The latest press material about the IGW 2008 is available online (www.gruenewoche.com / Press Info) and may be used free of charge and for research purposes:
· 69 brief reports on the day’s activities
· 30 press releases on all the main themes of the IGW
· 128 of the latest press photos and over 100 historic images
· Radio items and original recordings
· Footage for TV and online editorial departments
· Current overview of the day’s events for the press
· Press contacts at the Green Week
Information for editors:
The 100,000th visitor to this year’s Green Week is expected tomorrow, Sunday, 20 January, at 12.30 p.m. in the entrance area to Hall 19. The German Wine Queen, Evelyn Schmidt, will mark the occasion by presenting a basket containing a fine selection from all the German wine-producing regions.
Contents
BVE: Consumers must accustom themselves to continuing price rises. 2
Salanova and a vegetable dispenser:Innovations from the Netherlands. 2
Norway: Wedding processiion through the exhibition halls. 2
India – Market of the future for the sale of German food products. 3
Ukraine is planning agricultural centre with German involvement 3
China is seeking contact with German firms. 3
Poland: Getting acquainted with good foodstuffs. 3
France: Increased stand area, more exhibitors. 4
Croatia’s agriculture will receive 40 per cent increase in subsidies in 2008. 4
Syria plans to expand exports of citrus fruits and pistachios. 4
Papayas from Kenya: a fine product, also as a wine. 5
Fast fried noodles from Japan. 5
Belgium’s sweeter side. 5
Spanish wines from Don Quixote’s homeland. 5
Finland uses Santa Claus in its promotion. 6
New Zealand proudly presents cask-aged premium wines. 6
BVE: Consumers must accustom themselves to continuing price rises
The increasing global demand for agricultural raw materials and the implications of this development formed the subject of a paper presented at the International Green Week in Berlin. The Chairman of the food industry association Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Ernhrungs-industrie (BVE), Jrgen Abraham, explained that consumers in Germany will have to be prepared for further increases in food prices. In particular this is a consequence of the massive increases in the cost of some agricultural produce in recent years. As energy prices continue to rise this also puts pressure on costs. As Abraham pointed out, businesses cannot absorb these higher costs and are obliged to pass them on to consumers. They are justified in doing so because food prices in Germany are below the EU average and furthermore, in general German households pay less for food than those in any other EU country. Abraham also called for flexibility and a sense of proportion in the expansion of bio-energy.
(Contact: RA Peter Feller, telephone +49-(0)-30-200786-160, e-mail: pfeller@bve-online.de)
Salanova and a vegetable dispenser: Innovations from the Netherlands
In a spring-like display in Hall 18 the Netherlands is presenting a number of innovations. The stalk of the new, tasty lettuce variety Salanova can be removed by simply twisting, using a special knife. Guido Drexler, representing the plant breeder Rijk Zwaan, handed out more than 3,000 free samples on the first day of the fair. Retailers will begin stocking this product at the start of the year. Holland Produce Promotion is presenting a vegetable dispenser for supplying healthy snacks in schools and businesses. As Minister of Agriculture Gerda Verburg pointed out: "Germany is our most important trading partner". Previously Stefan Heilemeier had received an award: as Chef Garde manger at the Khlerstube Restaurant in Baiersbronn, he was the winner of the competition "Matjes in a Winter Coat" with his "Black Forest interpretation of labskaus". "For the trade and politicians alike the Green Week is an event of major importance", according to the minister.
(Hall 18, contact: Amalia Post, tel.: +49(0)30-303881044)
Norway: Wedding processing through the exhibition halls
At 3 p.m. on a Sunday wedding procession, in full national costume and accompanied by musicians, will wend its way from the Norwegian stand in Hall 8b to the Village of Your Dreams in Hall 21b, where a draw will be held, with wedding trips to Scandinavian countries as the prizes. Norway has again brought many new products to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds this year. In response to the demand from the German public, the meat supplier Tind from Stranda on Geirangerfjord is marketing elk and reindeer sausages. Kalfarets Kultur from Bergen is presenting aromatic cider made according to a traditional peasant recipe. Kargus of Grimstad has become the first privately owned distillery in Norway, following the abolition of the state alcohol monopoly. Vodka and a particularly mild form of aquavit are now being marketed internationally by Eurowine under the band name Fridtjof Nansen. Germany is the first export market for fresh salmon from Salma, which is packed and ready for dispatch only four hours after it leaves the water. Agra Group Mills is using this trade show to test the consumer response in Germany to the taste of its marinaded herrings and spreads made with cods roe, in an effort to expand its share of the market. "The Green Week is the most important trade show of all for Norway, and more money and resources are invested here than at any other event", according to the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terje Riis-Johansen. "Our presentation at this trade show is also intended to attract Germans to visit Norway and enjoy our agricultural products there too."
India – Market of the future for the sale of German food products
India will become an important market for the sale of foodstuffs. This was the view unanimously expressed by the experts who attended the discussions on the subject of "Export market India – current developments and the sales potential for the German food industry" on 18 January during the International Green Week Forum in Berlin. In 2007 sales of German foodstuffs and beverages to India were still relatively modest, at around 14.7 mi. euros. However, bearing in mind the enormous economic growth that is taking place, with a concomitant rise in the purchasing power of Indian consumers, demand for higher quality foodstuffs is expected to rise rapidly over the next few years. According to the CMA the Indian retail food sector is in a period of transition, with expansion is taking place in the food trade in terms of sales, the number of outlets and floor area. Between 2007 and 2011 there will be a ten-fold increase in the number of stores, from the current level of 450, and over the same period sales are expected to rise from 950 million to 6 bi. US $. Simultaneously the trade is making massive investments in logistics, procurement and distribution.
(Contact: Dr. Gesa Koglin, telephone +49-(0)-30-200786-157, e-mail: gkoglin@bve-online.de)
Ukraine is planning agricultural centre with German involvement
"The Ukraine is capable of much more! That is why we want to achieve further increases in production", stated the Ukrainian Minister of Agriculture Jurij Melnik. In 2007 the cereal harvest, at 29.3 million tonnes, was far too low, considering the country’s potential, according to the minister. This year he expects winter wheat yields to reach 40 million tonnes. Agriculture in the Ukraine suffers from out of date machinery and above all from inadequately trained farming specialists. "I shall be talking to Federal Minister Seehofer about the possibility of a German agricultural centre in the Ukraine", Minister Melnik mentioned. His idea is to involve German experts in the development of an agricultural training centre, where personnel can obtain qualifications in agromanagement and in livestock and crop production.
The People’s Republic of China is represented by a stand organised by the National Agriculture Exhibition Center at the International Green Week, where information is being provided about the many different aspects of the country’s agriculture and its food industry. France and Belgium are currently the leading European importers of Chinese products, with Germany lagging some way behind. However, interest is not focused solely on German importers, according to the leader of the delegation, Vice-Director Liu Yuguo. In addition there is considerable demand in China for German products such as wine and beer.
(Hall 18, Stand 130, contact: Liu Yuguo, telephone:+86-10-65021727, e-mail: lyg@ciae.com.cn)
Poland: getting acquainted with good foodstuffs
"I cannot imagine such an important food producer as Poland not taking part in the Green Week", stated the Polish Minister of Agriculture Marek Sawicki, speaking to the press on the first day of the Green Week. Consequently his country has increased its stand area by one third since last year. Sawicki announced a further increase in stand area over the next few years. The Ministry of Agriculture’s own display has increased in area from 60 to 100 square metres, and features a selection of foodstuffs bearing the PDZ seal of quality. These include meat, milk and dairy products, fruit and vegetables, confectionery and coffee. The seal of quality, which translates as "getting acquainted with good foodstuffs", was introduced in 2004. It shows consumers that the raw materials used have been obtained from a tested source, and that the quality is excellent and has been documented. Over 100 businesses with a total of 713 products have already been awarded the PDZ seal.
(Hall 11.2, Stand 130, contact: Robert Pilat, telephone: +48-(0)-22-6232253, e-mail: robert.pilat@minrol.gov.pl)
France: increased stand area, more exhibitors
France is increasing its presence at the International Green Week with tarte flambe from Alsace, oysters from Britanny, calvados and hams from the Pyrennees. "We have a new concept. We are occupying a larger area, with more exhibitors and more products", reported Blondine Garier from the organisation promoting French foods, beverages and luxury items (SOPEXA). "Berliners are invited to call at our French pavilion", Madame Garier said. "Here they can see for themselves what the 19 exhibitors have to offer on a display area measuring 711 square metres". There is an all-day programme with opportunities to sample French foods and advice on how to prepare it. There is also a quiz in which visitors can win regional specialities and enjoy them, fresh, with a glass of red wine.
Croatia’s agriculture will receive 40 per cent increase in subsidies in 2008
Agriculture in Croatia is set for rapid expansion. Since the recent change of government farmers are receiving 40 per cent higher subsidies than in 2007, a total of 600 million euros, according to Miroslav Boi, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, speaking at the Green Week: "The government intends to encourage the cultivation of organic foodstuffs." There has until now been a lack of awareness about organic foodstuffs and bio-fuels among consumers and producers alike, and it is important to provide information about their benefits. So far only one per cent of Croatia’s farmers have gone organic, but according to the deputy minister this proportion should rise to five per cent within four years. Tourism can also make a contribution, bringing in ten million visitors, which is twice the population of the country. "It generates 20 per cent of the gross domestic product. Marketing produce on the farm, providing healthy food from organically grown foodstuffs, and holidays on the farm are all possible strategies", Boi explained.
(Hall 8.2, Stand 105, contact: Miroslav Boi, telephone: +385-(1)-6106206, e-mail: m.bozic@mps.hr)
Syria plans to expand exports of citrus fruits and pistachios
Syria is exhibiting again at the Green Week, in Hall 18, after an interval of five years. "The new Export Department was only set up in 2007 and we are now examining what products meet with a good response on the European market. The Green Week is also a very good market for testing products", said Muawya Jaber, Head of Developing Exports Division of the Syrian Ministry for Agriculture and Agrarian Reform. In addition to processed foodstuffs such as jams export markets are also being sought for fresh fruit and nuts. "We have two citrus fruit harvests every year, enabling us to even export to Turkey, which is itself a producer", said the departmental director, with pride. Each year one million tonnes of limes, oranges and grapefruits are picked, 25 per cent of which are exported. Syria is also the world’s third largest producer of pistachios, after Iran and Turkey. All products comply with the requirements integrated plant protection management (IPM). "If a demand exists for our products, we will certainly set up business centres here", was Jaber’s confident assertion.
Papayas from Kenya: a fine product, also as a wine
Papaya is already well known, but how many people are aware that a delicious wine is made from this fruit in Kenya? To find out more one should visit wine dealer Joshua Tandi to sample it. "We recommend that our customers try a papaya medium dry table wine", says the Kenyan exhibitor. Those who have had a holiday in Kenya in particular are familiar with this wine. Some wine connoisseurs maintain that papaya wine shares similarities with a good sauvignon blanc. And for those who want to avoid alcohol it is also possible to sample freshly brewed tea or coffee on Tandi’s stand. The Kenyan varieties comprising a blend of arabica and robusta are particularly popular with those who appreciate a good coffee.
(Hall 8.2, Stand 114, contact: Joshua Tandi, mobile: +49-(0)-179-8375546)
Fast fried noodles from Japan
Nissin Foods is presenting a new product from Japan at the International Green Week, one that was only introduced on the world market a few months ago. Yakisola Deluxe is a further refinement to the popular fried noodle dish, now with the addition of a mixture of spices and vegetables. It is available in three flavours, Classic, Curry and Chili. Just add water and cook for a few minutes to produce a tasty meal for one or two people.
(Hall 18, Stand 104, contact: Kay Grein, mobile:+49(0)-160-96251582, e-mail: epm2000@t-online.de)
Belgium’s sweeter side
Chocolates filled with advocaat, mousse au chocolat, marzipan krisp, Belgian seashells and the famous Jacali truffles – they are all tasty and sweet. "Because my chocolates are fresh and delicate I concentrate on selling them directly", explains the chocolate specialist Wolfgang Wittrien, who is attending the International Green Week 2008 for the fifth time in search of customers for the well-established Belgian chocolate maker Jacali. Regular customers appreciate the quality of this product and place their orders directly at the trade show. Sweet items feature strongly on other Belgian stands. In addition to soft, hot waffles and coffee visitors can also buy the famous crispy Brussels waffles from Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper. For more savoury tastes there is also original Ardennes ham from the Montenauer company.
(Hall 18, Stand 112, contact: Wolfgang Wittrien, mobile: +49-(0)-162-1306033)
Spanish wines from Don Quixote’s homeland
Don Quixote, the man from La Mancha, could never have imagined that wines from his region would be so popular with German consumers. "Wines from Spain account for over 50 per cent of our sales", reports Thomas Bauer from the vintners E. Maria Gerhardt Weinkellerei GmbH. The sweeter wines are particularly in demand. "Due to the climate we cannot produce such sweet wines in Germany", Bauer explains. For this reason the vintners, which have been based in Bornheim in the Rhineland-Palatinate since 1683, therefore collaborate with partners in Spain. Grapes from La Mancha have the right quality and can be used to make full-bodied reds and ross. Another speciality is the range of fine sweet wines from Valencia and Jumilla, which are expected to be the next big thing. On a total of six stands Spain is presenting a number of other products too, including sherry, cava brut, Serrano hams and vino tinto.
(Hall 18, Stand 123, contact: Thomas Bauer, Uwe von Bosse, e-mail: tbemg@versanet.de)
Finland uses Santa Claus in its promotion
After an interval of many years, when it was represented by the private sector, Finland has returned to the International Green Week with a combined stand organised by the Ministry for Agriculture and Forests. According to the Minister, Sirkka-Liisa Anttila, it is high time that her country’s food producers and its culinary traditions were presented to the European public. Some of the farmers involved in food production are also present in Berlin, and the products range from reindeer meat and liqueurs made from berries and Karelian piroshki to quality shiitake mushrooms and birch sap as an alternative health drink. The display also features tableware from Finnish designers, and tourism promotion as well. Santa Claus from the Lapland town of Rovaniemi is present in person and joined the minister and her Polish colleague Marek Sawicki in sampling some foods during the reception to mark the opening of the stand. Sirkka-Liisa Anttila: "We intend to export more foodstuffs in future".
(Hall 8.2, Stand 120, contact: Pekka Visnen, telephone: +358-(0)-40-7730644)
New Zealand proudly presents cask-aged premium wines
Of proven quality, and a delight to drink, year after year: wines from New Zealand are proving a big hit on the stand of the vintners Jakob Gerhardt, who are representing New Zealand at the Green Week. This year sales director Wolfgang Frank and his team have brought along a fruity, full-bodied 2004 sauvignon blanc, which has been cask-aged. There are also some 1999 cabernet merlots from the Antipodes, which have been aged in barrels for one year. Some of the rarities on display are from South Africa: The 1998 "Faithful Hound", a cuve made using merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec, is smooth with a long finish. This particular hound comes from the Stellenbosch region, home of the country’s finest wines.
(Hall 18, Stand 129, contact: Wolfgang Frank, telephone: +49-(0)-6133-5070, mobile: +49-(0)-151-15381886, e-mail: info@jakobgerhardt.de).
This press release, press photos of the Green Week and the logo pattern can also be found on the internet at www.gruenewoche.com. Footage of the IGW 2008 is now available to TV and online editors and can be downloaded from www.tvservicebox.de.
Обзоры и аналитика
