ends, discussions, viable solutions: FRESHCONEX Business Forum 2012

Trends, discussions, viable solutions:
FRESHCONEX Business Forum 2012

Berlin, 9 November 2011 – The FRESHCONEX 2012 Business Forum on 8-10 February offers fresh produce convenience experts a first-class platform with information and discussions focusing on current industry trends. The featured topics over the three days of the trade show range from "New opportunities in marketing for fresh produce convenience" (8.2.) to "Food safety" (9.2.) and "Technology and new product development" (10.2.). The FRESCONEX Business Forum offers excellent opportunities to share in-depth information and exchange ideas with guest speakers and international industry representatives.

The FRESHCONEX Business Forum is staged in Hall 7.2b and is fully integrated into the exhibition area which means that it is included in the FRESHCONEX admission price. The Business Forum presentations will be simultaneously translated into German and English.

FRESHCONEX is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH. The Business Forum is presented by Fresh Convenience Magazine (London) and the United Fresh Produce Association (USA).
Information updates for the FRESHCONEX Business Forum are available online: www.freshconex.com / Events.


Wednesday, 8 February 2012
New opportunities in marketing for fresh produce convenience

11.00-11.30: New markets for fresh produce convenience products
Fresh convenience products have become everyday consumer items in many countries across Europe. Which markets still offer potential for the development of fresh produce convenience?

12.00-12.30: Market solutions for fresh produce convenience in Nordic markets
Nordic markets present their own challenges to suppliers of fresh produce convenience products. What do buyers in these countries want? And what specific demands do shoppers have?

14.00-14.30: New opportunities for regional processors
Large international fresh produce convenience processors are looking for regional or local solutions to help keep their customers supplied. It adds up to important new business for smaller processors to plug into a major international network. Just how big are these opportunities? What developments can we expect?

15.00-15.30: Beyond retail: building your brand for a total consumer experience
Fresh produce convenience brands are growing in new food service and 'out of home' promotions. How big are the potential gains for brands in these new markets? What success stories are taking place at traditional retail from these new opportunities? Have consumers provided feedback to these non-traditional purchase experiences?

Thursday, 9 February 2012
Food safety

11.00-11.30: Learning the lessons of the food safety crisis
Last summer’s e-coli crisis was focused on Germany. It demonstrated the key requirement of food safety and traceability. What key lessons does the business need to learn? Does the fresh produce convenience sector face any particular challenges?

12.00-12.30: Next steps to food safety audit harmonization
Food safety audit harmonization represents a key challenge for the business. How far down the road to harmonization are we? What obstacles remain in the way?
14.00-14.30: Using the media for food safety
Information is crucial in the debate about food safety. Business always needs to work closely with the relevant authorities. But is there also more of a role for the press and for social media? Should they also be part of the information flow?

15.00-15.30: The role of new technologies in food safety
New technologies have a role to play in food safety. Shelf-life extension, product preservation, products washes and rinses are all coming into the picture. Do these technologies help food safety in fresh produce convenience?


Friday, 10 February 2012
Technology and new product development

11.00-11.30: Fresh produce convenience and new seed technology
New seed technology is making changes throughout the supply chain. It can start with the manufacturers. How are they developing new seed products for the fresh produce convenience business? What are the latest innovations?

12.00-12.30: New product mixes for fresh produce convenience processors
Fresh produce convenience processors are developing new products mixes to create new marketing opportunities. What are some of the newest developments?

14.00-14.30: New technologies to improve shelf life and product quality
Shelf life is critically important to the future growth of the fresh produce convenience sector. How can new technologies help to extend shelf life? What are the next steps to extend shelf life even further? What impact will these technologies have on product quality?