New trade fair for the fresh-cut convenience sector with 62 exhibitors from 14 countries runs parallel to FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008
GfK: Convenience food mega trend offers excellent prospects for the fresh produce trade
(опубликовано 04.03.2008)
Berlin, 6 February 2008 – The FRESHCONEX trade fair will debut in Berlin from 7th to 9th February with an impressive list of exhibitors. Leading companies and well-known representatives from the international fresh-cut convenience sector will be present for the new trade fair and congress. Running parallel to FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, the 3-day event features 62 exhibitors from 14 countries presenting a wide range of products and services. Covering 2,400 sqm of space in Halls 7.2a and 7.2b, the trade fair will host exhibitors including Agricoat Industries (UK), Bakkavr – 5eme Saison – 4G (France), Convenience AG (Germany), Eisberg Group (Switzerland), Florette (France), Fresh Factory (German), FRUCTOFRESH (Poland), Hessing Supervers (Netherlands), TURATTI (Italy), Univeg – Legumex Convenience (Belgium) and W. Heemskerk (Netherlands).
Top representatives from around the world will discuss the industry outlook at the FRESHCONEX Congress on 6th February. This event is organised by Eurofruit Magazine, the world’s leading congress organiser in the fresh produce sector, in cooperation with the United Fresh Produce Association, the international fresh-cut convenience industry association.
With FRESHCONEX, Messe Berlin is launching a dedicated European information and business platform for the rapidly growing fresh-cut convenience market. FRESHCONEX is the only trade event of its kind running parallel to an international fresh produce trade fair. One of the advantages for the FRESHCONEX target group is that the trade show gives them a comprehensive overview of the producers and raw materials and provides opportunities to place orders. FRESHCONEX is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Huge market potential in Germany
The latest figures from the GfK consumer research institute based in Nuremberg indicate that convenience products are a mega trend. This development is being driven by an increase in the number of single-person households, quick and easy availability of food, and changing eating habits. In the fresh-cut convenience sector featured at FRESHCONEX, Germany is regarded as a late starter, lagging well behind other European countries and the USA. So far, only the sub-segment of fresh-cut salads has become established in Germany. According to the GfK Consumer Panel, 30% of all German households purchased these products at least once in 2007. With discount stores leading the way, this segment is growing at rates as high as 40% .
By contrast, fresh-cut fruit is still underdeveloped in Germany where these products are primarily marketed by retailers and the level of industrial interest is extremely low. Nevertheless, this convenience segment boasts a growth rate of 11%.
FRESHCONEX Congress analyses business prospects
The focus of the one-day FRESHCONEX Congress taking place for the first time on 6th February on the eve of the FRESHCONEX trade fair, focuses on market analyses, opportunities and prospects for the fresh-cut convenience sector. Organised by Eurofruit Magazine in cooperation with the United Fresh Produce Association, the FRESHCONEX Congress takes an in-depth look at the developments in two areas that are pivotal for the future of the industry: food retail and food service.
Top-ranking keynote speakers and panellists from the fresh-cut convenience sector in Europe and the United States will be discussing the latest industry trends. The congress is divided into two segments: while the morning meetings concentrate on fresh-cut products in the retail sector, the afternoon sessions will discuss the role of these products in food service. The FRESHCONEX Congress will kick off with a look at the latest fresh-cut convenience trends in the retail sectors in Europe and America. Key figures will be analysed in detail by Ed Garner from TNS Worldpanel and Bruce Axtman from the Perishables Group, an American consultancy company specialising in marketing strategies for perishable food products.
The second session focuses on opportunities that can be used to generate even greater added value at all stages of the supply chain. Jeff Brandenburg of the JSB Group, a specialist in fresh-cut product packaging, will introduce this important field and participate afterwards in a panel discussion with Graham Alexander from FTNON, a fresh-cut company based in the Netherlands, Yves Clment of Bakkavr Fresh Produce in France, Patrick Larmon from Bunzl, a US-based supply chain management specialist, and Bill Davies from the British food retailer, Marks and Spencer, one of the pioneers of fresh-cut convenience products.
The afternoon sessions will focus on food service trends. Key facts and figures for the market will be presented by Jon Wright, a food service analyst from Planet Retail. Dean McKenna, who heads the McDonalds supply chain and quality assurance team in the UK and Northern Europe, will explain what the restaurant chain expects from its suppliers when it comes to pre-cut fruit and vegetables.
The closing session will address the major challenges facing the food service industry in future. Following an introduction by industry expert Peter Backman, CEO of Horizons, experts including Klaus Klische from Fresh Factory a fresh-cut supplier based in Germany, Denis Punter from the British Food Service Supply Division of Total Produce, and Emanuel Lazopoulos from Del Monte Fresh Produce will present their views in a podium discussion. Mr Lazopoulos is in charge of Del Monte commercial operations in the USA, where food service is one of the key sectors in the industry. The networking breaks between the presentations will provide additional opportunities to establish new contacts, discuss experiences and exchange background information.
Business Forum presentations
During FRESHCONEX, the Business Forum held in Hall 7.2a offers trade fair visitors a series of short presentations on the latest innovations in the fresh-cut convenience industry. Themes include "Better Technology for Fresh Cut" (7th February), "Better Marketing for Fresh-Cut" (8th February) and "Better Logistics Management for Fresh-Cut" (9th February).
Visitor information
FRESHCONEX is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm on 7th – 9th February. Tickets are available on the Internet (www.freshconex.com / Visitor Info/Tickets) at discount prices: EUR 22 for a one-day ticket and EUR 53 for an event pass. Ticket prices at the gate are EUR 25 for one day, and EUR 60 for three days. The entrance fee for the FRESHCONEX Congress, which includes admission to the trade fair, is EUR 250 booked online, or EUR 295 at the gate. All tickets include the trade fair catalogue and admission to FRUIT LOGISTICA.
FRESHCONEX is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH and the FRUIT LOGISTICA Berlin project team. Cooperation partner is Eurofruit Magazine (London).
This press release is also available on the Internet: www.freshconex.com
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