Berlin, 28 September 2007 – Along with a full range of products and services on display in the exhibition halls, FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 (February 7-9) offers a comprehensive conference programme with up-to-date information on daily business operations. This combination of features at the leading trade fair for the international fresh produce industry represents a significant advantage for trade visitors from around the world. A wide variety of presentations and discussions offer participants excellent opportunities to gather information and address their own questions and concerns. The Fresh Produce Forum and the six Hall Forums will be simultaneously translated in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 kicks off with the Fresh Produce Forum highlighting the theme: "New consumer expectations – trends at the point of sale" (Feb. 6). In the evening, representatives from the German Ministry of Agriculture and the European food retail trade will be on hand for the official opening ceremony, which will also be attended by the Agricultural Minister from this year's partner country, Morocco. Afterwards, Morocco will host a reception with culinary specialities and cultural performances.
Six Hall Forums will be organised by FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE (Dsseldorf): Quality over price – new perspectives in the retail sector (7 Feb.), Russia – import goliath and gateway to the East (7 Feb.), Hidden potential in the supply chain (8 Feb.), Morocco – trading partner of the future (8 Feb.), Certification – finding a way through the maze (9 Feb.), and Innovation in the fresh produce business (9 Feb.).
On 7 February, the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations will address the topic of "SERBIA – potential and perspectives for the EU fresh fruit business" at an event directed at large and medium-sized German companies in the fresh fruit business.
Three industry awards, the "Grner Merkur" (6 Feb.), the "German Fruit Prize Awards" (7 Feb.) and the "2008 FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD" FLIA (9 Feb.) will honour outstanding achievements in the fresh fruit sector.
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 programme of events
Wednesday, 6 February 2008:
27th Fresh Produce Forum
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm, ICC Berlin, Room 15.2
New consumer expectations – trends at the point of sale
Beyond the price debate, new issues coming to the forefront have a significant impact on consumer purchasing decisions. Social, ethnic and environmental factors all play a key role. Topics including organic farming, fair trade, CO2 emissions and maximum residue limits are gaining in importance. More and more consumers want to know where products come from, how far they are shipped and by what means. They also want to know how they are produced, whether working conditions meet accepted standards and whether producers and exporters receive fair wages for their work. How are the fruit sector and the food retail industry dealing with this situation? International experts on wholesale and retail trading, production and environmental protection will share their opinions on these issues. Afterwards, the "Grner Merkur" will be awarded by FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE.
FRUIT LOGISTICA official opening ceremony
6:00 pm, ICC Berlin, Room 2
Thursday, 7 February 2008:
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
10:00 am – 11:00 am, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Quality over price – new perspectives in the retail sector
The focus once again is on quality. The importance of price is waning and retailers can hardly continue to base their image on offering the lowest price every day of the year. This Hall Forum focuses on a trend analysis designed to find out what consumers want in terms of quality and how these needs can be met. High-quality products and intelligent concepts boost sales. In the future, retailers will have to offer premium products if they want to score points with consumers. What can suppliers do to support this approach? A marketing and trend expert will present a wide range of possibilities.
Symposium by the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Hall 6.3, Press Center
Serbia – Potential and Perspectives for the EU Fresh Fruit Business
When Serbia signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) in late 2006, this marked another important step towards internationalising the economy of the Balkan country and establishing links to the EU market. Serbian membership in CEFTA presents new business opportunities for small and medium-sized German companies in the fresh fruit important and export sector, wholesalers, retailers and Serbian fruit and vegetable producers and traders. In order to establish and enhance close connections to the EU market, quality controls based on EU standards need to be secured and developed for Serbian producers, intermediaries, wholesalers and retailers. The symposium will also provide information about further steps towards quality assurance and the GLOBALG.A.P. (formerly EurepGAP) standard in the production and wholesale trade of fresh fruit and vegetables in Serbia. This event is an opportunity to openly exchange opinions on a wide variety of issues, including the quality and quantity of products available for delivery, respecting international standards and the opportunities and challenges of a further opening of the market. Contact: Alina Gumpert, phone: +49 30 2061-67114, E-mail: a.gumpert@bdi.eu
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Russia – import goliath and gateway to the East
Russia is the largest market in Eastern Europe and a major importer. What are the main product groups? How important are Moscow and St. Petersburg regions? What is the outlook in the rest of the rest of the country? What can be expected from the new fruit terminal in Yekaterinburg? Yekaterinburg has grown to become Russia's fourth largest city and the third most important region in Russia, just under 40 kilometres from the imaginary dividing line between Europe and Asia. Russia is well on its way to becoming the hub for a large part of Asia. Industry insiders describe the current situation and look ahead to the near future.
Presenting the winners: 2008 German Fruit Prize Awards
5:30 pm, Hall 24
The 12th German Fruit Prize will be presented to the best retail fresh produce departments in Germany by the "Rundschau fr den Lebensmittelhandel" and FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE.
Friday, 8 February 2008:
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
10 am – 11 am, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Hidden potential in the supply chain
Logistics are becoming increasingly important both in terms of cost optimisation and quality assurance. Key aspects include cooling and storage, packaging, RFID, quality assurance and transport by road, air and rail, time spent behind the wheel, highway tolls and the debate over CO2 emissions. A logistics expert will cover the main topics and provide an overview of the latest developments in the various industry sectors. Afterwards, a panel of experts will discuss problems and solutions with the audience.
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Morocco – trading partner of the future
Morocco has a long tradition in the fresh produce industry. Today, in addition to being a modern supplier of a wide range of fruits and vegetables, the country has a trade agreement with the EU and maintains state-of-the-art quality and food safety standards. A number of European producers have long since recognised the climatic advantages of this country and are making every effort leverage these benefits. An international panel of representatives from the retail, production and political communities will highlight the extensive opportunities for Morocco in the fresh producer industry.
Saturday, 9 February 2008:
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
10:00 – 11:00, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Certification – finding a way through the maze
Certification is a hot issue. Growing demands from consumer organisations and government agencies are leading to an increasing number of new guidelines and food safety initiatives. This has resulted in a maze of certificates and certifications. What are the advantages? Who needs to be certified? What does this mean for the global fresh produce trade and retailers? International experts show the way through the maze.
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Innovation in the fresh produce business
Enhance your brand image with eye-catching offers at the point of sale. What product innovations will be successful at the POS? What will be the fruit and vegetable innovations of tomorrow? How should we best approach consumers? Instead of chasing after the market, we need to analyse tomorrow's demands. Get your share of the profits by introducing innovative products, anticipating trends and actively shaping the POS. Successful product and marketing experts reveal the secrets of their success.
FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZINE Hall Forum
2:00 pm, Hall 11.2, "Kleiner Stern" entrance
Presentation of the 2008 FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award
The FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA) will be presented immediately after the Hall Forum. Trade visitors at the fair will vote for the winner based on outstanding product innovations and services in the fruit and vegetable sector. All FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 exhibitors are invited to take part in the competition. The registration deadline is 16 November 2007.
This press release and the latest conference programme updates are available on the Internet: www.fruitlogistica.com / Press Info.
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