Salespeople with this training should not only invite customers to taste samples, but also provide expert advice on the taste and merits of certain varieties, on shelf life, and on different ways in which the product may be used. Together with the 5 a Day association, growers' organisations from Germany, Holland and Belgium have also launched the poster campaign "Freshness is Life" – advocating fun and a love of life instead of finger-wagging admonitions. "When kids start walking around carrying an apple instead of a water bottle and think it's cool, then when we'll know we're on the right track," Krauß says.
Dr. Christian Göke: Industry becoming increasingly consolidated
Around 860 million tonnes of vegetables (2011: 850 million) and 730 million tonnes of fruit (2011: 725 million) were produced worldwide last year. Private households in Germany bought an average of 87.9 kg of fresh fruit and 70.3 kg of fresh vegetables, down 1% in both cases. By contrast, expenditure on fresh fruit was up by 3% and for fresh vegetables by a good 4%. These figures were quoted by Dr. Christian Göke, Messe Berlin's Chief Operating Officer, at the opening press conference of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. As the world's leading industry event, he said that this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA was once again more international than any other trade fair anywhere in the world. An increasing consolidation was apparent in production, services and trade, Göke said. In 1999, the combined market share of the eight largest retail companies in Germany amounted to 70%, whereas the four largest food retailers now control over 85%. He said that this caused considerable price wars, while the buying power of the food retail sector continued to increase vis-à-vis the producers in the supply markets.
Globus in St. Wendel has the most popular fresh produce departments
The fresh produce departments of the Globus hypermarket in St. Wendel are the most popular anywhere in Germany. This is the result of a representative survey carried out by German market research institute GfK's consumer panel. The experts surveyed a total of 9,000 households regarding which (trade) organisation they believed had the freshest produce and the most attractive departments. Other evaluation parameters were cleanliness, clarity of layout, and the range of convenience items. Consumers were also asked to comment on service, advice and value for money with regard to the produce sold. Second place in the consumer survey went to the Edeka E-Center, followed by HIT, Kaufland and last year's winner, tegut. The winner receives the "Retail Award", which is awarded for the fourth time at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 by Fruchthandel Magazine, Germany's leading magazine for the fresh produce trade.
Italy again the largest exhibitor at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013
With 456 participants, Italy is once again the country with the most exhibitors by far at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. In the first nine months of 2012, Italy exported 2.9 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables with a total value of EUR 2.8 billion. Germany was again the largest market with a share of 32.9%. Italy is Germany's largest supplier country for fruit and its third largest for vegetables. This year the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE), in cooperation with Fruitimprese, is organising an official representation at the trade fair within the Piazza Italia. It will bring together for the first time all of the country's public and private institutions as well as over 40 producers. Trade visitors have the opportunity to meet the most important representatives of the Italian agricultural and food sector here.
(Hall 2.2, Stand A-06. Contact: Dr. Ines Aronadio, Tel. +49 175 2068651, e-mail: i.aronadio@ice.it)
Dole Earth provides an interactive experience of the banana's journey
Since May 2012, all Dole bananas in Northern Europe carry a newly designed sticker with a five-digit number that identifies each individual plantation. By entering this number on the website www.dole-earth.com, consumers can locate the farm where their banana was grown. They will also find information about each plantation, its certifications, the region, the country of origin and the workers. Innovative technology provides consumers with an interactive experience of the banana's journey from the plantation to the supermarket. Visitors to the Dole stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 are invited to take part in an interactive tour of a banana plantation on a large screen. They can discover the complete production process just as they would on a guided tour.
(Hall 6.2, Stand A-02. Contact: Xavier Roussel, Tel. +49 (0) 40 329060, e-mail: xavier.roussel@dole.com)
"Germany – My Garden": BVEO takes stock of the campaign's first year
The German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BVEO) presented its campaign "Germany – My Garden" to the public for the first time at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2012. This year it is undertaking an initial review. The aim of the campaign is to create greater consumer awareness of fruit and vegetables from Germany as premium goods, says BVEO Managing Director Dr. Christian Weseloh. Activities over the last twelve months include extensive media relations work and the development of the website www.deutsches-obst-und-gemuese.de. "This year's FRUIT LOGISTICA is the ideal opportunity for us to conduct an initial review and present new measures," said Dr. Weseloh shortly before the trade fair.
(Hall 20, Stand C-10. Contact: Sophie Wanke, Tel. +49 (0) 221 56938109, e-mail: presse@deutsches-obst-und-gemuese.de)
UNIVEG: Guaranteed route to market and customer-oriented principles
In 2012, in response to the changing dynamics of the fruit and vegetable sector, UNIVEG developed a special sourcing strategy in the form of "UNIVEG Fruit Partner", explains Francis Kint, Fresh Produce Business Unit CEO. UNIVEG works closely with different producers to make optimal use of their potential. This is achieved by providing a guaranteed route to market and implementing customer-oriented principles across the entire supply chain. "This strategy," says Kint, "allows us to improve our global network – through our own and other plantations, through partnerships, through product expertise and through outstanding relationships with the producers – in order to achieve more balanced sourcing. In this way we can provide our customers with what they want: year-round supply with the best possible range of fruit products."
(Hall 5.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Nancy Goovaerts, Tel. +32 (0) 15 324296, e-mail: nancy.goovaerts@univeg.com)
Inter presents yellow passion fruit
In addition to more well-known products like Nino pineapples, papayas and Pitumette limes, Internationale Fruchtimport Gesellschaft Weichert – commonly known as Inter – will also be presenting a large selection of ready-to-eat exotic fruits and vegetables at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. "The centrepiece of our stand will be the yellow passion fruit, which we successfully launched on the market last year," says Marketing Manager Ralph Fischer. The yellow passion fruit is particularly high in potassium, phosphorous and calcium and contains lots of vitamin A, B and C. The marketing manager adds that its flesh tastes slightly sour and is extremely aromatic.
(Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Ralph Fischer, Tel. +49 (0)40 329 000, e-mail: info@interweichert.de)
Bejo Zaden brings cabbage wraps and broccoli sprouts
Dutch seed specialist Bejo Zaden is unveiling its square cabbage wraps at the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA. These "coolwraps" are enveloped in leaves of a flat white cabbage with a very mild taste, which can even be used to prepare sushi and sandwiches. The company calls these mild, sweet cabbage leaves "léttage". Because cabbage remains fresh and crispy longer than lettuce, for example, léttage makes a great alternative to regular green salad leaves in healthy meals. Léttage was nominated for the FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD in 2012. This year the company is presenting violet broccoli sprouts, which it says are extremely healthy on account of their high glucosinolate content.
(Hall 1.2, Stand B-17. Contact: Daniëlle Bruin, Tel. +31 (0)226 396 162, e-mail: info@bejo.com)
Cobana Fruchtring is "nearby"
"The Cobana Fruchtring Group will use the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA to introduce its successful 'Nah dran' (Nearby) delivery concept, which coordinates the needs of traders and producers in an effective manner," says Stephan Schlick, Marketing Manager of Cobana Fruchtring GmbH & Co. KG. The company is particularly interested in showing trade fair visitors how seriously it takes issues like product safety and adequate social standards. After all, Schlick explains, "Traders and consumers are increasingly keen to see responsible production that pays close attention to the impact on the soil, the environment and most importantly the workers themselves." The group therefore has well-trained quality management departments, for example, that keep a close, skilled eye on goods, ensuring all the latest standards are met.
(Hall 6.2, Stand A-03. Contact: Stephan Schlick, Tel. +49 (0)40 3030 5270, e-mail: sst@cobana-fruchtring.de)
Freshfel Europe uses trade fair for meetings and networking
"The FRUIT LOGISTICA is an excellent place to engage in networking," says Freshfel Europe General Secretary Philippe Binard. "Here we can discuss Freshfel's role with representatives of the sector and the media and announce our latest achievements and future activities. All visitors to the trade fair also have an opportunity to find out about Freshfel and its work in person." For several years, Freshfel has also held a number of successful meetings during the trade fair. These meetings have become popular gatherings for the industry to set trading policy and discuss recent developments with representatives of the entire supply chain in Europe. This year's agenda will include an analysis of the current market conditions, trade talks, food safety and Freshfel's communications activities in 2013.
(Hall 20, Stand C-15. Contact: Philippe Binard, Tel. +32 (0)2 777 1580, e-mail: info@freshfel.org)
Chiquita clarifies its long-term commitment to CSR
Premium supplier Chiquita will be presenting itself at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA under the motto "Nothing tastes like a Chiquita", continuing on from last year's stand concept. At its booth in Hall 25, the banana producer will provide insight into its quality standards and present its long-term corporate social responsibility program. "Permanent quality assurance and responsible and sustainable production are important purchasing criteria for our target group," says Ernst Schulte, the managing director of Chiquita Germany/Austria. The multi-fruit expert will also be presenting its complete product range, which includes Chiquita minis.
(Hall 25, Stand B-07. Contact: Marc-Pierre Hoeft, Tel. +49 (0)40 3747 9841, e-mail: marc-pierre.hoeft@edelman.com)
French pavilion provides insight into trends and developments
A total of 177 French fruit and vegetable growers and sellers will be represented at the French Pavilion in Halls 21 and 22. At both individual and group stands, they will be showcasing the country's major agricultural areas: northern France, Brittany, the Loire and Rhône Valleys, southern France, Provence, the Côte d’Azur, central and south-western France. Port and logistical centre Sète will also be in attendance. "Providers from many different regions of France traditionally turn out in large numbers at the FRUIT LOGISTICA," says Sylvain Rouchy, the managing director of Sopexa Germany/Switzerland/Austria. "Just like last year, the French Pavilion is the largest national stand at the trade fair. The French products on display also provide direct insight into trends and developments throughout the sector, not least because of the many new products on display as well as trade fair premieres."
(Hall 22, Stand D-09. Contact: Barbara Peters, Tel. +49 (0)211 498 0827, e-mail: barbara.peters@sopexa.com)
Anecoop expands its product range again
The Spanish Anecoop association sells more than 600,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables every year. At the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA it will be presenting its entire product range, which currently comprises 250 different items and is still growing. "In spite of seasonal difficulties, we finished the financial year with growth in terms of both sales volumes and turnover," says Anecoop Managing Director Joan Mir. Citrus fruits, seedless watermelons, persimmons, various vegetables as well as pomaceous and stone fruit are just some of the products the company bundled into its new line of exotic Spanish fresh produce last year under the Bouquet brand.
(Hall 18, Stand B-02. Contact: Piedad Coscolla, Tel. +34 (0)96 303 8500, e-mail: info@anecoop.com)
A tasty year for Steiermark apples
"The 2012 crop of apples was somewhat smaller than usual, but the quality was very good," says Franz Schaden, Marketing Manager of OPST Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH. All varieties of apples were able to grow to their full size and exhibited their typical characteristics, such as their firmness, colour and taste. Schaden explains that the apple-growers of Styria produce most of Austria's apples and are united under the producers' organisation OPST and the "Frisch-Saftig-Steirisch" (Fresh, Juicy, Made in Styria) brand. Exports of Styrian apples are the responsibility of EVA Handels GmbH. EVA Managing Director Heinrich Juritsch adds: "Thanks to our packaging plants, the premium 'EVA Prime' brand and the 'EVA Apples From Austria' brand, we can ensure that Styrian apples are available almost year-round and are exported to more than 30 countries."
(Hall 20, Stand A-15. Contact: Franz Schaden, Tel. +43 (0)664 8841 8840, e-mail: franz.schaden@opst.at)
Freshness is IFCO's trade-fair motto
IFCO will be appearing at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA under the motto "Freshness". "Reusable containers guarantee that our products remain fresh at every stage of the logistical chain," says Karl Pohler, the CEO of IFCO SYSTEMS GmbH. IFCO has 59 locations worldwide. The internationally operating logistics company maintains a global pool of more than 165 million reusable plastic containers, or RPCs. Pohler says that these RPCs are used mainly to transport fresh produce from producers to food retailers.
(Hall 20, Stand B-01. Contact: Ferdinand Storek, Tel. +49 (0)89 759 0050, e-mail: f.storek@power-group.net)
GFI Fructinale 2013: the networking event for the fresh produce sector
Despite the success of its events in 2009, 2010 and 2011, the association of wholesale fresh-food markets in Germany (GFI) – has decided to hold its Frustinale every other year from now on. GFI board-member Andreas Foidl says, "The wait is over. Having launched the retailers' association, we revised the concept and chose a new date for the event. For the very first time, the Fructinale will take place on the first evening of the trade fair – that is, on Wednesday – in the Marheineke Markthalle in the Berlin district of Kreuzberg." The organizers expect about 400 guests from the worlds of business, politics and the media to attend. Messe Berlin is one of the sponsors of the 2013 Fructinale.
(Hall 21, Stand E-12. Contact: Frank Willhausen, Tel. +49 (0)174 815 2314, e-mail: frank.willhausen@frischemaerkte.org)
Landgard promoting farming under the BVEO umbrella
"At the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA we will be presenting ourselves together with the other producer organisations to stress our organisation's roots as a cooperative as well as our support for the joint 'Germany My Garden' campaign," explains Torsten Brandt, Landgard's head of corporate communication. Brandt says one of the organisation's strengths lies its proximity to its member companies. "Extensive regional skills and guaranteed product safety make us an important trading partner," he adds. "We therefore want to intensify our conversations with customers further and continue to build consumer confidence in fruit and vegetable farming."
(Hall 20, Stand C-07. Contact: Torsten Brandt, Tel. +49 (0)2839 591 120, e-mail: torsten.brandt@landgard.de)
Fyffes plantain chips: a savoury snack
Fyffes plantain chips are an exotic alternative to crisps. This premium snack is available in three distinct flavours: lightly salted, mildly spicy and slightly sweet. "Together with our trading partners we are doing everything possible to build up and continually develop the promising vegetable snack sector," says Oscar Dominguez, Fyffes' Business Manager Plantain Chips. "In order to promote plantain chips, we will once again be emphasising taster campaigns in 2013 as well as tailored marketing concepts that provide our partners with individual support," adds Fyffes Business Development Manager Michaela Schneider at the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA.
(Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Michaela Schneider, Tel. +49 (0)172 401 8228, e-mail: mschneider@fyffes.com)
Crunchy South Tyrolean apple relaunched
Since January, the traditional South Tyrolean apple is presented in new surroundings, wearing a traditional hat. "Embedded in the typical South Tyrolean apple-growing and mountain landscape, it now addresses its fans in an attractive manner, and sends a clear visual message that underlines its origins in South Tyrol," explains Georg Kössler, the head of the South Tyrolean apple consortium. He points out that South Tyrol's 8000 apple farmers are the heart and soul of the new ad campaign. "They have been integrated into various campaign motifs and get to speak first hand – where possible at POS events – about the unique characteristics of South Tyrolean apples," Kössler says. "We were also able to attract a first-class fan – chef Cornelia Poletto – for our campaign in Germany."
(Hall 4.2, Stand B-10. Contact: Anna Oberkofler, Tel. +39 (0)471 054066, e-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com)
Grimaldi announces more connections between Italy and Spain
The Italian shipping company Grimaldi is using the 2013 FRUIT LOGISTICA to advertise the addition of extra roll-on, roll-off connections between Italy and Spain. There will now be five departures a week from Savona and six from Livorno to Barcelona and Valencia. Routes have also been added to Igoumenitsa and Patras (departing daily from Brindisi and three times a week from Triest) as well as three connections a week on the Ravenna-Brindisi-Catania route. All-in-one prices are being offered for fast connections from Portugal and Spain to Greece, Turkey and the Balkans for a route from Barcelona to Civitavecchia and on from Brindisi to Greece. "This is our fourth visit to FRUIT LOGISTICA. Participation enables us to promote new projects, maintain existing contacts with freight companies and establish new ones," says Guido Grimaldi, the Grimaldi Group's Commercial Director Corporate Truck and Trailer.
(Hall 25, Stand A-02a. Contact: Paul Kyprianou, Tel. +39 (0)81 496 246, e-mail: kyprianou.paul@grimaldi.napoli.it)
Agronomia: Gourmè salad bowls and low-nitrate vegetables from Bergamo
"We are proud to be launching our Gourmè product line at FRUIT LOGISTICA", shares Guglielmo Alessio, President and CEO of the Agronomia Group. The salad bowls contain all the essential components of a healthy and yet tasty meal: fresh vegetables, tasty dressings and delicious key ingredients such as creamy pears, toasted walnuts or juicy raisins. The company from the Italian region of Bergamo is also presenting a further innovation: its "almost nitrate-free" salads. Thanks to its innovative agriculture, the company has succeeded in producing baby lettuce and baby vegetables containing only trace amounts of nitrate. Trade visitors will also be introduced to a microbiological rapid tester that allows for the quick detection of any type of bacteria.
(Hall 4.2, Stand C-19. Contact: Jonathan Sierra, Tel. +972 (0) 545937721, e-mail: jonathan.sierra@agronomia.biz)
Flandria is Europe's frontrunner
"With over 500,000 tonnes of vegetables each year, Flandria is Europe's leading label for vegetables delivered fresh from the producer", explains Kristophe Thijs, Director of the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM) in Germany, at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. The Flandria quality label includes 60 varieties of fresh vegetables and 35 products from the Specialty Street range. Belgian growers cultivate 870,000 tonnes of vegetables each year for the fresh produce market. 570,000 tonnes are distributed to EU countries, including 165,000 tonnes to Germany. The top sellers in the export package are tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and leeks. "According to a market survey, 88% of the respondents indicated that Flandria is the best-known vegetable brand in the German retail sector", says Thijs. "75% indicated that Flandria achieves the greatest market penetration".
(Hall 6.2, Stand B-06. Contact: Kristophe Thijs, Tel. +49 (0) 221 254857, e-mail: vlam.belg.agrar@t-online.de)
WECO Sorting and Automation: Bad blueberries are detected through vibration
The US company WECO Sorting and Automation, a new exhibitor this year, is introducing its new blueberry sorting machine at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. While manual sorting can prove difficult due to differences that are often hardly discernible to the naked eye, this machine's sensors can identify unripe or overripe berries through slight differences in vibration. These berries, along with damaged ones, can then be removed by way of a compressed air system before packaging. According to the company, the system is already being successfully used by a German blueberry grower.
(Hall 5.1, Stand B-09. Contact: Eric Horner, Tel. +1-425-8023313, e-mail: eric@wecotek.com)
CoolWave: Gently preserved fresh juices
The company CoolWave Processing from the Dutch town of Wageningen is introducing its pilot system for preserving juices at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. The PurePulse technology allows for the gentle preservation of juices, smoothies and other liquid products, without the loss of vitamins, aromas or flavours. The fresh beverages have a shelf life of at least 21 days, which not only helps to structure the supply chain more flexibly, but also ensures less waste on the supermarket shelf. The system is suitable for all pumpable products with particles smaller than 2mm.
(Hall 3.2, Stand B-13a. Contact: Frank Smeltink, Tel. +31 (0) 651 388084, e-mail: smeltink@cwp-bv.nl)
Quality papers from Mondi for eco-friendly packaging
Mondi Containerboard presents twelve of its premium paper varieties at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. Since corrugated cardboard base papers are completely recyclable, they are ideally suited for eco-friendly packaging. All papers from this Austrian exhibitor are FSC®- and/or PEFC™-certified. "We offer a complete range of premium papers for the packaging of fruit and vegetable products", explains Florian Stockert, Sales & Marketing Director of Mondi Containerboard Europe & International. "Our corrugated cardboard base papers are manufactured at five different production sites and are ideally suited for the production of corrugated cardboard as well as other packaging solutions". The high-performance papers are said to be extremely resilient and able to withstand moisture, heat and cold.
(Hall 21, Stand F-05. Contact: Waltraud Seiner, Tel. +43 (0) 1 790134754, e-mail: waltraud.seiner@mondigroup.com)
Serbia advances further into European markets
Serbia's export of fresh products such as fruit and vegetables has experienced a steady upswing in recent years. The Balkan nation is exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 as a serious exporter from south-eastern Europe. Serbia's popular export products include peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apples, sweet peppers, tomatoes, leeks, truffles and other kinds of mushrooms with the utmost freshness. Fourteen leading export companies will be exhibiting at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA in order to acquire new customers and maintain existing contacts.
(Hall 1.1, Stand E-06. Contact: Evica Mihaljevic, Tel. +11 (0) 2699198, e-mail: hladnjacesbije@yahoo.com)
Pürbloom triples the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables
Pürbloom is said to be able to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables and convenience products by three times. At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 the Canadian manufacturer FruitSymbiose is presenting the thin, colourless and flavourless coating, which contains an algae extract and has no preservatives, allergens or sugar. "Products can even be flavoured with natural aromas or spices, or coated with natural antimicrobial substances", says Anne Thibodeau, Vice President of Administration and Business Development. FruitSymbiose sells licences for Pürbloom to interested growers.
(Hall 23, Stand F-11. Contact: Genevieve Girard, Tel. +1 (0) 4182 62 5003, e-mail: ggirard@fruitsymbiose.com)
Le Jardin de Rabelais: Gift packaging for sweet cherry tomatoes
The French tomato producer Le Jardin de Rabelais is using FRUIT LOGISTICA as a platform for introducing its new packaging idea, encouraging customers to purchase products to give as gifts. The classic-looking box is evocative of a box of fine chocolates and is designed to encourage people to give cherry tomatoes as a gift for a change, rather than chocolate or flowers. With a brix value between 9 and 11, these crisp tomatoes of the Piccolo variety, each measuring no more than 29mm, are not only the ideal snack but also the perfect accompaniment for select dishes. The company, based in Avoine in the Loire Valley, harvests 2,600 tonnes of cherry tomatoes and tomatoes on the vine each year from its twelve hectares of greenhouse space. The tomatoes are primarily exported to Germany, England, Luxembourg, Spain, Russia and Singapore.
(Hall 22, Stand B-01. Contact: Aurélien Serrault, Tel. +33 (0) 614 399842, e-mail: Aurelien.serrault@lejardinderabelais.fr)
Fruchthof Berlin: The German capital's fresh produce centre
"At FRUIT LOGISTICA we'll be highlighting our role as the German capital's fresh produce centre", remarks Dieter Krauß, Chairman of Fruchthof Berlin. For over 50 years the company has been providing fruit and vegetables to the capital city – and to the surrounding areas since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It supplies an area reaching from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania to Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. The Fruchthof itself takes up 85,000 square metres, including a sales area covering 29,000 square metres. Fruchthof Berlin hosts 42 fruit import and wholesale companies, along with 46 other companies. "Over 1,000 employees work at Fruchthof Berlin, and we have some 3,000 registered customers", Krauß adds.
(Hall 21, Stand E-12. Contact: Dieter Krauß, Tel. +49 (0) 30 3955007, e-mail: info@fruchthof-berlin.de)
