Fruit Logistica news

Partner country Peru shows a strong trade fair presence As the official partner of this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA, Peru is displaying its varied agricultural sector with a promising range of cutting-edge quality products to industry professionals. What began in 2003 with an area of 25m2 and with just four companies has now grown to an impressive 500m2 covering 70 companies. Asking the Peruvian Minister of Foreign Commerce and Tourism, Jose Luis Silva, what the country’s success can be based on, he replies: “Peru’s strengths lie in its strategic geographic location, portfolio of premium quality products, its capacity for diversifying markets and products and its principles of fair trade.” (Hall 25, stand B-13, Contact: Solveig Köbernick, phone: +49(0) 170 6370443, email: s.koebernick@media-consulta.com) Dole presents new salad display for the Scandinavian market "As salad experts who were the first to introduce washed, ready-to-eat salads, Dole guarantees a reliable production process and high quality," says Fredrik Pettersson, Sales Manager at Dole Fresh Cuts. The display with a sign reading "Washed and ready to enjoy" makes it easier for consumers to distinguish the washed salads from other products. "We transform salad into a premium product by providing useful information on different kinds of salad and free recipe cards directly on the shelf," Pettersson says. The new displays are on exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 in widths ranging from 70 to 187 cm. The display also includes a screen used to show a film on the production process explaining the "Washed and ready to enjoy" concept in simple terms. (Hall 6.2, Stand A-02. Contact: Xavier Roussel, Tel. +49 (0) 40 329060, e-mail: xavier.roussel@dole.com) Saudi Arabia exports 30 varieties of dates worldwide The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making its debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA with 30 varieties of dates. Of the approximately one million tonnes of dates that Saudi Arabia's growers cultivate each year, 300,000 tonnes are exported. "Our goal is to export the best of our more than 100 varieties worldwide. Next year it is expected to be 500,000 tonnes," says Dr. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The country sees FRUIT LOGISTICA as the ideal platform to help achieve this goal. Fourteen growers are exhibiting their dates at the Saudi Pavilion, including the Khudary and Sukkari varieties. Food researchers are reporting on cultivation techniques and the nutritional value of these desert fruits. (Hall 2.1, Stand A-08. Contact: Dr. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Zamil, Tel. +966 (1)203 7703, e-mail: abdulrahman@zamil.com) New additions to the South Tyrolean apple family The circle of South Tyrolean apples allowed to use the label "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI) was extended in October 2012 to include two new varieties. Pinova and Topaz are the twelfth and thirteenth PGI varieties that are grown in South Tyrol and permitted to carry the label. The Pinova cultivar was created by crossing Clivia and Golden Delicious and is notable for its highly aromatic flavour that is sweet but tart and its firm, juicy and crisp flesh. The scab-resistant apple Topaz was bred from the Rubin and Vanda varieties and boasts very firm flesh and a fresh, pleasantly tart flavour. (Hall 4.2, Stand B-10. Contact: Anna Oberkofler, Tel. +39 0471 054066, e-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com) Chiquita with consistent quality programme Chiquita's exhibit at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 showcases the two key themes of quality and sustainability (corporate social responsibility). In Hall 25, the brand uses banana tree silhouettes to depict the pillars of its quality programme across the entire added-value chain: production, transport, maturation and sustainability. "We are working continuously to further develop our core competencies in these areas and are in a position to offer consistent premium quality products and services," explains Ernst Schulte, Managing Director of Chiquita Germany/Austria. With its sophisticated quality programme and extensive range of fresh produce, which includes the Chiquita Minis concept, the banana producer creates strong distinguishing features at the POS and meets the various requirements of its target group, Schulte says. (Hall 25, Stand B-07. Contact: Marc-Pierre Hoeft, Tel. +49 (0) 40 37479841, e-mail: marc-pierre.hoeft@edelman.com) Peru's produce exports exceed one billion mark Peru has become a key player and integral part of the global fresh produce market: Over the last 11 years, agricultural exports from Peru have seen an average growth rate of approximately 27%, increasing from US$101 million to US$1.12 million. During the official opening of the exhibition by Jose Luis Silva, he says: “I am proud that Peru is the official partner of this year’s Fruit Logistica. We take this opportunity to showcase Peru’s successful industry developments and to share our promising improvements within the agribusiness sector.” In the last decade, Peru has doubled its destination markets, and its fruit and vegetable exports have increased in over one thousand percent. (Hall 25, stand B-13, Contact: Solveig Köbernick, phone: +49(0) 170 6370443, email: s.koebernick@media-consulta.com) Chile to position itself more strongly in the European market "FRUIT LOGISTICA has played a fundamental role in our penetration of European markets. The contacts established there have also opened up new business opportunities in other countries and allowed us to diversify our product range in Europe," explains Felix de Vicente, Director of the Export Promotion Bureau Pro Chile. The 60 companies and the representatives of the committees for kiwi fruit, citrus fruit, blueberries and cherries want to use the trade fair to further strengthen the position of their brands. Chile exported over 2.5 million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables in the 2011/ 2012 season with almost 650,800 tonnes, or 25%, going to Europe. The most important recipient countries were the Netherlands (as the main port of entry) with around 237,500 tonnes, England with around 110,100 tonnes and Russia with around 89,000 tonnes. The USA remains Chile's most important trading partner with 35% of imports. 20% of exports went to Latin America, 15% to Asia. (Hall 25, Stand B-10. Contact: Bettina Stengel, Tel. +49 (0) 30 726203730, e-mail: bstengel@prochile.gob.cl) More fruit by subscription and from one's own garden Those with easy access to fruity snacks eat them more often. This is why "5 a Day" is committed to improving their availability in schools and at work. "The success of the motivational programme '5 a Day at work' shows that employees enjoy having more fruit and vegetables as a part of their daily work routine," says Sabine Lauxen, board spokesperson for the 5 a Day association. "One way of doing this is with a subscription." The platform www.frucht-arbeitsplatz.de helps companies to find suppliers quickly and easily. On the other side of the equation, every provider can easily supply their region's requirements in just a few steps. To ensure that healthy nutrition remains interesting and varied for children as well, "5 a Day" has drawn inspiration from the urban garden trend and is creating a new incentive with the "5 a Day Garden" which it has developed especially for schools. It encourages schoolchildren to learn about fruit and vegetables and develop a taste for them in a hands-on and fun way, with very little space required. "5 a Day" is presenting both concepts at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. (Hall 20, Stand C-05. Contact: Thomas Erdmann, Tel. +49 (0) 621 33840114, e-mail: info@machmit-5amtag.de) EDEKA fresh produce unit builds on strong private label brands As one of the largest European marketers of fresh produce with six locations in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, the EDEKA fresh produce unit manages group-wide purchasing of fruit, vegetables and flowers from 95 countries worldwide. The unit is presenting trends and focal points for 2013 at FRUIT LOGISTICA. Uwe Bockius, Head of the EDEKA fresh produce unit, describes the strategy of the EDEKA service provider: "Our focus once again this year is on expanding and maintaining our private label brands." Visitors can learn about established brands including "EDEKA Rio Grande", "EDEKA Gärtners Beste" (Gardener's Best) and "EDEKA Selection" along with the growing conditions, high quality standards and procurement management requirements. (Hall 6.2, Stand C-02. Contact: Kerstin Hastedt, Tel. +49 (0) 40 63772182, e-mail: presse@edeka.de) Lamoons and colourful apricots from Israel Israel Export Institute is making its debut appearance at FRUIT LOGISTICA this year. Ten businesses are presenting their products at the joint stand. These products include premium dates as well as the Lamoon, a plum that more closely resembles a lemon. Apricots in unusual colours, known as the "Colored Apricots", have been nominated for the FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD. Among the newest products are culinary herbs delivered with their roots in order to extend their shelf life. Other exhibitors are presenting special sheeting for covering greenhouses as well as complete solutions for the setup of pomegranate orchards. Russia in particular is rapidly growing as a new market in addition to markets in the Far East. Europe remains Israel's most significant export partner for fruit, accounting for a nearly two-thirds share, according to Ofer Sachs, CEO of the Export Institute. (Hall 3.2, Stand A-13. Contact: Ofer Sachs, Tel. +972 (0)50 6241010, e-mail: ofer@export.gov.il) Styrian apples have a special blend of nutrients "Nutritionists have proven it," asserts Thomas Reiter, Managing Director of OPST Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH. "Apples produced in accordance with the quality standards of our 'Fresh, Juicy, Made in Styria' brand improve health on a number of levels." Reiter says one important feature is the unusual mixture and relatively high levels of important nutrients they contain. He names vitamins C, E, B1 and B6 in particular. They also contain trace elements and minerals like selenium, iron, copper and potassium, which have a positive effect on health. "Our 'Fresh, Juicy, Made in Styria' apples also contain many stress-reducing micronutrients that can alleviate stress-related ailments." (Hall 20, Stand A-15. Contact: Franz Schaden, Tel. +43 (0)664 8841 8840, e-mail: franz.schaden@opst.at) Turkey: Mediterranean Exporter Unions celebrate trade fair jubilee The Mediterranean Exporter Unions have organised Turkey's presence at the FRUIT LOGISTICA for the tenth year. Twenty-one Turkish companies are represented at the trade fair, although the presentation by the Turkish Citrus Promotion Group is especially predominant. Turkey exported about 3 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables last year, worth a total $2.1 billion. Thirty-six percent of this went to Russia, making it the largest importer of Turkish fresh produce, followed by Iraq (14%) and Germany (9%). Ali Kavak, Management Board Chairman to the Mediterranean Fruit and Vegetable Export Unions, says the FRUIT LOGISTICA is not only an important place to make contacts with other exhibitors and visitors. It's also useful for following the latest trends on site and for adapting to the constantly changing trends among consumers. (Hall 1.1, Stand F-11. Contact: Gökce Tol, Tel. +90 (0)324 325 3737, e-mail: gokcetol@akib.org.tr) Pom'plume: a new potato variety from France Les Trois Laboureurs will be introducing its newly-developed potato variety "Pom'plume", just one of the innovations on display at the French Pavilion at the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA. Pom'plume potatoes have a pleasantly buttery taste and plenty of vitamins and roughage, yet 30% fewer calories. PRIM'LAND and SOFRUILEG will be presenting their newly-created miniature kiwi, the "NERGI®". This roughly grape-sized sweet berry contains neither stone nor seeds and has a fine, smooth skin, making it easy to consume and a tasty fruity snack. A new packaging film from St. André Plastique/Plasticaen extends the shelf life of packaged fruit and vegetables during transportation and in stores by between 25 and 40 days. Heirloom varieties of French cabbage were used to create the new flat "Choudou". This "sweet cabbage" developed by Larrere & Fils is characterised by a distinctive subtle and slightly sweet taste, and can be used both raw and cooked. (Hall 22, Stand D-09. Contact: Barbara Peters, Tel. +49 (0)211 498 0827, e-mail: barbara.peters@sopexa.com) Lufthansa Cargo flies 25,000 tonnes of fresh produce each year "FRUIT LOGISTICA is a great platform to meet many clients and partners," says Oliver Blum, Head of the Fresh/td competence team for perishable goods at Lufthansa Cargo. That is why Lufthansa Cargo is exhibiting at the trade fair for the first time this year. "Many of our clients also wanted us to be represented here." The airline transports around 25,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables annually, primarily from South America but also from Africa to Europe. It works together with Europe's biggest perishable centre (air cargo handling centre for temperature-controlled products) at the Frankfurt transport hub. The centre has a total area of 9,000m2 and provides storage facilities for temperature-sensitive imported goods in 20 controlled climate zones. (Hall 25, Stand A-09. Contact: Oliver Blum, Tel. +49 69 69692410, e-mail: oliver.blum@dlh.de) Syngenta: innovative, sustainable, consumer-oriented This year's Syngenta exhibit is devoted to the new business concept that has integrated the Seeds and Crop Protection business divisions. In addition to innovative products and technologies for the promotion of sustainable production methods, the company is presenting a number of innovations that aim to keep on delighting consumers with new taste sensations and to reflect changing lifestyles and consumer habits. "The growing number of single households means increased demand for small sizes. Every kind of 'mini' is in demand," says Syngenta's Hubert Hellemann. "Our generation clearly prefers sweeter products," explains Jirko Stiller, Head of the sales team for vegetable seeds. Visitors can get to know these trends in the form of products such as yellow-fleshed, sweet cherry tomatoes or seedless baby sweet peppers weighing just 25 g. (Hall 1.2, Stand D-10. Contact: Jirko Stiller, Tel. +49 (0) 172 2440458, e-mail: jirko_simon.stiller@syngenta.com) Great Britain's fruit and vegetable production in the spotlight FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors can met with leading growers, suppliers and service providers in the British fresh produce, potato and horticultural industry on Thursday 7 February in Hall 8.2, Stand A-07. The British horticultural industry is represented for the first time at a joint stand run by the three independent organisations the Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA), the Potato Council and the Horticultural Development Company (HDC). "We want to present the whole spectrum of Great Britain's high-quality produce, meet customers and increase awareness of our organisations," says Stuart Booker, Association Manager of the CHA. (Hall 8.2, Stand A-07. Contact: Stuart Booker, Tel. +44 24 7669 2291, e-mail: stuart@cha-hort.com) Kenya: Horticultural products are the second-largest foreign currency generator Participating in FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 is especially important for the African nation of Kenya, since the EU has traditionally been the largest market for Kenyan horticultural products. "We enjoy coming to Berlin to acquire new customers. We can also see what other competitors are offering and learn from their exhibits how to improve our own market potential," says Anne Gikonyo, General Manager of Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA). The cultivation of horticultural products is the economic sector experiencing the strongest growth and is the country's second-largest foreign currency generator. Cut flowers, green beans, pole beans, sweet peas, Asian vegetables, pineapples, mangos, tomatoes and passion fruit top the country's list of export products. (Hall 1.1, Stand C-09. Contact: Anne Gikonyo, Tel. +254 (0)2088469 3597356, e-mail: awgikonyo@hcda.or.ke) AL-Invest promotes cooperation with European partners "We want to help small and medium-sized businesses from Latin America establish themselves on the European market," says Corinne Saintilan, describing AL-Invest's debut at FRUIT LOGISTICA. A European Union cooperation programme is behind the company's name, which has been working on bringing together small and medium-sized businesses from South America with their European counterparts since 1994. Some 40 companies and organisations from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru are presenting their range of fresh products under the umbrella of AL-Invest. Eighteen countries in total are participating in the programme. "The companies have traditionally tended to have trade relations with the US. We are helping them build their networks here because they find the European market particularly attractive, with its high quality standards and demanding consumers," adds Saintilan. (Hall 25, Stand C-04. Contact: Corinne Saintilan, Tel. +32 (0)2 788 4843, e-mail: corinne.saintilan@al-invest4.eu) GFI platform: Diversity in unity In its twelfth year at the trade fair, the German wholesale market association GFI is appearing at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 with a new stand design – marking its fourth generation of innovative exhibits. GFI Chairman Uwe Kluge explains: "Every three years we improve the design of our stand. With our large information stand, we now have a central venue for trade visitors looking for information and discussions. With the message 'Diversity in unity', we are clearly demonstrating the modernity and significance of fresh produce markets." The GFI stand caters especially to wholesalers and importers who are established in wholesale markets, serving as a platform for discussions and negotiations with customers and suppliers from around the world. (Hall 21, Stand E-12. Contact: Frank Willhausen, Tel. +49 (0)174 815 2314, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org) Europe is the largest market for fresh produce from South Africa Europe remains the largest and most significant market for fruit and vegetables from South Africa. Each year, the country exports 5.2 million tonnes of fresh produce to Europe. The Russian market is also becoming increasingly significant. "We've come to FRUIT LOGISTICA in order to maintain our customer relationships and to establish new contacts with other market players," says Anton Kruger, new Chief Executive Officer of the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (fpef). Even though the South African government discontinued its annual support for the exhibit, fpep is still appearing at the leading trade fair for the international fresh produce industry. "FRUIT LOGISTICA is the most important forum for us. We can't afford not to come to Berlin," says Kruger. (Hall 5.2, Stand C-02. Contact: Anton Kruger, Tel. +27 (0)21 526 0474, e-mail: anton@fpef.co.za) Tunisian dates are popular in Morocco Tunisia's fruit and vegetable-growing associations are presenting both conventional and organic products this year. "We're selling more and more dates, even to Morocco," says Ambassador Elyes Ghariani. Tarek Tira, the marketing manager of the GIF fruit association, says that the "Maltese" orange – which is grown only in Tunisia – is an export hit. The country's producers grow about 130,000 tonnes of them a year. Demand is also high for the sweet, small-seeded pomegranates from the Gabès region. Souad Mettiti from the GIL vegetable association points out that tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and a wide variety of salads are the best-selling products abroad. He says tomatoes from southern Tunisia are particularly aromatic because they are watered by warm springs. (Hall 1.1, Stand B-07. Contact: Tarek Tira, Tel. +216 (0)98 516 564, e-mail: t.tira@gifruit.nat.tn; Souad Mettiti, Tel. +216 (0)98 282 574, e-mail: souad.mettiti@gil.com.tn) Total Produce now with the Oppenheimer group "This year we are welcoming our new Canadian and American colleagues from the Oppenheimer group to the FRUIT LOGISTICA," says Vincent Dolan, Marketing Manager of Irish trading group Total Produce. In January, Total Produce acquired 35% of Vancouver-based Oppenheimer. It now wants to increase its shareholding to 65% by 2017. Another premiere at the trade fair will be a new salad-packaging system due to be launched on the Scandinavian market next week under the TOP brand. This employs less moisture and therefore keeps food fresh for longer at temperatures up to 8 degrees Celsius. (Hall 5.2, Stand A-07. Contact: Vincent Dolan, Tel. +353 (0)42 938 8707, e-mail: vdolan@totalproduce.com) Many new exhibitors from Greece "More than half of our exhibitors are presenting their products for the very first time," says Harry Sgourakis, Deputy Director of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO). Many of the 13 companies at the joint stand initiated by the foreign-trade organisation attended last year's FRUIT LOGISTICA as trade visitors and subsequently decided to take part. Other companies are represented by individual stands at the trade fair. The country's classic agricultural products range from potatoes and onions to oranges and kiwis. (Hall 2.1, Stand D-02. Contact: Harry Sgourakis, Tel. +30 (0)694 575 4969, e-mail: sgourakis@hepo.gr) Macedonia promotes its quality at the FRUIT LOGISTICA The fruit and vegetable-growing sector of the Republic of Macedonia feels it is ready to enter European markets. "We are constantly improving our production technology," says Vesna Andonova of Economy Planning Innovation (EPI Centar). The organisation supports Macedonian companies that want to exhibit at trade fairs. Macedonia exports 70% of all locally-grown fruit, which meets the highest EU standards. "We are using the FRUIT LOGISTICA to not only make new contacts but also to raise awareness about our products," Andonova says. The main exports of this Balkan republic are tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes and sweet peppers, table grapes, apples, peaches, plums and sour cherries. (Hall 2.1, Stand C-10. Contact: Vesna Garvanlieva, Tel. +389 (0)23 233 753, e-mail: vgarvanlieva@epicentar.mk) Belgium: Flandria stand gets a facelift A wind of change has blown through the VLAM stand in Hall 6.2. Flandria-certified products have been given a new advertising campaign and are being presented in an eye-catching manner thanks to a new stand concept for this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. "The new motifs are designed to convey our three key messages – 'sustainable production', 'extra quality' and 'family-run businesses' – in an emotional and believable way," explains Kristophe Thijs, Managing Director of the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM) in Cologne. He says the new campaign mainly focuses on the export favourites: tomatoes, lettuce, sweet peppers, cucumbers, chicory and leek. According to Thijs, the claim "Flandria: The fresh family" underscores the fact that all Flandrian products are grown by family-run businesses. (Hall 6.2, Stand B-06. Contact: Kristophe Thijs, Tel. +49 (0)221 254857, e-mail: vlam.belg.agrar@t-online.de) Exchange rate hurts EnzaFruit There is good and bad news for EnzaFruit New Zealand. The French and Italian harvest of its premium Jazz apple will sell out sooner than usual this year, as early as the first week of March 2013. Its harvests in New Zealand have also remained stable over the past three to four years, netting the company sizeable sales. "Of course we're pleased about that," says Tony Fissette, Managing Director of EnzaFruit New Zealand, at the FRUIT LOGISTICA. However the weak New Zealand dollar is proving a headache. Since 2009, it has fallen steadily against the euro. "That makes it hard for us to motivate our farmers. After all, the Jazz is already one of the most expensive apples on the market." (Hall 6.2, Stand C-20. Contact: Tony Fissette, Tel. +32 (0)11 689 941, e-mail: tony.fissette@enzafruit.be) Maf Roda unveils new fructose measurement device The French engineering group Maf Roda will be presenting a new device at the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA that can be used to measure fructose levels in various types of fruit within having to cut into the fruit to do so. The Insight II measures the sugar content of apples, kiwis, mangos, peaches and nectarines, partly using spectrometry in the infrared range. Another device, the Optiscan 5, photographs and analyses images through infrared light so that individual products can be sorted by shape and colour. Maf Roda also offers a complete range of products ranging from simple to complex sorting and packing machines for a variety of fruits and vegetables. (Hall 4.1, Stand A-11. Contact: Fabrice Blanc, Tel. +33 (0)5 6363 0785, e-mail: f.blanc@maf-france.com) Brazil presents fruits from Minas Gerais This year the joint stand organised by the Brazilian national fruit institute (IBRAF) will be focussing particularly on the state of Minas Gerais, which will alone be represented by 40 exhibitors. About a dozen producers from other parts of the country will once again be exhibiting a colourful palette of fruits ranging from pineapples, melons and mangos to persimmons and papayas. In 2012, Brazil's fruit exports were slightly higher than those of the pervious year, at 693,000 tonnes, although the financial volume, at $619 million, was down by 2.3%. The Netherlands were the biggest importers of Brazilian produce, accounting for about a third of the total. Britain and Spain were in second and third place respectively. Five percent of Brazil's exports went to Germany. (Hall 23, Stand B-01. Contact: Luciana Pacheco, Tel. +55 (0)11 3223 8766, e-mail: luciana@ibraf.org.br)