Established in 1993, Feb. 8-10 will mark the 25th anniversary for Fruit Logistica Berlin, the largest annual fresh fruit and vegetable expo and conference in the world.

Madlen Miserius, product manager for Fruit Logistica, said the 2017 event has a record participation of more than 2,900 exhibitors from 85 countries and from every link in the value chain. Organizers have taken three additional halls at Messe Berlin to accommodate the increase.Madlen Miserius

“More than 70,000 trade visitors from over 130 countries are expected to attend,” explained Miserius. “Fruit Logistica provides exhibitors and visitors alike with the very best business opportunities, information and innovations. It is the largest single gathering of fresh produce professionals ever.

“The three days of Fruit Logistica set the course for the success of the entire business year,” she continued. “For example, 45.7 percent of all exhibitors received new orders at the trade fair, and 91 percent of the exhibitors anticipate positive business results following the event.”

In celebration for its 25th Fruit Logistica is hosting a photo competition, whereby people are invited to join its 25 funny and crazy photo challenges by posting their favorite fruits at the #25fruits community to join in the celebration. The best selfies will be published on its social media channels, on the Fruit Logistica website and onsite at Fruit Logistica 2017.

Two new event formats, FRUTIC Symposium and Fruitnet World of Fresh Ideas, also will be presented at the 2017 event.

The international FRUTIC Symposium, being held Feb. 7, the day before the show opens, offers an ideal platform for discussions among experts from the field of research and the fresh product sector. The event will focus on innovations and new technologies to promote the quality and safety of fruit and vegetables.

“This will be the first time the international scientific meeting is held in association with Fruit Logistica,” said Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager Wilfried Wollbold. “In compact and high-quality expert panels, current issues of the fresh produce industry as well as innovative solutions in terms of equipment and machinery sector will be discussed and debated.”

Fruitnet World of Fresh Ideas focuses on the latest trends and the newest innovations in the world of fresh fruits and vegetables in a totally new way. Drawing on a global network of fresh produce insights and contacts, Fruitnet Media International’s top journalists bring together international experts to explore what’s new and happening in the world of fresh produce today. Three sessions include Growers & Suppliers, addressing the biggest trends and innovations worldwide; Tend Report, which takes a long-term look at developments and; Buyers & Shoppers, focusing on the major changes in global demand.

Inside the USA Pavilion companies included in the nearly 3,000 exhibitors at the event are Apio Inc., Bard Valley, California Table Grape Commission, Ham Produce Co., Farm Fresh Produce Inc., Nature’s Way Farms Inc., POM Wonderful, U.S. Apple Export Council, USA Pears, Washington Apple Commission, Wonderful Brands and numerous others.

In total, approximately 100 companies or trade groups from Canada, Mexico and the United States will exhibit at the event.

Fruit Logistica will once again present the annual Innovation Awards at the trade show.

“The Innovation Award is considered the industry’s leading award,” Wollbold pointed out. “It attracts considerable media attention and recognizes new products and services whose market launch in recent months will give important impetus to the international fresh produce trade. The special feature of the award is that the winner is chosen by the trade visitors who attend the exhibition.”

Nominees of the Innovation Award are from all sectors of the industry. Product nominees include Pili Nuts from The Cracking Monkey, a Philippines-based food brand that cultivates sprouted Pili nuts still in the shell. Packed in reusable cotton sacks, The Cracking Monkey is the only Pili nut product in the market featuring a patented way of cracking the nut shell by use of a pre-cut notch and stainless lever packed free in every bag.

Another new item on the Innovation Award list sure to catch the attention of companies that produce, market and distribute apples is Yellow —  The Color of Taste, from Val Venosta Cooperatives Association, or VI.P/VOG, in South Tyrol, Italy. The Shinano Gold apple variety is a Japanese cross between Golden Delicious and Senshu, resulting in a sweet and crunchy yellow apple.

Sabine Oberhollenzer, public relations and sponsoring director for VOG, told The Produce News, “The new club variety is being tested in different parts of the world, but the network of partners is still to be defined. Therefore, it will not be commercialized in North America in the coming year.”

Routes have been established for visitors with mindsets geared specifically on organic or convenience items at Fruit Logistica to help them reach the suppliers of these segments easier, faster and more directly.

Exhibitors of certified organic products and fresh convenience products will be highlighted with an icon indicating Organic Route or Convenience Route. A list of all participating vendors is available with one click on the respective icon, which serves as both signal and directory.