FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 conference programme discusses key industry issues

The 33rd Fresh Produce Forum and Hall Forums address the latest questions, challenges and trends in the fresh produce sector Berlin, 3 December 2013 – Along with a complete market overview of all products and services across the entire fresh produce value chain, FRUIT LOGISTICA (5-7 February 2014) offers a top-notch conference programme. A series of conferences, seminars and panel discussions aims to keep FRUIT LOGISTICA trade visitors informed about the latest industry issues, challenges and trends. Taking place on the day before the trade fair opens (4 February), the 33rd Fresh Produce Forum at the ICC Berlin focuses on the theme: "Convincing the consumer – emotion at the point of sale". The programme of events for the following three days includes seven Hall Forums. Organised by FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN (Dusseldorf), the lectures presented in the Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) include the following themes: "Competence in trade – how to impress your customers", "Water – scarce, valuable, indispensible" (5 February 2014), "Tomatoes – international production and consumption", "Russia – the impact of WTO membership" and "IFS Standards – News for the fruit & vegetable sector" (6 February 2014), "Sustainability – appearance and reality" and "Innovation and the fruit trade – adding value to the supply chain" (7 February 2014). All events will be simultaneously translated into German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. Outstanding achievements across all segments of the fresh produce trade will be honoured by special industry awards: FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Retail Award (4 February) and the FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD "FLIA" (7 February). The FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 conference programme at a glance 33rd Fresh Produce Forum Convincing the consumer – emotion at the point of sale Tuesday, 4 February 2014, 15:30 – 19:00, ICC Berlin, Hall 15.2 Consumers in supermarkets today are accustomed to being able to choose from an incredibly wide variety of fresh produce of outstanding quality. But it is not just the choice and the quality which matter. A successful fresh produce department needs to have the right atmosphere and "feel". Shoppers need to feel good about their shopping experience. We therefore also need to talk to them on an emotional level. Everyone knows that fresh fruit and vegetables count among the healthiest food products that money can buy. But consumption levels are disappointing. People are not always rational in their choices. More often they shop and buy according to their mood. And in the fresh produce department in particular, impulse shopping plays a key role. International experts specialising in consumer marketing and the dynamics of the retail chain take a close look at the heart and soul of today’s consumer. The 33rd Fresh Produce Forum includes the presentation of the FRUCHTHANDEL Magazine Retail Award 2014 as well as the results of a survey conducted by the GfK (consumer research company). The participation fee is EUR 85, which includes a three-day ticket to FRUIT LOGISTICA. Registration and details are available in the "Events" section on www.fruitlogistica.com. Exhibitor Forum Perspectives for the Development of Fruit and Vegetable Production and Marketing in Russia Presented by the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations Wednesday, 5 February 2014, 14:30 – 16:30, Großer Stern, Madrid Room (between Halls 10.2 and 11.2) The growing Russian consumer market currently depends to a significant degree on the import of specialty crops such as fruit and vegetables. The state program for the development of agriculture 2013 until 2020 therefore envisages also the development of value chains for fruit and vegetables by supporting investments in cultivating, storing, processing and marketing of these products. Hall Forum Competence in trade – how to impress your customers Wednesday, 5 February 2014, 11:00 – 12:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) Know-how at the point of sale is more important than ever. Consumers are not just demanding in terms of quality and freshness. They also expect advice and service. A key challenge for the retailer, but also for the entire fresh produce trade – exporters, importers, wholesalers and service suppliers. To excel and even survive as a supplier today, you have to show your expertise. We take a close look at how to do this. Water – scarce, valuable, indispensible Wednesday, 5 February 2014, 15:00 – 16:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) Water will be a crucial issue in agricultural production and the food chain in general in the future. On the one hand, the short supply of water in many growing regions of the world is already becoming a major problem. On the other, even in countries with no immediate supply problems there are many challenges in avoiding unnecessary water pollution – with direct consequences for plant protection and pest control. Finding answers to these challenges may become a matter of survival for growers and the entire supply chain. Tomatoes – international production and consumption Thursday, 6 February 2014, 11:00 – 12:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) Tomatoes are universally one of the most popular vegetables of all among consumers. Experts take a look at global production and consumption as well as considering key trends for the future. Which varieties will be particularly popular? Consumers need to understand and appreciate the differences between the different varieties. How can the category be best explained and presented to them? Russia – the impact of WTO membership Thursday, 6 February 2014, 15:00 – 16:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) After 18 years of negotiation, Russia joined the World Trade Organisation at the end of August 2012. New opportunities for international trade opened up overnight. How can the international fresh produce trade benefit from this development? What impact will this have on the problem of harmonising regulations on maximum residue levels and customs tariffs? IFS Standards – News for the fruit & vegetable branch Thursday, 6 February 2014, 16:30 – 18:30 (Exhibition grounds, entrance Kleiner Stern) Food safety and quality are key issues along the supply chain. About 15,000 companies worldwide turn to a standard from the IFS standard family line to guarantee the safety and quality of their products. Many retailers and processors prefer the IFS standards in order to ensure that their partners produce and handle safe and high quality products. For attractiveness and success in the sector: IFS Standards – News for the fruit & vegetable sector. Sustainability – appearance and reality Friday, 7 February 2014, 11:00 – 12:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) Sustainability is a major topic in the media today and an important tool in corporate public relations. But even if sustainability has become much more than just a catchword for many, the consumer is still not always clear what it really means. What initiatives are already present on the market? How can the concept be better communicated to the consumer? Case studies from production through to retail show what sustainability means in practical terms and how it can best be presented to the consumer. Innovation and the fruit trade – adding value to the supply chain Friday, 7 February 2014, 11:00 – 12:00, Hall Forum (Entrance Kleiner Stern, between Halls 18 and 11.2) Consumers are by nature curious. New ideas and new products interest them and often lead to improved sales. For the producer or manufacturer, innovation often means better prices and better margins. But innovation behind the scenes can also make a key contribution to improved profits. We take a look, not just at new fruit and vegetable products, but also at innovations in different links of the supply chain. FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD 2014 Friday, 7 February 2014, 14:30 – 15:00, passageway between Halls 20/21 The winner of the competition for best fresh produce industry innovation selected by trade visitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 will be announced. This press release is also available on the Internet: www.fruitlogistica.com