The 43rd edition of Macfrut, the international fruit and vegetable trade fair, opened at the Rimini Expo Centre, in the presence of Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry. Ministers from four countries – Cameroon, Lebanon, Senegal and Syria – also attended the opening ceremony.
“Macfrut is more than a trade fair: it is a platform to build relationships and strengthen ties with countries worldwide. It showcases Italy’s ability to lead innovation and to represent an opportunity for the development of other countries, such as those in Africa and the Middle East.” With these words, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida inaugurated the 43rd edition of Macfrut, scheduled at Rimini Expo Centre from today to Thursday 23rd April. Present at the opening ceremony were Ministers from four foreign countries: Cameroon (Achille Bassilekin III), Lebanon (Nizar Hani), Senegal (Mabouba Diagne), and Syria (Amjad Bader).
Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry: “We are here at Macfrut, the leading trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, a sector for which we have made available direct funding exceeding €2 billion through supply chain initiatives and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), generating nearly €3 billion in investments, alongside additional measures in energy, agrisolar, and logistics. We will continue to work in this direction because this is a high-quality supply chain capable of generating wealth, employment, and development. Events like this are essential for promoting the Italian system and strengthening our presence in international markets. Macfrut demonstrates Italy’s ability to be at the forefront and to offer development opportunities to other nations, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Macfrut is more than a trade fair; it is an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen ties worldwide.”
Lorenzo Galanti, Director General of Agenzia ICE: “This year, Agenzia ICE has brought 920 qualified international operators from more than 80 countries – more than double last year’s figure. Over 5,000 B2B meetings are already scheduled between international buyers and Italian exhibitors. This marks a significant step forward for an already highly international event, showcasing a supply chain that is crucial for Italian exports and highlighting the latest trends in innovation and sustainability. Together with MAECI and MASAF, our goal is to support export market diversification and help Italian excellence remain competitive globally.”
Patrizio Neri, President of Macfrut: “This edition stands out for its strong international participation, confirming the global nature of the event. The fruit and vegetable sector is strategic for Italy, accounting for around a quarter of national agricultural production. Macfrut is where the entire supply chain meets to do business and identify key trends shaping the future of the sector – driven by innovation, sustainability and connectivity.”
Italian Fruit & Vegetable Sector: Insights from Nomisma
According to a study presented at the opening conference by Nomisma, Italy’s fruit and vegetable sector includes more than 150,000 companies across 887,000 hectares, with a production value of €17 billion (26 % of the national agri-food sector). Exports of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables reached €12.9 billion in 2025, accounting for 18 % of total agri-food exports.
Between 2020 and 2025, exports grew significantly for both vegetables (+38.1 %) and fruit (+37.1 %). Fresh produce exports are largely concentrated within the European Union, representing 83 % for vegetables and 76 % for fruit.
The report highlights two major challenges: geopolitical instability, impacting logistics costs and supply chain continuity, and climate change, along with phytosanitary risks, which particularly affect fruit and vegetable production.
A Global Hub for the Fruit & Vegetable Industry
Macfrut confirms its role as a key international hub for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, bringing together exhibitors from five continents. This year’s international focus is on the Caribbean, with participation from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador. South America is also strongly represented, with Chile and Argentina joined for the first time by Brazil and Peru. More than 20 countries are participating from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The fair hosts over 900 top buyers worldwide, thanks to the support of Agenzia ICE, with strong representation from Northern and Eastern Europe, Brazil and China, including major delegations from Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Macfrut’s distinctive feature is its thematic exhibitions, focused on key industry areas: water management with Acqua Campus; nursery innovation with Plant Nursery; natural products for crop protection, nutrition, and biostimulation in Biosolutions and Digital Technologies; the berry sector in the Berry Area; minimally processed healthy products in the Healthy Food Area; medicinal plants, spices, and herbal products in Spices & Herbs Global Expo; and agrivoltaics technologies in Agrisolar.
The exhibition also includes two open-field demonstration areas (2,500 sqm) showcasing innovations in fruit growing and horticulture, along with a Start-up Area featuring 26 companies from across the globe. Around 100 events and conferences will take place over the three days, addressing key topics for the sector in collaboration with the event’s Technical-Scientific Committee.
With around 90,000 participants from across the globe, FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 once again demonstrated its status as the world’s premier business, innovation and knowledge platform for the fresh produce industry.
Fresh produce business leaders from across the globe braved Germany’s coldest winter in 15 years on 4-6 February 2026 to kindle valuable new connections at FRUIT LOGISTICA, the world’s number one fruit and vegetable event. Despite freezing conditions which saw departing flights grounded, the show’s around 90,000 participants still found their way home after three days of innovation, networking, and learning.
There was plenty on offer to excite and inspire those who attended – four in five of whom visited from outside Germany. From cutting-edge developments in production, marketing, packaging and technology throughout its exhibition halls, to the most relevant, insightful talks and discussions on a range of vital topics across its conference stages, FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 strengthened its position as the sector’s undisputed centre of business knowledge. The annual FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Awards underlined their role as the industry’s standard-bearer for progress and productivity, while zones including the Startup World, New Product Showcases, and Smart Agri Area all highlighted essential advances in the business. All of which made it an unbeatable international meeting.
Business goals achieved and deals successfully closed
Both exhibitors and trade visitors gave FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 very good marks. The results of the representative trade visitor survey confirm a high level of satisfaction with both the business success and the event content. Exhibitor representatives are also very satisfied with FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026. Numerous business deals ensure a positive conclusion to the trade fair.
According to initial trends from the exhibitor survey, 9 out of 10 exhibitors are satisfied with their business results. Just as many are already planning to return to the trade fair in 2027. The most important goals of ‘company presentation’, ‘new customer acquisition’ and ‘existing customer care’ were all achieved to a high degree.
The preliminary results of the representative trade visitor survey also show a high level of satisfaction: well over 90% of participants expressed a positive overall impression of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 and would recommend the event to their colleagues or business partners. Nine out of ten respondents are already planning to visit the event again next year.
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 impressed both in terms of business and content: more than 95 % of the trade visitors surveyed confirmed their satisfaction with the commercial success of their visit to the trade fair. Nine out of ten praised the wide range of products and services on offer, and just as many said they had achieved their most important goals of making new contacts and learning about new products.
The next FRUIT LOGISTICA will take place in Berlin from 3 to 5 February 2027.
24,351 people from 134 countries created and amplified the human connection that exemplified Fi Europe’s stand-out 30th edition in Paris this year. Further solidifying its position as one of the world’s most influential food industry trade shows, and a facilitator of future innovation, the event exceeded expectations as it welcomed 1,470 exhibitors across the global food, beverage, nutrition, food technology, and pet food sectors. Alongside inspiration, education and unmissable networking opportunities, Fi Europe gave delegates an early glimpse of the trends set to shape the industry in the coming year, which Informa is making available in its latest report, ‘Uncovering innovation: The Fi Europe Trend Guide 2026’.
Connecting a growing global community
“Fi Europe has always been about bringing people together, and this year it was clear how much the industry values that connection,”remarks Yannick Verry, Brand Director, Fi Europe. “The show floor was buzzing with a real sense of community. The conversations happening in our hubs, theatres and networking events weren’t just meaningful in the moment – they’re the catalyst for the innovations we’ll see shaping the market in 2026. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward as we prepare for Frankfurt next year.”
Efforts to emphasise human connection were central to the 30th anniversary edition. The Community Hub – a dedicated space designed to bring together micro-communities and industry groups – facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing through presentations and gatherings, while the Tasting Bar invited attendees to experience ingredients through sensory product samples. The Innovation Awards also facilitated the celebration of ground-breaking achievements and offered a chance for attendees to expand their networks in a joyous, relaxed environment. Collectively, these efforts resulted in an unprecedented community spirit that rippled across the show floor.
A glimpse into the future of food
Fi Europe 2025 created dedicated focuses for several of the industry’s fastest-growing segments, spotlighting cutting-edge solutions that will shape innovation into 2026 and beyond. As the functional foods and drinks integrate even further into the industry, there is an opportunity for brand owners and manufacturers to develop products with targeted health benefits in 2026. Supporting them with insights and education, Informa hosted its own spotlight, featuring expert panel discussions on the gut-brain axis, microbiome modulation and the evolving role of food as medicine. A dedicated health and wellness innovation tour highlighted how brands can deliver added value through science-backed ingredients and personalised solutions.
Food upcycling also emerged as a key theme, driven by increased consumer awareness and tightening sustainability regulations. An innovation tour, panel discussions, a sustainability networking lunch featuring keynote speakers and an interactive workshop on building resilient food systems helped inspire industry professionals looking to tap into the upcycling opportunity.
Preparing for Fi Europe 2026
“Importantly, we’re again going to take learnings from this year’s show to shape the next edition,” adds Verry. “For instance, over 200 people attended the inaugural pet nutrition networking event. Based on this, and feedback from delegates during the show, we expect the pet food area to triple in size in Frankfurt. Similarly, we plan to double the amount of space dedicated to food manufacturing equipment and services in 2026.”
Fi Europe 2026 will take place at Messe Frankfurt, Germany, from 17 – 19 November 2026, before its return to Paris in 2027.
The European Commission just released its proposal for the adjustment of customs duties on import of certain goods originating from the USA, as a result of the USA-EU “agreement” reached end of July 2025. Freshfel Europe is expressing its deep unease over such trade “deal” and its process. Beyond trade impact or benefit, this agreement raises multiple questions and concerns on fundamental international trade principles.
The President of the European Commission brought back from Scotland a one-sided and fully asymmetric agreement, with concessions that threaten reciprocal concept. This appalling outreach was brought to EU business after a negotiation process that breached basic principles of good governance, set aside commitment to transparency requiring meaningful a priori stakeholder consultation and failed to have been subject to a credible impact assessment. The deal also significantly weakens WTO, eroding the principle of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause and other multilateral rules while also deteriorating the integrity of future bilateral trade agreements.
On this background, Freshfel Europe expresses its deep concerns and outright opposition to the EU–USA trade deal, currently in its implementation process. Despite representing a limited part of the total bilateral trade between the EU and USA, fresh fruit and vegetables are once again taken as a bargaining chip for achieving other objectives, leaving European fresh produce businesses exposed to disproportionate tariff and unfair balance in regard to non-tariff conditions. This will further deepen the already existing trade deficit.
Philippe Binard, General delegate of Freshfel Europe commented: “Under the proposed deal, imports of US fruit and vegetables into the EU are fully liberalized removing with immediate effect existing tariffs to a full duty exemption. On the contrary EU exporters face a significant rise of tariffs to 15% when accessing the USA market”. This stark asymmetry hands a competitive advantage to US producers interested in exporting to the EU, while severely impacting the competitiveness of EU fresh produce on the USA market. Although additional duties will ultimately be borne by US consumers, it will overtime limit volume of EU fresh produce currently exported. The EU generous discriminatory move with fully fledge duty waiver for US fresh produce imported in the EU might lead other third countries to request similar concessions from the EU in light of the MFN clause.
Moreover, while the EU declared readiness to address US concerns on “non-tariff barriers” and other climate- related and sustainability matters, there is no such clear and unambiguous commitment by the USA to resolve longstanding Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that have blocked or limited for decades EU exports of apples, pears, citrus, tomatoes, and many other products. Philippe Binard stated: “Excessive US SPS rules continue to keep EU fruit and vegetables out of the USA market, while US exporters might gain more access to EU market. The deal also generates conditions for an unequal playing field, between EU operators bound to comply with strict sustainability, climate and food safety requirements—such as CSRD, CDDD or PEFCR monitoring and reporting—while allowing US and other non-EU suppliers much greater flexibility or derogation on societal concerns or climate transition obligations. This move totally undermines the trustworthiness of the EU sustainability agenda and the competitiveness of EU business”.
The EU concessions on tariff conditions carry as well non-negligible collateral effects for the EU with major financial consequences. The tariff dismantling for US produce will reduce annually EU own financial revenues by an estimated 12 billion €. Philippe Binard added: “This will add more pressure on EU budget, already facing multiple cuts further harming European businesses and EU citizens. In the recent discussion of the upcoming MFF, we already experienced the far-reaching implications of budget cuts for agriculture and absence of resources to adjust activity to climate change challenges or to promote a shift towards a more sustainable and healthier diet”.
Some months ago, the European Commission was considering agriculture as essential for food security. Last July, the President of the European Commission completely forgot its commitments for EU agriculture competitiveness, its engagement to tackle climate change and the need to wisely manage EU own financial resources. This deal was claimed by its protagonists to offer predictability and stability, both essential for long-term business planning and investment. At a first glance, it is rather generating more uncertainties, being placed at the mercy of its counterpart threatening to seek more concessions from its weakened partner. This is already happening with the Digital Market Act.
Freshfel Europe calls for wisdom of EU policymakers of the Council and of the Parliament to reject this one- sided agreement and urgently seek fully reciprocal, non-discriminatory and fair market access conditions that are equally beneficial for EU operators. Otherwise, EU sustainability commitments, and EU credibility on the global stage are seriously at stake.
Sponsored Post – The global food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing sectors, holding an importance in many countries. However, the industry is also characterised by intense competition, price pressure, numerous product innovations, and ever shorter product life cycles. As a result, manufacturers are continuously investing in high-performance technologies to increase efficiency, flexibility and sustainable production and packaging processes- driving a high demand for machines.
Digitalisation efforts are centred on generating added value from data (Photo: Yontex)
For juice manufacturers, the requirements are clear: product safety, efficient processing technologies, maximum yield, optimal utilisation of raw materials (including all by-products), and futureproofing of operations. drinktec 2025, taking place from 15 to 19 September in Munich, presents a unique opportunity for producers of fruit juice products to explore cutting-edge technologies and forward-looking solutions tailored to their production needs. Across eleven halls at Messe München, every step of the supply chain will be represented. A major strength of this world-leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry is the presence of all key technology providers and solution experts involved in the manufacture and processing of beverages.
Under the central theme “Circularity & Resource Management”, drinktec 2025 will delve into efficient resource utilisation across the entire value chain. Opportunities within the industry range from the use of bio-based raw materials and circular solutions at every stage of the beverage and liquid food production process, to the reuse of production by-products and other residual materials. Solutions such as material recovery, energy efficiency, and closed-loop systems – often developed in collaboration with other industries – are set to provide new momentum towards economically viable and sustainable production strategies for juice manufacturers.
Particular innovation is anticipated from solution providers focusing on novel approaches to by-product valorisation, offering new uses for materials not directly employed in juice production. Notably, the extraction of proteins from pomace is increasingly viewed as a promising opportunity for the future.
Juice producers will also benefit from the show’s focus topic “Lifestyle & Health”, which highlights forward-thinking beverage concepts. The strong presence of ingredient suppliers in hall C3 underscores the continued importance of flavour diversity and innovative beverage formulations. Market insights further support expectations for new product developments, revealing a global trend among consumers towards wellbeing and health-conscious lifestyles.
In-depth data insights will be available through “Data2Value”, the third thematic focus of the drinktec programme, offering juice manufacturers a comprehensive toolkit for optimisation across the entire production chain. Digitalisation efforts are centred on generating added value from data: analysing machine and process data can improve resource efficiency, minimise production downtimes, and enhance operational flexibility. Leveraging data ultimately delivers tangible benefits – increased efficiency, improved product safety, higher equipment availability and performance, and greater transparency throughout manufacturing and packaging processes.
Orange Juice
Global orange juice production for 2024/25 is forecast up 4 percent to 1.4 million tons (65 degrees brix) as higher production in Brazil and Mexico is expected to offset lower production in the United States. Consumption is down while exports are forecast up due to higher supplies.
Brazil production is forecast up 9 percent to 1.0 million tons as more oranges are available for processing. Exports are up with the higher supplies while stocks are forecast unchanged. Brazil is by far the largest producer and is projected to account for three-quarters of global orange juice exports.
Mexico production is projected to increase 4 percent to 187,000 tons on expected better fruit size and juice content. Consumption is down as more goes to exports which are also up due to the rise in available supplies. The United States is expected to remain the top export market.
U.S. production is forecast down 28 percent to a record low 80,000 tons due to a drop in oranges available for processing, especially in Florida. Yields continue to decline in Florida due to fruit drop caused by citrus greening and weather challenges such as hurricanes and freezes. Consumption is forecast unchanged while imports are up slightly with the lower production. Stocks are expected to be down with the drop in production.
South Africa production is forecast to increase 4 percent to 57,100 tons due to a rise in oranges available for processing. Consumption is forecast to be lower due to high prices while exports are forecast up with the higher production and global demand.
EU production is forecast down 7 percent to 50,000 tons as fruit for processing is down with the expectation that more oranges will be exported. Consumption is up with projected higher imports from Brazil and exports are forecast down with lower production. …
The official survey reveals a record positive response, highlighting a rise in the quality of trade visitors and an increase in successful business at the world’s leading trade show for the fresh fruit and vegetable business.
Berlin was the place to do business last week, as more than 91,000 people from across the global fruit and vegetable trade came together for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025.
From 5 to 7 February, the world’s leading trade show for fresh produce attracted an even larger number of international trade visitors and exhibitors to its latest edition, and offered participants three days of unrivalled marketing, networking, innovations and insights. According to official survey results, this year’s exhibition achieved a new high in terms of the quality of its 67,500 trade visitors as well as an increase in successful business. Plus, it also secured record levels of satisfaction for its 23,500 exhibitor representatives. In response, the organiser Messe Berlin has immediately opened stand bookings for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026.
Growth potential as the right people connect
Innovation was at the heart of this year’s event, as shown by the ingenuity of companies competing for its industry-leading Innovation Awards, or the game-changing technologies featured during its three-day Startup World showcase. “People know that when they come to FRUIT LOGISTICA, they always see something new and meet decision-makers from all over the world,” said Alexander Stein, director of FRUIT LOGISTICA. And, thanks to the show’s official partner Fruitnet, tens of thousands had the chance to listen to hundreds of expert talks about every aspect of the business at six stages located around the halls. “The international fruit and vegetable market is a hugely challenging business to be in right now,” Stein added, “but the feedback we had from our trade visitors and exhibitors is that growth is possible, and the right people were here to make that potential a reality.”
Exhibitors and trade visitors in good spirits due to brisk business
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 met with a positive response from both exhibitors and trade visitors.
According to initial trends from the exhibitor survey, 9 out of 10 respondents achieved a very good to satisfactory business result at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 and have positive expectations for follow-up business. The same number again are already planning to take part in the next event in 2026.
According to the preliminary results of the representative trade visitor survey, trade visitors are also very satisfied. 94 % of respondents reported a positive overall impression and 95 % would recommend the event to others in their business environment. 9 out of 10 of those polled are already planning to visit FRUIT LOGISTICA again next year.
The high-quality audience also contributed to the trade show’s positive results: 3 out of 4 trade visitors make purchasing or procurement decisions in their company. This results in extensive business activities: more than 80 % of those surveyed made new business contacts at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025, and over a third were able to establish new contacts at the trade show itself.
20 international startups are exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025. Their business ideas focus on digitalisation of the industry and include AI and modern sensor technology.
What must my greenhouse look like to be profitable? Greenhouse Formula has the answer. The British startup’s online tool makes it quick and easy to develop a 2D or 3D model. It works for different plants and climate zones and provides investors and growers with a comparative aid. Greenhouse Formula’s founders are convinced that, in the face of climate change, protected cultivation will become increasingly important.
Greenhouse Formula is one of 20 startups exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025. In the Startup World in Hall 3.1, Messe Berlin is giving founders from ten countries the opportunity to make contact with large companies, potential partners and visitors from all over the world and build valuable business relationships. Many innovations aim to make processes more efficient and scalable through digital solutions.
AgStacked from the Netherlands, for example, uses its tool to collect data along the supply chain. Machine learning takes weather, temperature and cold chain data into account. Quality risks are minimised, due to the software proactively requiring decision-making before problems arise. This reduces waste and avoids costly rejects. Orbem’s technology has the same goal. Using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and deep learning algorithms, it assesses the quality of fruit, eggs or nuts and helps to categorise and sort products.
Agurotech shows how smart sensor technology can support growers. Data from soil sensors, weather stations and plant analyses gives them valuable real-time information on soil and plant health. Harvest Ai from Germany trains its SaaS tool with data obtained from the company’s own camera systems, among other sources, and uses it to improve efficiency in greenhouses.
Innovative plant protection
Radiare AI’s technology uses the power of light alone to keep greenhouse plants healthy. The DemeGrow system’s LEDs with their precise wavelengths have been proven to enhance the vitality of plants. Unwanted microorganisms are neutralised. NanoSci , a company established by researchers at the University of Gdansk, also works with light. It provides a filter-free air purification solution using UV light from LED diodes that remove ethylene gas and grey mould, which ensures fruit stays fresh longer.
PhenoRoot focuses on the roots as the origin of many plant diseases. The startup from Israel has developed a platform for phenotyping and analysing the roots of plants cultivated in soil. The data collected can be used to gain valuable information for revitalising plants. The multidisciplinary team is already working with various companies and universities that are successfully using this technology.
About FRUIT LOGISTICA FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the globalfresh produce business and and represents the entire value added chain of the fruit and vegetable sector, from producer to the point of sale. At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 more than 2,770 exhibitors from 94 countries displayed their products, services and technical solutions. Some 66,000 buyers and trade visitors from 145 countries took part in the event. The next FRUIT LOGISTICA will take place from 5 to 7 February 2025 in Berlin.
“That was the kind of FACHPACK we know and love!” – That was the general consensus among exhibitors and visitors at FACHPACK 2024, which has just closed following a highly successful three-day event. Thirty-seven thousand trade visitors, one third from outside Germany, learned about the latest trends and innovations at the stands run by the 1,455 exhibitors, and discussed pressing packaging issues with the experts. The key theme of “Transition In Packaging” was strongly in evidence in all the exhibition halls and in the supporting programme. “The great response speaks for itself: Despite the changes happening in the packaging industry and the many challenges it is facing, the European packaging sector at FACHPACK proved extremely innovative, solution-oriented and confident,” says Heike Slotta, Executive Director Exhibitions at NürnbergMesse, summing up the event. In 2025, FACHPACK will be held at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg together with POWTECH TECHNOPHARM.
“Once again, FACHPACK has shown itself to be a clear guide and driving force for the packaging industry in Europe,” says Slotta, summing up the mood at FACHPACK 2024. “And that’s what we need! The packaging sector is in a state of transition. New regulations have to be implemented, and high expectations in terms of sustainability and the circular economy need to be met. At the same time, the industry faces challenges brought about by demographic change. And then there are other themes relating to the energy supply system, supply chains, digitalization and artificial intelligence. Here in Nuremberg we’ve just had three days of experiencing first-hand just how innovative, solution-focused and optimistic the industry is in dealing with these challenges and helping to structure the transition. The FACHPACK motto ‘We create the future’ once again sums it up nicely.”
Visitors from throughout Europe
FACHPACK offered an extensive range of solutions and innovations in the areas of packaging, packaging systems and packaging processes. Most visitors to FACHPACK travelled to the Exhibition Centre from other countries in Europe. After Germany, the top ten countries were Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Turkey and Hungary. The international contingent made up 33 percent of the total.
Industry professionals: Top decision-makers onsite
The results of a visitor survey by an independent institute confirmed that 96 percent of the industry professionals were happy with the products and services in the exhibition halls. Some 90 percent of the trade visitors said they were involved in making the purchasing and procurement decisions in their respective businesses. Two thirds of them hold management positions. The visitors came mainly from the food and feed, pharmaceutical and medical, chemical, cosmetics, retail, automotive, electrical and electronic, non-food, logistics and packaging industries.
Women4Packaging network off to a successful start
The Women4Packaging networking event was very well received, with 150 female industry players seizing the unique opportunity on the first day of the trade fair to network onsite and interact on current themes and trends in the packaging sector. The keynote by Vera Strauch, founder of the Female Leadership Academy and expert in Feminist Leadership, provided stimulating ideas. This initial gathering received a thoroughly positive response, and the Women4Packaging network will be continued and expanded accordingly, to ensure a focus on women in the packaging industry in the future. Regular meetings are planned. Phuong Anh Do, Deputy Director FACHPACK, is overwhelmed by the response to the new industry platform: “There are many qualified women in the packaging industry. That’s why we’re particularly pleased to have created a trail-blazing network for women at FACHPACK in the form of Women4Packaging, which offers female players in the industry an opportunity for constructive interaction with like-minded colleagues and genuine added value.”
German Packaging Award and Gold Awards presented
On the first day of FACHPACK, the German Packaging Institute (dvi) announced the winners of the Gold Awards for this year’s German Packaging Award. The five best innovations for 2024 came from the categories of Digitalization, Functionality & Convenience, Sustainability and Packaging Machines. A total of 41 innovative solutions that were recognized with the German Packaging Award in August were celebrated.
New: Packaging Valley organizes Packaging Machinery Forum in collaboration with FACHPACK in 2025
In early summer 2025, Packaging Valley and FACHPACK will join forces for the new Packaging Machinery Forum format. This leading forum for packaging machine construction will offer exclusive insights into the future of the sector. It will focus on topics of interest to customers of the packaging machine construction industry. Technological themes such as digitalization will be given the same prominence as questions of business models, market developments, and how to ensure future-proof production. Participants can also look forward to customized sessions run by top-level experts to deal with individual questions. The forum also offers an ideal platform for networking, which enables direct connections to decision-makers and leading thinkers in the sector. More information will follow soon.
Save the date: The next FACHPACK will take place together with POWTECH TECHNOPHARM at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 23 to 25 September 2025.
Oranges
Global orange production for 2023/24 is estimated to rise 1 percent to 47.4 million tons as lower production in Brazil and the European Union is more than offset by larger crops in Egypt, the United States, and Turkey. Consumption and fruit for processing are both up with production while exports are flat.
U.S. production is estimated to rise 8 percent to 2.5 million tons on higher yields due to favorable weather. Consumption, imports, and exports are flat, while oranges for processing are up with the increase in supplies.
Brazil production is estimated down slightly to 15.3 million. Lower yields are expected, primarily due to poor weather conditions that contributed to drought, as well as some impacts from greening. Consumption and fruit for processing are estimated down with the reduced supplies …
Global sugar production is forecast up 2.5 million tons to 186.0 million with lower production in Brazil expected to more than offset higher production in Thailand, India, China, and Mexico. Consumption is anticipated to rise to a new record with growth in markets such as India and Pakistan. Exports are forecast lower due to reduced shipments from Brazil, India, and Thailand. Stocks are forecast lower as reduced stocks in Thailand are projected to more than offset a rise in stocks in India …
The trade fair duo reached around 35,000 trade visitors in 2024, with the focus on product diversity as well as dialogue, interaction and cooperation.
From 13 to 16 February 2024, the international organic food and natural and organic cosmetics community met in Nuremberg for BIOFACH and VIVANESS. Around 35,000 trade visitors from 128 countries attended the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food and the International Trade Fair for Natural and Organic Personal Care. They were inspired by the diverse range of products and services offered by a total of 2,550 exhibitors from 94 countries. In addition to the products, the focus was primarily on the numerous dialogue formats. Ask questions and find answers for a sustainable future: Participants were able to play an active role for example in the congress, the new meeting point HoReCa – GV & Gastro1, or the SustainableFutureLab.
“Coming together and entering into dialogue is essential, especially in turbulent times – the last four days have shown this impressively. The players discussed and interacted in the exhibition halls, at the congress and in other dialogue formats such as the new meeting point HoReCa – GV & Gastro with a focus on the future and a great deal of creative drive,” summarises Petra Wolf, Member of the Executive Board, NürnbergMesse. “Politicians have already paved the path for more organic food in out-of-home catering. We are delighted that the relevant players have responded so positively to our newly created range of formats. Not least in the sessions of the interactive and collaborative SustainableFutureLab, it became clear that we can only shape the future together as a community!”
BIOFACH & VIVANESS Congress
171 well-founded and high-calibre individual sessions demonstrated the future-oriented focus of the congress. Targeted questions, for example on current market developments and trends or political and legal framework conditions, were answered here for the almost 8,000 interested visitors. In the congress rooms, the participants discussed and jointly developed solutions for an ecological transformation. The focus topic “Food for the Future: Women and Sustainable Food Systems” was discussed by almost 700 listeners.
BIOFACH and VIVANESS digital
“In 2024, more than 10,000 participants took advantage of the hybrid trade fair and registered at BIOFACH and VIVANESS digital. Over the past three years, we have continuously developed the hybrid aspects of the trade fair. Now we are all the more pleased about the growing popularity, which confirms that we are on the right track. The community is increasingly benefiting from the added value and, above all, utilizing the opportunities for interaction,” explains Dominik Dietz, Digital Product Manager, NürnbergMesse. Much of the content from the congress will continue to be available after the trade fair.
Best New Product Awards BIOFACH and VIVANESS
For three days, visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favorite product in seven categories for the Best New Product Awards at both trade fairs. In 2024, voting was possible both at the novelty stands on site and on the digital event platform.
Winner of the Best New Product Award BIOFACH Drinks: Riegel Bioweine: „PFANDtastico – Italian and Spanish organic wines in 0.75 litre returnable bottles
Brand new innovations set to make their international debut at the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business from 7 to 9 February. 20 startups and the first Spotlights including many world premieres have now been announced.
Innovation is the lifeblood of FRUIT LOGISTICA whose motto this year is “The heartbeat of the Fresh Produce Business”. From 7 to 9 February 2024, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business returns to Berlin with a brand new lineup of young startup companies, each one ready to enrich the industry with their groundbreaking new ideas.
Under the slogan ’Disrupt Agriculture’, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Startup Day takes place in Hall 5.1 on 9 February 2024. 20 startups will showcase their trailblazing products and solutions. Robots that monitor plant health; labels that automatically change colour with the temperature; AI-based irrigation systems that know how thirsty plants are. Just three examples of how those startups plan to harness new technologies and improve the business.
There are innovations aplenty elsewhere at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024, and these include several world premieres, many of which are already present on its dedicated Spotlight page. This year’s innovations include packaging and labels with a reduced plastic content that can be easily recycled or are even biodegradable. AI-based technologies are being used in agricultural and sorting machines. New fruit varieties not only appeal to consumers’ tastes; they also make work easier for producers, as they are resistant to common plant diseases, for example.
To learn more about the event’s more than 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries, as well as its extensive programme which offers expert knowledge on five stages, trade visitors can use FRUIT LOGISTICA Online, the exhibitor and event database.
There are new ways to attend FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024. Trade visitors can upgrade their ticket with a Gold Upgrade and enjoy access to a special lounge and post-show refreshments. And a new Friday Ticket grants access to the final day of the show at a reduced rate. The FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 ticket shop is now open.
BrauBeviale 2023 in Nuremberg can look back on three successful days. With Thursday’s final day, Europe’s leading trade fair for the brewing and beverage industry got back on track after a four-year break. Rolf Keller, Managing Director of organiser YONTEX, is appropriately satisfied: “With strong visitor demand from over 120 countries and from all sectors of the beverage industry, our three-day show once again scored highly: The technical exchanges between experts, the wide range of exhibitors and the specialist topics addressed in the supporting programme were extremely well received by visitors. BrauBeviale once again confirmed its position in the industry when it comes to delivering answers to current challenges.”
Well-frequented halls and intensive, high-quality discussions were the major take-aways for many exhibitors: key topics included energy saving in the manufacturing process, new filling systems and optimising efficiency through increased automation. Furthermore, exhibitors delivered answers to the requirements of European packaging legislation and showed awareness of the need to consistently align manufacturing processes with sustainability criteria.
Excellent response to the supporting programme
The supporting programme also provided a strong impetus for the entire industry: THE LOGISTIK LOUNGE, for example, demonstrated numerous reusability solutions and made positive suggestions for the future direction of the logistics chain during its discussion forums. This offering in particular was perceived as an important addition to the overall BrauBeviale programme.
The Young Talents Camp got off to an equally promising start: The new networking lounge concept aimed at attracting young Gen Z talent to all areas and levels of the beverage industry was a complete success. “We had excellent responses to this offer. I can already say that we will be stepping up our activities in this interdisciplinary area for the benefit of the whole industry,” says Executive Director Andrea Kalrait.
With the special “Grape processing and Cellar Management”, area BrauBeviale 2023 broke new ground. Exhibitors there were able to present their products specifically for the wine industry. It was a new platform in which winegrowers could learn about solutions for their own specific businesses. The additional benefit for this group of visitors was that bottling technology and packaging as well as solutions for product equipment could simply be ‘taken away’ following a visit to the trade fair in the nine BrauBeviale halls.
Expert meetings and presentations covering a wide range of topics
The well-proven and broad-based programme of the BrauBeviale Forum once again presented a wide range of ideas, ranging from securing raw materials in the face of climate change, to best practice examples from marketing. On the last day of the show the ExportForum German Beverages supplied valuable ideas for sales development of German beverages in attractive international markets. What influence do today’s multiple challenges and changes have on the food and beverage industry? This question was addressed in an introductory presentation by specialists from the food and beverage sector.
High level of interest from an international audience
BrauBeviale 2023 once more positioned itself strongly as a platform for the industry – predominantly in other European countries. Around 45 per cent of exhibitors came from abroad. The show’s potential has also been recognised by representatives of other nations. During the visit by the Italian Consul General Sergio Maffettone and the American Consul General Timothy Liston, the BrauBeviale team was able to document the consistent development of the trade fair into an international meeting place. The visit of the Italian Consul General was particularly focussed on the Italian exhibitors, who made up the second largest group of exhibitors after the German exhibitors. The American Consul General informed himself about suppliers with innovative solutions as well as some suppliers with complete offers for brewery operations. In addition, by visiting the Young Talents Camp, he focussed his attention on the topic of recruiting young talent – one of the most pressing tasks for the industry in the near future.
The show organiser YONTEX considers this high level of interest, which also comes from official representatives of some major market players in the beverage sector, as confirmation that the company is on course to further develop the specialisation of its product portfolio for the brewing and beverage industry.
Orange Juice
Global orange juice production for 2022/23 is estimated 9 percent lower to 1.5 million tons (65 degrees brix). Production is down due to reduced fruit available for processing in Brazil, the European Union, Mexico, and the United States. Consumption is mostly flat while exports are estimated down with the reduced available supplies …
There are new developments at BIOFACH, World Leading Lrade Trade Fair for Organic Food. In July 2023, Steffen Waris took on the role of Exhibition Director for the trade fair, reinforcing the team led by Danila Brunner, Executive Director Exhibitions. Brunner will continue to have overall responsibility for the combined BIOFACH and VIVANESS trade fair.
Steffen Waris has wide-ranging experience in trade fair and event management. For more than a decade, he held various roles at Mineralientage Munchen (the trade fair for minerals, fossils, gemstones, and jewellery in Munich). These included positions in marketing, leading the technical services, and event management. He will now give BIOFACH the benefit of his extensive expertise.
“After a brief excursion into the logistics segment, I am very pleased to be finally breathing in the trade fair atmosphere again. Bringing people together and helping them to network is what drives me. I also live and love team spirit, which is why the close contact to our customers, exhibitors, visitors, and media representatives is so hugely important to me,” says Waris.
“In Steffen Waris we have gained an experienced trade fair expert,” explains Brunner. “I am looking forward to working with him and our entire team as we continue to successfully develop BIOFACH and VIVANESS and create inspiring experiences for our customers.”
Waris made a conscious decision in favour of BIOFACH and the organic food sector. Not only does it match his personal values and expectations; it also aligns with his professional objectives. “BIOFACH offers an incredibly fascinating environment. The segment is facing some challenges due to both market forces and political decisions, and there is a lot of movement within it. It is an honour to be part of such an exciting and dynamic sector!”
World apple production for 2022/23 is forecast down 4.3 million metric tons (tons) to 78.4 million on weather‐induced losses in China. Exports are estimated down over 1.0 million tons to 5.5 million on significantly reduced shipments from China, Iran, and Moldova.
China production is expected to shrink nearly 5.0 million tons to 41.0 million on reduced output in the top‐producing provinces of Shaanxi and Shandong as high temperatures during bloom reduced fruit set. Low market returns are encouraging tree removals in several northern and western provinces, while an aging farmer population is also impacting management of orchards. Exports are estimated to drop over 20 percent to 770,000 tons as a result of lower supplies. Shipments to Russia have resumed after an August 2019 ban due to pests was lifted in February 2022, but these volumes are expected to only partially offset weaker sales to other markets. Imports are projected up 10,000 tons to 85,000 on greater shipments from New Zealand at the start of the marketing year (July‐June) …
Global orange production for 2022/23 is estimated 5 percent lower to 47.5 million tons as lower production in the European Union and the United States is only partially offset by a larger crop in Egypt. Consumption and fruit going into processing are both down with the lower production. …
Global orange juice production for 2021/22 is forecast 12 percent higher to 1.6 million tons (65 degrees brix). Higher production in Brazil and Mexico is expected to more than offset US and EU declines. Higher consumption will be supported in part by a drawdown of US stocks. Exports are forecast up with the higher production in Brazil and Mexico. …
Mexico orange production continues to recover from 2019/20 drought
Mexico orange production is forecast at 4.3 million tons, up 3 percent from the previous year due to a return to normal weather conditions in Veracruz. The 2019/20 drought affected orange production more than other citrus, as many orange trees are old and require more energy to produce fruit. Mexico produces three main orange varieties: Valencia, which is favorable for juice production; Lane Late, which is mainly consumed fresh; and Navelina, which is consumed fresh and is also used for juice production. Oranges are harvested mainly from November to May.
The world’s leading trade fair for global fresh fruit trade is being postponed to 5-7 April 2022.
The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic is worsening the situation in many European countries. At the same time, the industry’s wish to meet in person remains unwaveringly high. In light of these circumstances, Messe Berlin has decided to postpone FRUIT LOGISTICA to a point on time beyond the fourth wave. FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 will thus be held from Tuesday, 5 April to Thursday, 7 April.
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company will showcase it’s variety of award-winning citrus juices and meticulously-crafted, exotic lemonades and blends at the 2021 Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany from Saturday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Known for sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to produce their juices, Natalie’s delivers on authentic freshness that customers can trust.
Natalie’s Juice Company is a top selling brand in the United States and sells to over 34 countries globally including Japan, Germany, Panama, Qatar, France, South Korea, and more. Headquartered in Fort Pierce, Florida (U.S.), the family run business meticulously juices hand-selected, fresh fruits and vegetables in small batches during the peak season, and then flash-freezes them immediately at – 27 °F so they will retain freshness during transportation around the world. All products have a 3-Year Shelf-Life (Frozen) /40-Days (Defrosted).
Natalie’s Juices includes a fresh line of one ingredient products: Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Tangerine Juice, Blood Orange Juice, Lime Juice and Lemon Juice. Each is squeezed fresh and minimally processed with no preservative, artificial ingredients or GMOs. Exotic fruit blends include Orange Beet Juice, Orange Mango Juice, and Orange Pineapple Juice. All produced with the highest quality fruits available.
“Natalie’s has become the pinnacle of quality for some of the highest ranked resorts, hotels, restaurants and retailers around the world. Our world-class products have allowed our partners to provide a product that will not only satisfy their most demanding customers, but exceed expectations, consistently,” said Aron Levi, Manager of International Sales. “Our international partners revel in supplying a catalog of flavours that are never from concentrate, preservative free, and meticulously produced to a consistent high standard, with every drop. When combining the premium aspects of our lineup in a frozen form, we can ensure minimal shrinkage and maximum satisfaction with every defrosted-on-demand bottle. Sometimes frozen really is fresher.”
Anuga is the leading trade fair for the global food and beverages industry. It features ten trade shows under one roof, 11 food trends and focus themes, many presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. With the largest number of exhibitors, the trade fair provides a global market overview of the entire food and beverage industry.
About Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company is a woman-owned and family-operated business that has been committed to producing only the highest quality, authentically fresh juices for the past 30 years. All of Natalie’s juices are squeezed fresh in small batches using hand-picked fruits and vegetables from Florida Farmers or American growers. The juices are distributed in 32 states across the U.S. and over 41 different countries worldwide.
First Southern Hemisphere Fruit Trade Congress highlighted the key priorities of the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters (SHAFFE) in its strategy for 2021 – 2023 and served as a platform for announcing a new cooperation agreement with the Chinese fruit importing industry. The first ever online event also highlighted the key challenges and opportunities for the region and defined that building on individual key strengths is the way forward for 2021 and beyond.
The Southern Hemisphere Fruit Trade Congress organized by the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters, with the defining theme “Keeping the World supplied” has taken place virtually on the 25th of March 2021. With 615 registered participants from all-over the world and two run-ups for convenient dial-in from different time zones, the first annual Congress has reached an exceptional outreach.
Starting with a keynote speech by FAO Deputy Director General Ms Beth Bechdol, highlighting the importance of the support of the fresh fruit industry to the United Nations campaign “International Year of Fruit and Vegetables 2021, at the heart of the conference program have been the outlook review provided by current SHAFFE president Charif Christian Carvajal from the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX). Mr. Carvajal highlighted the key areas of activity of SHAFFE, including strengthening the organizations resource availability, stimulating formation of fresh produce industry professionals’, modernizing information systems, and collaborating with like – minded trade organizations and international public entities to create common grounds of dialogue and exchange. The outlook was accompanied by an extensive outlook panel discussion moderated by SHAFFE Secretary General Nelli Hajdu together with 8 thought leaders from the various Southern Hemisphere countries.
The SHAFFE congress was also the scene for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CCCFNA). The Chinese market has become an important outlet for Southern Hemisphere Traders. The market has been growing 90 % over the past five years to 2.5 billion USD market.
The Southern Hemisphere looks back on a very good season 2020 despite Covid-19 constraints challenging producing and trading operations. With a decrease of 8 % in volume but a continued increase of value of 5 % in 2020 (9.8 million T, 14.6 billion USD), Southern Hemisphere traders have secured continuous fruit supply in 2020. The outlook was followed with a panel discussion with thought leaders from the 8 Southern Hemisphere SHAFFE member countries, highlighting the state of play of their respective industries, capitalizing their key individual strengths from investment into organic to emphasis on varietal diversification and/or to branding the desire of consumers for food safety.
The congress additionally showcased contributions from SHAFFE partner organisations including the the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CCCFNA), Freshfel, the European Fresh Produce Association, British Summer Fruits,the US Produce Marketing Association , Canadian Produce Marketing Association and the International Federation for Produce Standards), hence wrapping up a complexity of tasks and challenges for the interconnected global fruit sector.
Beviale Moscow will take place in the Main Stage Event Hall in Moscow from 16 to 18 March 2021. This makes Russia’s first trade fair for the entire beverage production chain one of the few events that allows the sector to come together in person in the spring of 2021. The organisers are responding to explicit requests by Russian exhibitors and visitors who can now look forward to a well-designed and attractive event concept. Numerous event partners and associations are helping to create the high-quality supporting programme. Naturally, all the measures prescribed by the local authorities will be strictly implemented at Beviale Moscow 2021. This special round of the event will pave the way for the next chapter of the Beviale Moscow success story in 2022, which is already attracting a lot of interest, especially from exhibitors unable to attend this year.
Thanks to its timely relocation to the Main Stage Event Hall, Beviale Moscow was able to allow its customers to plan with certainty in what is a precarious environment with underlying conditions that are constantly changing. This location is ideal for this special round of Beviale Moscow this year. Around half of the exhibitors who had registered for the subsequently cancelled 2020 fair, and most partners, will be taking part in Beviale Moscow 2021. Some 80 percent of exhibitors come from Russia, but it is also worth mentioning the around 20 percent of international exhibitors who have committed to the event despite the difficult circumstances.
Comprehensive safety and hygiene concept
“The huge response and extensive support from the sector are a clear indication that our concept has paid off and that Beviale Moscow is the most important platform for the Russian beverage industry,” says a delighted Thimo Holst, Project Manager Beviale Moscow at NürnbergMesse. “We have therefore done our utmost to offer our customers and partners a modified yet high-quality concept under the current circumstances.” This includes a comprehensive safety and hygiene plan. As well all the regulations imposed by the local authorities, like measuring temperatures at the entrance and the wearing of face masks and gloves, Beviale Moscow 2021 is implementing other measures: Sufficient distances are ensured on all special display areas, entrances and exits are separate, numerous hand sanitising stations are provided around the hall, and the air is being continually filtered.
High-quality supporting programme as in previous years
In respect of content, the fair will be on a par with the event planned for 2020. Almost all partners and associations are continuing to support Beviale Moscow this year again and are helping to create an extensive, high-quality supporting programme. At the “Conference on wine production in Russia”, the partnership with the “Vinitech Innovation Tour” will take effect for the first time. Russian wine experts will introduce the peculiarities of the market, while French experts will hold presentations on technology and innovation, giving conference participants a comprehensive overview of the wine market and its future. In Russia, milk production and processing are key issues for the beverage industry. An overview will be provided by the Russian industry portal “The Dairy News” under the heading “The New Milk Retail in Russia”. In collaboration with Coca-Cola, Beviale Moscow will for the first time host a conference on the trend towards healthy drinks. Other items on the programme agenda familiar from previous years are a conference on the Russian beer market conducted by the ABBM, Association of Beer and Beverage Market, the conference on beverage packaging by the National Packaging Confederation NCPack, and the Craft Drinks Corner.
Given the circumstances, the representative Bavarian Pavilion with four Bavarian firms taking part in Beviale Moscow 2021 is particularly worthy of mention. “We are delighted by the unequivocal support of Bayern International, which was impressed by the event following the success of the first pavilion in 2019 and is continuing to back us this year as well,” says Holst. “We are especially pleased that Roland Weigert, Deputy Minister of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, will provide a welcoming address by video at the opening of the trade fair.” The continuity of the Bavarian Pavilion underscores the extremely strong economic relations between Bavaria and Russia. In addition, the Representative Office of Bavaria in the Russian Federation will offer a symposium at this year’s Beviale with the title “The latest information and trends in the brewing industry in Bavaria and Russia”.
Messe München will organize the International Motor Show (IAA) for the first time in September 2021. As a result, drinktec is changing its event calendar: the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry will be held three weeks later from October 4–8, 2021, at the Munich exhibition grounds.
Messe München newly acquired International Motor Show organized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry. This decision will mean that the world’s largest automotive trade show will be held every other year in Munich starting in September 2021. “During the final round of negotiations, the engineering association insisted that the motor show be held in September,” said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Messe München. “We were forced to adjust our event calendar as a result.” “We are really happy that we were able to work out a new date for drinktec in close cooperation with the trade fair’s Advisory Board.”
Volker Kronseder, the head of the drinktec Advisory Board, said: “Of course, at first we were not thrilled about having to reschedule. We then got together in the advisory board, which represents a cross-section of all areas of the industry, and discussed various optional dates. We eventually found an alternative date that was supported by a broad consensus.”
Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association of the German Engineering Federation, said: “Following this intense and constructive discussion with all market experts, we were able to find a new date for drinktec that really underscores its importance as the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.”
Preparations for drinktec 2021 are moving forward on schedule. Interested companies may continue to register online at www.drinktec.com.
New date—important information for exhibitors
All companies that have already completed the online registration process (for exhibitors) for the old date (September 13–17, 2021) do not have to do anything.
The drinktec team will send individual stand proposals to them by the end of June 2020–along with a reminder about the new trade fair date. A registration for the new date (October 4–8, 2021) will become binding when a company accepts the stand proposals.
“Tomorrow begins when you create it” is the slogan of FachPack, the European trade fair for packaging, processes and technology. And that slogan will sum the situation up perfectly when more than 1,500 exhibitors gather in Nuremberg from 24 to 26 September 2019 to display their innovative packaging solutions for consumer and industrial goods. The range of products and services on show in the twelve exhibition halls will answer questions on packaging for about 45,000 expected trade visitors. One topic in particular is driving the industry like no other at the moment, and has therefore been chosen as the key theme for FachPack 2019: “Environmentally friendly packaging”. This theme will be reflected at the stands of many exhibitors, and in the lecture forums, special shows and award ceremonies.
Consumers today want environmentally friendly packaging, whether for foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics or any other products in daily use, and Germany’s new Packaging Act and the EU Plastics Strategy now place even more stringent demands on manufacturers and the retail sector in this regard. The challenges this creates for packaging are often complex. “The packaging of the future has to serve both consumers and the environment and must take the entire cycle into account,” says Cornelia Fehlner, exhibition director for FachPack, NürnbergMesse. “The packaging industry already has a wide range of solutions for these challenges, and FachPack is the ideal platform for both presenting and talking about them. We are proud to be the showcase for this innovative sector.”
Visitors appreciate FachPack because of its professional depth, its broad range of themes, and the innovative stimuli it offers. The previous trade fair in 2018 drew 44,019 trade visitors to Nuremberg to participate in the gathering of European packaging industry representatives under one roof. According to the results of a survey by an independent market research institute, visitors sought mainly to learn about new developments (44 percent); gain an overview of the market (30 percent); share experiences (29 percent); and cultivate business contacts (28 percent). One in two visitors said they held a leading position in their company. A total of 98 percent of those surveyed said they were happy with both the range of products and services and the contact opportunities at the exhibition stands.
One of the major trends in Asia’s beverage and liquid food market is: “quality, not quantity.” As incomes rise, people prefer to consume better products instead of more products. At the same time, demand for production systems and machines remains high. As the leading trade fair for the industry, CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE (CBB) provided a far- reaching overview of the market with the exhibitors’ presentations and its comprehensive supporting program. The CBB showed what is driving the industry today and will drive it tomorrow. In the process, it underscored its position in Asia.
Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO of Messe München, is extremely satisfied with the results of CBB: “We are following up on the successes of the last event: We had a total of 869 exhibitors, an increase of nine percent. The trade fair used eight halls, including two that were used by 256 international exhibitors. That represents a growth rate of six percent. CBB is thus enhancing its importance as the leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry in the Asia-Pacific region.” The chief executives of international market leaders praised the large number of visitors from such Asian countries as Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who visited their stands.
Hong Shen, General Manager at Zhongqing Heli International Exhibition Co., Ltd., organizer of CBB, highlights the event’s added value: “CBB is the only trade fair in Asia that showcases the entire process chain for all areas of the beverage and liquid food industry and presents new generations of machines. This was also acknowledged by the approximately 56,000 participants in the eight fully booked halls.”
Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, believes CBB is crucial for international companies to successfully gain a foothold in the Chinese market. “Closeness to customers is vital for developing and implementing tailored solutions, as well as for providing ideal after-sales service. CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE is the most important trade fair – not only in China, but for Southeast Asia as a whole,” is Clemens’ assessment.
CBB Forum with the key issues of sustainability and digitalization
The beverage industry is undergoing a shake-up in the wake of digitalization. The CBB Forum’s program included a presentation by Professor Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University, Halifax, on how blockchain technologies “can help many companies protect their brand equity.” Use of the technology in the beverage industry is still at the beginning, but he recommends “companies should see that as an opportunity and address the issue early on.” In the view of the VDMA, Chinese consumers in particular are very open to digital solutions.
That also harbors potential for companies from the beverage industry. That is because “customized premium products that can be configured and ordered online have far greater growth potential than in Europe,” says Clemens.
The industry also discussed the issue of sustainability intensively. For example, Professor William Chen, from the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Director of the NTU Food Science & Technology Program at Nanyang Technological University, believes that sustainable beer brewing offers advantages for companies and consumers alike: “Sustainable brewing processes and upcycling of waste and by-products, such as to make biodegradable packaging, deliver enormous benefit for the industry. At the end of the day, that might also be reflected in lower product prices for consumers,” states the scientist.
Visitors and exhibitors were inspired by the CBB Forum and the wealth of information. CBB plays a major role in helping information be shared within the industry and enables an extensive overview of the beverage and liquid food market.
Successful premiere for the Round Table Talks
Apart from sustainability and digitalization, the future of the PET segment was also a hotly debated topic. The newly introduced Round Table Talks gave visitors the chance to learn more about this and other issues in the beer and beverage market. What are key concerns in the industry now and in the future? Industry experts from companies such as AB InBev, Snow, Suntyech Process Engineering, Tsingtao and Voss (Hubei) Water & Beverage provided insights. The other items on the agenda, such as the International Beer Smart Factory & Brewing Technology Forum or the Exhibitor Technology Seminar, were also very popular among visitors.
INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA to feature a Distillers’ Forum for the first time / Talks, sensor technology seminars and tastings
INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA, International Technology Trade Fair for Wine, Fruit Juice and Special Crops, will be held in Stuttgart from 4 to 6 November 2018. The varied accompanying programme will also contain for the first time a Distillers’ Forum with an associated tasting area. Starting at 10.00 on Sunday, 4 November 2018, sensor technology seminars and talks on liqueur, gin and fruit brandy will each be held in succession in the Oskar Lapp Hall (Hall 6). The length of these moderated seminars and talks will be between 45 and 60 minutes. Suitable marketing strategies will also be discussed based on well-known campaigns. The seminars and talks are being organised by well-known distillers such as the KOVAL Distillery from Chicago and Manufaktur Geiger, as well as recognised experts such as Dipl. Lebensmittel-Ing. Dr. Klaus Hagmann. Pre-registrations are required for the sensor technology seminars which are subject to a charge and have a limited number of participants. You can find all the programme information and registration formalities at: www.ivifho.de/rahmenprogramm. Fruit brandies, gins, whisk(e)ys and liqueurs can also be sampled in the tasting area on all three days of the trade fair.
About INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA HORTITECHNICA takes place together with the International German Winegrowers’ Congress every two years at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre. As an international technology trade fair for wine, fruit juice and special crops, it covers the entire process chain from cultivation and harvesting technology, processing and process control, and filling and packaging technology through to organisation and marketing. The German Winegrowers’ Association (DWV) acts as the professional supporter of the INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA section and organises the International DWV Congress. The German Agricultural Society (DLG) is the professional supporter of the HORTITECHNICA section.
International trade show for production, storage and marketing of apples
Bolzano, 15 – 17 November 2018
With its motto “Bolzano loves apples”, Interpoma, the only international trade show dedicated to the apple, from November 15 to 17 will be welcoming guests from all over the world with a program of events and themed initiatives outside the trade show and across the whole city. Bolzano, as the international capital of the apple, will itself be turned into a true “big apple” during this period.
Interpoma 2018, the two-yearly international trade show dedicated entirely to the apple sector, is scheduled for November 15 to 17 this year at the Bolzano trade show center: there will be a special program of evening events, themed exhibitions and tastings of apple-derived products, featuring numerous enterprises from right across the city, including restaurants and hotels, as well as bars, bakeries and confectioners.
Interpoma is a major event capable of attracting 20,000 visitors to Bolzano from over 70 countries around the world and, with 500 enterprises present, makes South Tyrol a unique market place for the apple sector. With its program “Bolzano loves Apples”, Interpoma offers guests a unique sensory experience for their business trip that can be enjoyed all over the city.
Origins: an exhibition between past, present and future
Interpoma 2018 invites visitors on a journey through the history of the apple, with an exhibition that shows the origins of the apple in Kazakhstan, explains new possibilities for refining and processing, and offers a view of the technologies of the future.
Interpoma Taste
For the first time, Interpoma will this year feature an area inside the pavilion where visitors can taste apple-derived products and much more besides. The Laimburg Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry is presenting innovative apple juices, with tastings and judgings of ciders arranged by its Evaluation Lab. VOG PRODUCTS, the producer of natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry, will put the focus on apple juice, with a special section dedicated to “Pink Lady” products; while, in partnership with Red Rooster farm holidays, the Ausserloretzhof and Gasserhof farms and the Knöspele distillery will be presenting their natural products based upon ancient and traditional recipes, such as preserves and liquors.
The apple in the city
The entire city of Bolzano will for three days dedicate itself to the fruit that symbolizes the regions of Trentino and South Tyrol. In partnership with the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs (HGV), the Unione HDS and BZ Heartbeat, 30 hotels and restaurants and 20 bakeries and confectioners in Bolzano are preparing apple-based menus and specialties for the entire duration of the event.
Interpoma Delicious Events
Trade shows are places to meet and do business, but they also represent an opportunity to get to know new cultures and taste the culinary delights of the host territory. For the opening night on Thursday, November 15, Interpoma is organizing the Golden Delicious Night at the on-site Forst Season restaurant; a “golden” night for locals, but also a chance for enterprises to dine with their customers or meet each other in an elegant and pleasant environment.
Then, on the evening of Friday, November 16, two parties will be held at the Bolzano exhibition center; one, “Rouge et Noir”, is organized by the Forst Season restaurant, while the other will be staged at the Hotel Four Points by Sheraton.
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