entire range of exotic products. These include established products, such as Pitúmettes and “Nino” papaya. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Ralph Fischer, tel. +49-40-329000, e-mail: r.fischer@interweichert.de)
“Peter Vetter” is now “Landgard”

To underscore its affiliation with the Landgard Group, the Peter Vetter company has officially changed its company name. What was previously known as “Peter Vetter – The Fresh Company” is now “Landgard”. Speaking at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011, Thomas Bittel, Managing Partner of Landgard Holding, explained the decision taken by the Peter Vetter Group: “The shared ‘Landgard’ name not only ensures a consistent global brand presence – it also stands for the expertise, service-orientation and strength we have gained through the merger. A shared network of affiliated companies under one name strengthens all of those involved”. (Hall 20, Stand C-02. Contact: Torsten Brandt, tel. +49-2839-591120, e-mail: torsten.brandt@landgard.de)
Medjool dates from the US in demand in Europe

According to the producers, Medjool dates from California’s Bard Valley are currently selling very well in Europe. The fruits are larger, juicier, sweeter – and more expensive – than dates from North Africa and other regions. Growers are therefore interested in markets with high purchasing power. According to the exhibitor, demand in Northern Europe has grown significantly in recent years. Five American companies are celebrating their debut this year at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The exhibition space for the U.S. pavilion is roughly 50% larger than in 2010. (Hall 23, Stand A-01. Contact: Christel E. Wagner, tel. +49-30-83051158, e-mail: christel.wagner@fas.usda.gov)
Top quality ‘fresh, juicy, Styrian’ apples

"The ‘fresh, juicy, Styrian’ apple of 2010 is coming into the shops this year at its best, with all of the typical attributes", explains Manfred Stessel, Managing Director of OPST Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. “This year Styrian apple growers can say with pride that all the typical qualities of their varieties are at their best.” He said that contrasting development periods in the summer led to a dynamic ripening process. The apple of 2010 has retained its extremely well-balanced, sweet-sour ratio. It has the original full flavour and distinctive, perfectly consistent colouration. “The classic ‘Gala’ will be available in smaller sizes than in the previous year, while the ‘Golden Delicious’ variety is larger than expected”, adds Stessel. (Hall 20, Stand A-17. Contact: Franz Schaden, tel. +43-664-88418840, e-mail: office@opst.at)
QuickBox resists dampness

The Schumacher Packaging Group is launching its new QuickBox at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. One of the special strengths of this 100% cardboard crate is its resistance to dampness and its excellent stacking capability. The Schumacher QuickBox can be implemented across the complete delivery chain – from harvesting in the field to cold storage and the supermarket shelf. This significantly reduces handling and eliminates the need for re-packing. (Hall 21, Stand C-04. Contact: Björn Schumacher,
tel. +49-9562-3830, e-mail: ebersdorf@schumacher-packaging.com)
South Tyrol – Europe's most important supplier of organic apples

“With a 25% share of Europe’s organic apple crop, South Tyrol is the most important supplier of organic apples in the European Union", says Paul Zandanel from the South Tyrol Export Organisation of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 4% of South Tyrol’s apple crop is organically grown each year on around 680 hectares of land at an altitude ranging from 200 to 1,100 metres. The crop yield has consistently increased over the past few years. 43,000 tonnes of organic apples were harvested in 2010 compared to 37,000t in 2009 and 31,000t in 2008. “In response to the growing demand, we are planning to cultivate even more apples grown according to organic guidelines”, adds Zandanel at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011. (Hall 4.2, Stand B-10. Contact: Paul Zandanel, tel. +39-0471-945750, e-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com)
UNIVEG combines global presence and local know-how

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011 is where the UNIVEG Group is showcasing its ability to combine global presence and local know-how in the production of fresh fruit and vegetables. Its slogan at the trade fair is ‘UNIVEG, your direct connection to the field’. “The annual FRUIT LOGISTICA trade fair is an important date on the industry’s business calendar”, says Francis Kint, CEO of the UNIVEG Fruit & Vegetable division. "Everything at UNIVEG is aimed at our customers. This event provides an excellent forum to communicate and work on achieving specific customer objectives. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Nancy Goovaerts, tel. +32-15-324200, e-mail: nancy.goovaerts@univeg.com)

Preview of press events: Wednesday, 9 February 2011



Wednesday, 9 February 2011



10:00 am

Opening Tour FRUIT LOGISTICA 2011

with Dr. Gerd Müller, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Dr. Christian Göke, COO Messe Berlin GmbH

Contact: Wolfgang Rogall, tel. +49 (0)30 3038 2218, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de

Location: Exhibition grounds, entrance south, entrance level



11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Daily Press Talk GFI

Contact: Frank Willhausen, tel. +49 (0)170 5577514, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 21, Stand F-15



12:00 pm

Press lunch Kiwi d'Adour

Contact: Barbara Peters, tel. +49 (0)211 49 808 27, e-mail: barbara.peters@sopexa.com

Location: Exhibition grounds, Hall 22, Stand Interfel C-22



01:00 pm

Press Event – Chilean Fresh Fruit Association

with Chilean Ambassador Jorge O´Ryan, Ronald Bown, President of the Asociación de Exportadores de Chile (ASOEX), Juan Carlos Sepulveda, General Manager of Fedefruta
Contact: Lianne Jones, tel. +44 (0) 113 366 3128, e-mail: ljones@chileanfreshfruit.com

Location: Chilean Pavilion Hall 25, Stand B-06



02:00 pm - 04:00 pm

ECPA – The global impact of Europe's agriculture and food policies: a panel debate
Location: Großer Stern, Room Sydney



02:00 pm - 03:00 pm

Press conference COBRO
Packaging Selection Support System for fresh fruit, vegetables and mushrooms

Contact: Dr. Monika Kaßmann, tel. + fax: +49 (0)351 472 82 56, e-mail: m.kassmann@gmx.de

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Press Centre, Hall 6.3



04:30 pm

Press Conference IFCO Systems

Contact: Ines Rößler, e-mail: i.roessler@power-group.net, tel. +49 89 75 90 05

Location: Hall 20/B-02, IFCO



04:30 pm - 06:30 pm

Tour with Ilse Aigner

Contact: Wolfgang Rogall, tel. 030 3038 2218,
e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Entrance North/Hall 19



05:30 pm

Presentation of "Le Crunch" donation cheque to SOS-Kinderdorf

Contact: Le Crunch, c/o Sopexa, S.A., Deutschland, Daniela Jahn, tel. +49 (0)211 49808-22,
fax: +49 (0)211 49808-21, e-mail: daniela.jahn@sopexa.com,

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 22, Stand Interfel C-22



06:00 pm

Press conference + aperitif CIV (Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti)

Contact: Alice Camellini, tel. +39-059-7863894, e-mail: alice.camellini@fruitecom.it

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Großer Stern, Room Sydney



06:30 pm

German Food Traders Night
(by personal invitation only)

Contact: Holger Hübner, tel. +49 30 4000477-11,
e-mail: huebner@germanexport.org

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Marshall-Haus



Thursday, 10 February 2011



09:30 am

Press date: Introduction to Italy's producing regions: GAL Sud-Est Barese

Contact: Wir Kommunikation und Unternehmensberatung GmbH, Dagmar Schumann, tel. +49 (0)40 2703964,
e-mail: dagmar.schumann@wirkomm.de

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 2.2, Stand C-08 I.C.E. Italy Stand



10:00 am

Press reception "Discover Colombia, there are many colors and flavors waiting for you

Contact: Sergio Calderon, Leiter Kolumbianische Außenwirtschaftsstelle, tel. +49 (0)69-13023832, e-mail: scalderon@proexport.com.co

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 25, Stand C-05



11:00 am

Press Breakfast „Der steierische Apfel – Der Gesundmacher“

Contact: Christian Wagner, tel. +40 172 300 68 73, e-mail: info@scantinental.com

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 20, Stand/A17



11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Press conference GLOBALG.A.P.
Implementing GLOBALG.A.P. V4, Tour 2011, Emerging Markets

Contact: Claudia Meifert, tel. +49 (0)221-5799325, e-mail: meifert@globalgap.org

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Press Centre, Hall 6.3



11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Daily Press Talk GFI

Contact: Frank Willhausen, tel. +49 (0)170 5577514, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 21, Stand F-15



12:00 pm

Press date: Introduction to Italy's producing regions: Sicily

Contact: Wir Kommunikation und Unternehmensberatung GmbH, Dagmar Schumann, tel. +49 (0)40 2703964,
e-mail: dagmar.schumann@wirkomm.de

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 2.2, Stand C-08 I.C.E. Italy Stand



03:00 pm

Press date: Introduction to Italy's producing regions: Calabria

Contact: Wir Kommunikation und Unternehmensberatung GmbH, Dagmar Schumann, tel. +49 (0)40 2703964,
e-mail: dagmar.schumann@wirkomm.de

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 2.2, Stand C-08 I.C.E. Italy Stand



06:00 pm

Honor Reception Honduras

Contact: Melina Armijo, e-mail: info@deinternational.com.hn

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 25, Stand D-03



Friday, 11 February 2011



11:00 am

Press Conference - Conception IPA – International Pomme Fruit Allianz

Contact: Kurt Werth, kurtwerth@sk-suedtirol.it, tel. +39 335 8391124

Location: Hall 4.2 B-10, Südtiroler Apfelkonsortium



11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Daily Press Talk GFI

Contact: Frank Willhausen, tel. +49 (0)170 5577514, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org

Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 21, Stand F-15



02:30 pm - 03:00 pm

Press conference Fruit Logistica Innovation Award FLIA 2011
presented by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel Magazine
Location: Exhibition Grounds, Hall 20/21





This press release is also available on the Internet: www.fruitlogistica.com / Press Service / Information



Press contact:

Messe Berlin GmbH

Michael T. Hofer, Director, Corporate Press and Public Relations



Wolfgang Rogall, Press Officer, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, tel. +49 30 3038 2218, fax: +49 30 3038 2287, rogall@messe-berlin.de