More than 2,600 exhibitors and 62,000 trade visitors attend Fruit Logistica in Berlin every year. They see it as the ideal place to establish and build the personal trust, which is so essential for dealing successfully in perishable products such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

The expo covers every sector of fresh produce and provides a complete picture of the latest innovations, products and services at every link in the international supply chain. Its superb networking and contact opportunities help key decision-makers in every sector of the industry.Paramount is one of the U.S.-based exhibitors that will participate in the 2015 Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, Germany. The event is among the largest of its kind in the world, with 62,000 visitors and 2,600 exhibitors expected to attend.

At this year’s expo on Feb. 4-6, companies from across the entire fresh produce sector and from all over the world will again be present in Berlin, including major global players, small and medium-sized companies.

Besides fresh fruit and vegetables, Fruit Logistica’s exhibitors include dried fruit and nut producers and distributors, packaging and labeling firms, transportation and logistical systems, produce handling and storage services, computer and Internet solutions, cultivation systems and plenty of press and media to help get the message out to the entire world’s fresh produce industry.

The USA pavilion adopted a more updated and fresher look at the 2014 Fruit Logistica, and the theme is continuing with vivid colors. According to Anna Shaw, project manager with B-for International, the organizer of the USA pavilion and Canadian pavilion, the pavilion will highlight the United States a little stronger this year.

“We also have several co-exhibitors at the USA booth this year, which is a very nice way for trade organizations to garner good exposure for less money,” explained Shaw. “For example, the U.S. Apple Export Council will be sharing a booth with the California Blueberry Commission and California Olive Oil Council.”

As of early January, U.S. exhibitors at Fruit Logistica 2015 also includes Bard Valley Medjool Dates, the California Table Grape Commission, Chelan Fresh, Farm Fresh Produce, Ham Produce, Michigan Specialty Crops, Northwest Cherry Growers, Paramount Citrus, POM Wonderful, Ruby Fresh, USA Pears, the Washington Apple Commission and Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds.

The U.S. lounge, also located in the pavilion, offers exhibitors a place to take a break or sit and talk with colleagues.

Something new at this year’s expo is a separate Canadian pavilion, which is adjacent to the USA pavilion.

“We tried a separate Canadian pavilion at Fruit Logistica Asia last year, and we received a lot of interest from it,” said Shaw. “There are currently five exhibitors, including BC Tree Fruits, Sutherland S.A. Produce, Potatoes Canada, BC Blueberry Council and Summerland Varieties Corp.”

First-time visitors to Fruit Logistica will experience an expo like no other, with an overall area of 106,600 square meters. Of the 2,630 exhibitors, 2,366 are from countries outside of Germany, and they represent 84 countries.

Of the more than 62,000 visitors, 82.4 percent are from countries other than Germany, and they come from 141 countries. Of those visitors, 80.1 percent hold leading management positions in their companies, such as managing director, partner, member of the board of management and head of a department, as well as independent business people and procurement professionals with decision-making process within their firms. An impressive overall 88.4 percent of trade visitors are involved in purchasing for their firms.

Areas of most interest to visitors aren’t surprising. Those interested in fresh fruit represent 49.3 percent and fresh vegetables are next with 38.4 percent interest.

Packaging and packaging machinery are next in line. Packaging draws 20.1 percent of visitors’ interest while packaging machinery is of interest to 16.8 percent.

Apparently the potato is a staple commodity not only in the United States, as it has its own category at Fruit Logistica and draws interest by 14.6 percent of visitors.

There’s something for everyone in the fresh produce business at Fruit Logistica, including an opportunity to premier novelty products. The “Spotlight – Premieres and novelties at Fruit Logistica” listing, which Shaw said will debut in time for the event, is a free service that offers exhibitors and co-exhibitors an opportunity to present their premieres and novelties.

“This includes products and services to be launched at the leading international trade fair for fresh produce marketing,” she said.

“Spotlight” is presented on the Fruit Logistica website, www.fruitlogistica.de. The exclusive overview of premieres and novelties presents images and text describing new and improved products, machinery and processes, systems and techniques, technologies, services, promotions and exhibitor campaigns.

“’Spotlight’” is a valuable tool for both trade journalists reporting about new products, and industry professionals who want to plan their trade fair visit more effectively,” Shaw added.