Some 65,000 trade visitors from 135 countries will come together at Fruit Logistica in Berlin in early February to meet and make contact with potential and existing business partners to negotiate deals and learn about the latest developments and innovations in the fresh produce business.Wilfried Wollbold

The fresh produce trade is in constant flux. The German fruit trade association, or DFHV, commissioned a study on how global fresh produce flows are changing. Under the direction of Ludwig Theuvsen of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Göttingen, the results of the study indicated that Europe remains a key export market, but is becoming less important. The Asian market, however, is gaining importance. For some products, particularly in the premium segment, this could even result in long-term supply shortages in Europe. Global Brand Manager Wilfried Wollbold of Fruit Logistica stressed the trade fair’s importance in providing information such as this.

“Today more than ever it is important to not only monitor this process of change, but also to play an active role in shaping it,” said Wollbold. “As the hub of the global fresh produce industry, Fruit Logistica offers an ideal platform.”

The event will provide visitors with other news of interest. To highlight the importance of technical solutions for the industry, it will once again offer an exclusive forum for machinery and equipment as a follow-up to the successful Tech Stage premiere in 2015.

Exhibitors are invited to present their latest innovations to trade show visitors in one-hour time slots, providing them with an excellent opportunity for building new business contacts. The forum will cover how technologies have developed rapidly in recent years in response to increasing automation in post-harvest treatment and other areas.

Logistics Hub is a new three-day series of events to be presented at the expo. Sessions will address 10 current issues relating to the logistics chain. This is where producers, exporters and traders will find the information they need to help them take the right logistic decisions when it comes to transporting their goods.

In response to supply chains becoming longer and more complex, often spanning several continents, Fruit Logistica will present “Time to Market,” a practical way to measure logistical efficiency.

Logistics Hub was designed and organized by an experienced independent consultant in fresh produce logistics, Alex von Stempel, who will moderate the forum.

Last year, Fruit Logistica launched “Spotlight,” which gives industry experts a clear overview before the trade fair opens, enabling them to prepare for the event more efficiently.

“As an innovation platform for the global fresh produce market, Fruit Logistica is a perfect place for exhibitors to introduce their new products,” Wollbold said. “The event gives trade visitors a chance to gain a comprehensive summary.”

Spotlight reports began posting on the Fruit Logistica website, www.fruitlogistica.de/en in late November.

Over 100 companies from the United States, Canada and Mexico will exhibit at this year’s event, including numerous trade organizations that represent large numbers of producers and shippers. Also exhibiting will be United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association.

The PMA, in conjunction with industry partners Camposol S.A., Driscoll’s, Mission Produce and Tom Lange Co., will host a networking reception during the event.

Julia Wegener, press officer for Fruit Logistica, said that participation of North American countries has increased in groups, exhibitors and trade visitors in recent years.

“More are coming because they are learning that Fruit Logistica is the best place to do business when you are in the fresh produce industry,” said Wegener.