Updated press information from FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 is available online free of charge (www.fruitlogistica.com/pressservice/):
(опубликовано 04.03.2008)
· Brief reports on events at the show
· Detailed press reports in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish
· Current press photographs in 14 categories
· Radio reports and quotes
· Overview of all press events
Contents
Germans consume 207.5 kilos of fruit and vegetables per capita each year 1
Innovative products: Strawberry tomatoes and Urgurke cucumbers at FRUIT LOGISTICA.. 2
High social responsibility and environmental standards for German fruit and vegetable imports. 2
2007: Less fruit from Europe, more from Germany. 2
BVEO: Sales continue to grow for German fruit and vegetables. 3
Presentation of the new Dole Bio brand. 3
Atlanta presents new auditing software. 4
CMA: Fresh produce from Germany. 4
Specialty Street by Flandria. 5
France: Increased vegetable exports to Germany. 5
End of 2008: First organic pineapples from Fyffes. 5
New exhibitors from the USA occupy more display space. 6
DFHV shows the way through the certification maze. 6
More organic apples from South Tyrol 6
GFI expands relations with marketing partners. 7
5 am Tag (5-a-day): Fruit and vegetables for everyone, everywhere. 7
Switzerland targets high-quality niche markets. 7
Germans consume 207.5 kilos of fruit and vegetables per capita each year
In a study commissioned by ZMP and CMA, the GfK consumer research group analysed German private household purchasing and spending behaviour during 2007 with regard to fresh fruit and vegetables. The study found that each household purchased 86.0 kilograms (2006: 89.7 kg) of fresh fruit at an average price of EUR 1.49 per kilogram (2006: EUR 1.44/kg). In addition, 63.4 kilograms (2006: 63.2 kg) of fresh vegetables were purchased at an average EUR 1.91 per kilo (2005 (EUR 1.86/kg). Messe Berlin announced these figures at today’s press conference marking the opening of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008, which takes place 7-9 February 2008 at the Berlin exhibition grounds. The study found that apples were the fresh fruit that landed most frequently in the shopping cart, with 20.7 kilograms per household, followed by bananas (16.9 kg), oranges (10.0 kg), mandarin oranges, clementines and similar products (6.1 kg), and dessert grapes (4.8 kg). Tomatoes (10.5 kg) were the most frequently purchased fresh vegetable per household, along with carrots (7.8 kg), cucumbers (6.7 kg), onions (6.5 kg) and sweet peppers (4.5 kg). According to the last figures available for 2005/2006 – converted into annual per capita consumption – each German citizen consumed 207.5 kilograms of fresh and processed fruit (122.5 kg) and vegetables (85.0 kg).
Innovative products: Strawberry tomatoes and Urgurke cucumbers at FRUIT LOGISTICA
Ten innovations are competing for the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award. These include the "Tomatoberry", a new mini-tomato shaped like a strawberry that’s already a hot-selling item in Japan. Another entry is the "Intense" beef tomato, which features an especially firm structure that doesn’t leak juice when it’s cut, and the "Iodi" potato that contains a level of iodine. A 200g serving of this type of potato fulfils 30% of the recommended daily requirement of this element. The long-forgotten Urgurke, with its dark green colour and rough peel coupled with a refreshingly crisp and juicy inside, is enjoying a renaissance at this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA. Also competing for the prize, which will be presented for the third time by Messe Berlin in cooperation with Fruchthandel Magazine, are "Fresh Tapas" – fruit and vegetable snacks for vending machines – and "Frujis" – fruit chips made from organic apples or pineapple. Technical innovations include the MTsens cool chain monitoring system that uses a microchip, the new Eris air filter technology for maintaining freshness, the Deux dual marketing and packaging concept for two different types of strawberries, and the Perfecto laser system for high-precision control of packaging atmosphere. All entries in the competition will be on display in the passageway between Halls 20 and 21. The winner will be determined by votes cast by FRUIT LOGISTICA trade visitors.
(Halls 21/22, Contact: Wolfgang Rogall. Tel. +49-(0)-30-30382218, e-mail:rogall@messe-berlin.de)
High social responsibility and environmental standards for German fruit and vegetable imports
More than 60% of the vegetables and 80% of the fruit purchased in Germany is imported. At the opening press conference for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008, Jrgen Boruszewski, President of the German fruit trade association (DFHV), said his organisation assigns top priority to the safety and quality of the goods as well as to the sustainability and social responsibility of production. The association has prepared its own code of conduct for suppliers that requires socially- and environmentally-compatible cultivation of fruit and vegetables. It includes prescribed minimum standards for working hours, work safety and other aspects. More than 90% of the fruit and vegetables consumed in Germany are currently handled in accordance with GlobalGAP (formerly EurepGAP) standards, Boruszewski said. These vitamin-rich foods also have the best climate-related record of all fresh grocery items: in 2006, only about 21,000 t of fruit and vegetables were imported to Germany by air freight – less than 0.4% of the total consumption of these products. DFHV represents Germany’s direct marketing businesses, importers and exporters, as well as wholesalers and retailers. Its member companies account for roughly 75% of all fresh produce sales.
(Hall 20, Stand B-02. Contact: Dr. Andreas Brgger. Tel. +49-(0)228-911450, e-mail: bonn@dfhv.de)
2007: Less fruit from Europe, more from Germany
Although last year’s crop was the smallest that fruit growers in the EU had experienced in years, vegetable production remained stable. At the opening press conference for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008, Messe Berlin Managing Director Dr. Christian Gke presented an overview of the fruit and vegetable industry including estimates from the ZMP, an organisation that reports on market and price information for agricultural and forestry products. According to these estimates, 34 million tonnes of fruit were produced in Europe, 4 million tonnes less than in the previous year. This decline was caused by, among other things, a late-season frost in Eastern Europe. Going against the trend, Germany produced 1.4 million tonnes of fruit, reaching the highest level in five years. German vegetable growers also had cause to celebrate as they exceeded the record results of 2004 with a 3.4 million-tonne harvest. The market is a large one: the EU is the leading import region for fresh fruit and vegetables followed by North America and Japan.
(Halls 21/22, Contact: Wolfgang Rogall. Tel. +49-(0)-30-30382218, e-mail: rogall@messe-berlin.de)
BVEO: Sales continue to grow for German fruit and vegetables
The businesses of the cooperative fruit, vegetable and horticultural industry in Germany managed to increase their sales figures again in 2007 – by 6.7% to EUR 2.4 billion (2006: EUR 2.25 billion), according to Karl Schmitz, Managing Director of BVEO, a fruit and vegetable industry association. In the vegetable sector, leafy varieties claimed the top position with EUR 140 million in sales. In second and third place were cruciferous vegetables (EUR 70 million) and fruit vegetables (EUR 55 million). According to results reported by the German Federal Statistical Office for 2007, market vegetables were produced on 112,700 hectares of cultivated land (up 0.3% from 2006). BVEO’s managing director emphasised that, along with supplying the domestic market, exports are gaining importance for the fresh produce industry. In 2006, fruit and vegetable exports increased sharply by nearly 20% compared to preceding years. "Within the framework of further development, it is important for organised marketing to ensure the level of consolidation among fruit and vegetable suppliers is in line with the consolidation taking place in German food retailing", Schmitz said.
(Hall 20, Stand A-10. Contact: Dr. Markus Nthen. Tel. +49-(0)-228-24200520, e-mail: noethen@drv.raiffeisen.de)
Presentation of the new Dole Bio brand
Dole Europe, the European subsidiary of the world’s leading producer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables, is present at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 in a completely new corporate design. The Dole Plaza in Hall 13 features a unique environment that invites visitors to learn all about fruit and vegetables under the blue "Dole sky". In keeping with current trends, the company is placing more emphasis on organic products. A separate display shows the company’s current range of organic products under the new "Dole Bio" brand. "By introducing the logo, we’re underscoring our long-term commitment to ecological cultivation", said Torsten Spill, General Manager of Dole Fresh Fruit Europe OHG. Processed convenience products including Dole Fruit Parfaits from Dole Packaged Foods, Fresh Cut Salads and products from Dole Asia, round out the product range on display at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The Grower’s Corner is a special information zone where growers and suppliers can meet with company representatives.
IFCO SYSTEMS: From logistics supplier to service provider
To accommodate the needs of commercial enterprises, IFCO SYSTEMS is gradually evolving from a supplier of reusable containers for fruit and vegetables, to become a complete systems provider for reusable packaging. New product lines including the Magnum Box, plastic pool palette and innovative beverage trays are already on the market, and other products are on the way. "Our advancement from the leading global logistics provider in the field of reusable fruit and vegetable packaging to a general service supplier for reusable packaging for retailers and industry is another milestone in the positioning of our company. This is our way of responding to our customers’ growing demands for compatible, comprehensive solutions in reusable packaging", says Karl Pohler, Chief Executive Officer of IFCO SYSTEMS N.V. "We are helping our customers achieve substantial cost reductions within their logistics chains and to replace disposable packaging with environment-friendlier, reusable alternatives. We are proud to present our product innovations to international trade visitors at this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA".
Cobana Fruchtring: Complete import package available year-round
According to Managing Director Jrgen Boruszewski, Cobana Fruchtring has managed to strengthen its position in the face of a challenging market environment. He said that further effort is still needed, however, for the group to adapt to ongoing developments and respond to individual requirements. Market approaches, products, logistics and structures must be continuously upgraded. "In the interests of our customers, we are constantly looking for practicable solutions and efficient procedures to guarantee volume and quality while cutting costs", Boruszewski explained. "Concentrating on the most important products in the range, we organise complete import packages that are ideally available year-round". The Cobana Fruchtring Group consists of a network of independent partners, a unique structure which creates the conditions for the group’s flexibility, competitiveness and strong market presence. "The member companies are the backbone of our market performance", Buroszewski concludes. Cobana Fruchtring is located in Hall 16 at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The focus this year is on the group’s key marketing product: bananas.
"Comprehensive fruit expertise" is the theme of the Atlanta Group’s presentation at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The company is showcasing innovative concepts, packaging solutions, services and new products for the trade sector in Hall 25. As a service provider, Atlanta has invested in an innovative software solution to streamline the auditing process and improve transparency for customers and suppliers. The new software combines the functions of an audit tool with those of a supplier database and will help the company lower control costs and increase benefits, explains Atlanta Group CEO Peter Jung. The in-house "Quality Assurance Database" complements existing systems such as the group’s certification database and the ArfD evaluator, which can be found on the Atlanta website. For instance, the Atlanta QA department works together with suppliers to determine which measures are necessary to eliminate any weak points that are detected. QA department staff at the trade fair will present the new IT systems on special online terminals. Mr Jung emphasises, "We are in a position to provide a unique quality control system".
With a large display area in Hall 20 covering over 1,300 m2, the CMA (German Agricultural Marketing Board) and BVEO (German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers) will be present along with 18 leading German fruit and vegetable producer organisations and their partners. "The display concept has been completely reworked and redesigned with a new radial, star-shaped formation reflecting the collaboration of producer organisations from all over Germany", explains Manfred Keil, who is in charge of the CMA stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA. The theme for the new joint stand is "Fresh produce from Germany". As in previous years, the stand includes BVEO companies and organisations along with institutions such as "5-am-Tag" (5-a-day), the German Fruit Export Office, the QS quality assurance association for fruit, vegetables and potatoes, and the ZMP (market and price reporting office). "The joint presentation of products and valuable marketing information reflects the shared vision of the German produce industry", says Keil.
"The Flanders Agricultural Marketing Office (VLAM) is responsible for promoting sales of Flemish agricultural and horticultural products in Belgium and other countries", explains Paul Coenen, Manager of the VLAM office in Germany. He points out that the marketing office has been represented at FRUIT LOGISTICA with a joint stand since the very first event. This year, 20 Belgian fruit and vegetable exporters and associations along with 7 Belgian potato exporters are represented at the new 430m2 VLAM stand in Hall 12. "The VLAM stand not only has a new location this year in Hall 12, but also a new look with attractive fruit and vegetable displays", Coenen adds. "The stand features large banners overhead and attractive pictures on the walls ". Bringing together most of the Belgian exhibitors together in one hall is also a trade show first. "Among the numerous innovations at our stand are the 40 specialities on offer as part of the ’Flandria Specialty Street’", Coenen continues. Another 55 varieties of traditional vegetables are marketed with the Flandria trademark. The exhibit also highlights a wide range of fruit brands.
(Hall 12, Stand A-03. Contact: Paul Coenen. Tel. +49-(0)-221-254857, e-mail: paul.coenen@vlam.be)
France: Increased vegetable exports to Germany
With a total value of EUR 333 million and an increase of 8.5% to 384,500 tonnes in 2006, French vegetable exports to Germany are gaining importance, says Isabella Lacourtiade, PR consultant for the Sopexa Germany food division. Figures for the first three quarters of 2007 confirm this upward trend, she adds. A further 10% increase in value to EUR 278 million was recorded in this period. Export volume reached 344,120 tonnes, 16% up on the same period in the previous year. Nearly 40% more French exhibitors than in 2007 have made the journey to Berlin for the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008. According to Isabella Lacourtiade, the newly created Freshconex trade show has also been enthusiastically received by French companies. Along with local growers, convenience product manufacturers are strongly represented among the 142 exhibitors and marketing associations from France. The numerous innovations on exhibit include "apribilles", an aperitif snack from Pom’Alliance, gourmet potatoes from Touquet Savour, colourful cauliflower varieties from Prince de Bretagnes and four new varieties of tomato from Rougeline-Odlis.
Following the demerger from Fyffes in January 2006, the new companies Fyffes plc and Total Produce will be exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA with separate stands in Hall 5.2. Since the split, Fyffes has been concentrating on the production, logistics, ripening and marketing of its core products – bananas, pineapples and melons, explains Marketing Manager Ralph Fischer from Inter Weichert Hamburg. He points out that Fyffes managed to consolidate its position as one of the leading importers in the European banana market. Through acquisition of the controlling interest in Nolem Brazil and Sol Guatemala, the company will market around 16 million cartons of melons this year. According to Fischer, they were able to increase the volume of pineapples over the past five years to the targeted quantity of 10 million cartons in 2008. This year, the focus is on expanding organic banana production. The first shipment of organic pineapples is scheduled to arrive at the end of 2008, adds the Inter Weichert marketing manager.
(Hall 5.2, Stand A-04. Contact: Ralph Fischer. Tel. +49-(0)-40-32900220, e-mail: r.fischer@interweichert.de)
New exhibitors from the USA occupy more display space
FRUIT LOGISTICA has attracted the interest of a growing number of companies from the USA. This year, 28 primary and co-exhibitors are occupying around 300m of space in the USA pavilion in Hall 23. Eight of these companies are newcomers: WP Sign Systems, PurFresh, Inc., Paramount Farms, New Edge International, Dovex Fruit, US Apple Export Council, PakSense, Inc. and Catania Worldwide. Cranberries and cranberry products have been popular on the German for several years, and are now gaining a foothold on the European market. Highly successful in Germany and France since 1999, the Cranberry Marketing Committee launched a PR programme in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Spain in 2007. Around 25% of cranberries grown in the USA are sold on foreign markets with Europe as the main importer. American companies at this year's trade fair include PakSense, which will be presenting its range of labels, readers and software, and Dovex Fruit with information about its range of fresh apples, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches and pluots.
"As the national industry representative, we would once again like to serve as the central coordinating body for members, visitors and, above all, for the media at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008." That’s how Dr. Andreas Brgger, Director of the German Fruit Trade Association (DFHV), describes DFHV’s role at this year’s trade fair. The open-plan stand design symbolises a sense of openness to all types of questions. Brgger adds: "The current discussions regarding global warming and pesticides emphasise the necessity for an effective lobby group". He said that if different sectors come forward collectively as one group, they will have a better chance to represent and implement their requests on a national as well as on a European level. The association is also promoting its activities in the FRUIT LOGISTICA conference programme. Speaking at the opening press conference on 6 February 2008, DFHV President Jrgen Boruszewski outlined the current situation in the industry. At the Fresh Produce Forum taking place on the same day, Vice-President Matthias Bratzler addressed the theme "New consumer expectations – trends at the POS". "Ways through the certification maze" will be presented by Dr. Brgger in the Hall Forum on the last day of the trade fair (9.2.).
(Hall 20, Stand B-02. Contact: Dr. Andreas Brgger. Tel. +49-(0)-228-911450, e-mail: bruegger@dfhv.de)
More organic apples from South Tyrol
Accounting for 25% of the harvest, South Tyrol is the most important organic apple supplier in the European Union, says Dr. Paul Zandanel, Marketing Manager of EOS (Export Organisation South Tyrol) from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. Due to increasing demand, fruit growers in South Tyrol plan to cultivate even more apples in compliance with organic guidelines. According to Dr. Zandanel, "The geographical and climatic conditions in South Tyrol are ideal for organic apple cultivation." He reported that approx. 4% of the South Tyrol apples are organically grown each year in the most northerly province of Italy on around 680 hectares of land at an altitude of between 200 and 1,000 metres. Around 31,000 tonnes of bio apples were harvested in 2007, 24,000t in 2006 and 25,500t in 2005. Around 40% of the organic apple harvest is sold in Italy and 35% supplied to Germany. The remaining 25% is sent to other European countries, primarily England, Scandinavia and France. South Tyrol fruit growers are continuing their successful "Crunchy" advertising campaign this year with 500 free sample days planned for German supermarkets.
(Hall 4.2, Stand A-07. Contact: Dr. Paul Zandanel. Tel. +39-0471-945693, e-mail: info@suedtirolerapfel.com)
GFI expands relations with marketing partners
For the fifth time, the 18 leading German fresh produce centres will be exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA. This year, they will be sharing a 400m stand sponsored by the GFI (German wholesale market association) in Hall 21. Chairman Uwe Kluge describes the group's objectives for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008: "We arer looking forward to new momentum for retail marketing activities, for example, through the events in the Hall Forum. We are also planning to further expand our cooperation with marketing partners by implementing brand promotions in the retail sector." GFI is striving for closer relations with partners including Zespri, Sopexa, Enza, VLAM and fruit growers in South Tyrol. Kluge is also looking forward to productive discussions with other potential international partners. "As a central urban trading platform with around 2,600 mid-sized companies, our members supply 53,000 customers with fresh produce from the local region and around the world", the GFI chairman reported. The stock turnover of around 7.4 million tonnes is valued at EUR 9.8 billion, he added. "This shows that we are strong competitors."
5 am Tag (5-a-day): Fruit and vegetables for everyone, everywhere
The "5 am Tag" stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 offer a look back at the successful promotional week in 2007 and a look ahead at the new campaign concepts. Hall 20, Stand C-15 is where the campaign encourages people in Germany to eat more fruit and vegetables and invites fairgoers to learn more about "5 am Tag". This year's trade fair presentation focuses on the new targets of the EU-supported "5 am Tag" campaign. According to Helmuth M. Huss, CEO of 5 am Tag e.V., "Everybody knows that fruit and vegetables are healthy. Nevertheless, the daily per capita consumption in Germany is still too low". This can be easily explained: "Within the last few years, there has been a marked increase in the number or meals consumed away from home. Children often eat in school lunchrooms, workers eat in staff cafeterias, and most people like to grab a snack while they're on the way to the office or school. There is often a lack of healthy food available in these situations". The first step for the "5 am Tag" campaign is to ensure that fruit and vegetables are readily accessible to everyone, everywhere. Mr Huss says that existing conditions must be changed and the availability of fruit and vegetables must be significantly increased.
(Hall 20, Stand C-15. Contact: Thomas Erdmann. Tel. +49-(0)-621-33840114, e-mail: info@5amtag.de )
Switzerland targets high-quality niche markets
According to Bernadette Galliker, Marketing Manager of the Swiss Fruit Association, the volume of exports is still modest, but the potential is huge. Choice fruits, vegetables and potatoes from Switzerland are set to capture a bigger share of the high-quality niche markets in Europe and appeal to consumers with above-average purchasing power. "This is why our fruit, vegetable and potato industries share a joint stand at FRUIT LOGISTICA every year". Galliker went on to say that 130 trade visitors from Switzerland have already scheduled appointments at the stand – more than ever before. This year's trade fair presentation highlights Swiss apple varieties including Maigold, Mairac and Junami along with top quality, organically-grown vegetables. In order to strengthen consumer confidence, growers and marketers are introducing SwissGAP, explains Marc Wermelinger, Swisscofel Managing Director and SwissGAP President. This Swiss industry solution is based on the international GlobalGAP standard and sets guidelines for the technical implementation of production processes".
(Hall 20, Stand A-05. Contact: Marc Wermelinger. Tel. +41-(0)-31-3807575, e-mail: mail@swisscofel.ch)
This press release is also available on the Internet: www.fruitlogistica.com (Press Info / Press Releases).
Press contact:
Messe Berlin GmbH
Michael T. Hofer, Director, Corporate Press and Public Relations
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