In the lead-up to the trade show, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Briefing 2026 showcased the transformative power of AI in the fruit and vegetable industry. According to industry experts, significant opportunities exist to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability.
Prior to the commencement of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026, a 60-minute session was held in which leading experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the entire value chain. The FRUIT LOGISTICA briefing, which took place on 20 January, is now available to watch on demand.
‘AI is a game changer that will significantly impact production, quality control, logistics and even retail,’ says David Ruetz, Messe Berlin’s Senior Vice President. ‘The industry is at a crucial turning point.’ This is precisely why FRUIT LOGISTICA, an international platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and practical solutions, is more important than ever this year.
AI has long since become part of everyday life in the industry
Mike Knowles, the managing director of Fruitnet Europe and author of the 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report, emphasises the dynamic nature of this development: ‘AI is permeating the entire business and reshaping it.’ It is no longer a matter of visions of the future or theory, but of technologies that are used every day. The labour shortage and pressure to be more sustainable and cost-efficient are accelerating this change significantly.
“Currently, AI is having the greatest impact on smart production and quality control,” says Knowles, summarising the findings of the trend report. He highlights the particular potential of demand forecasting in the retail sector, explaining that accurate planning reduces losses, optimises the flow of goods and increases profitability and sustainability. The crucial question for the future is whether entire value chains will be able to operate fully automatically.
Data is the key to scaling
The discussion, moderated by Chris White, Chairman of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Advisory Board, also highlighted the challenges, particularly with regard to data quality, scaling up, and acceptance.
Bradford Warner, Global Head of Digital & Data at AgroFresh, believes that the key to a successful AI foundation lies in the database. In predictive harvest models in particular, it is crucial that the data is clean, consistent and compatible across borders. “AI only creates real added value when it delivers reliable, accurate results in terms of quality, profitability and sustainability,” he says. It is only then that acceptance among customers and decision-makers will increase.
Elad Mardix, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Clarifresh, has observed a significant increase in expectations. ‘The tolerance for error is very low, partly because many technologies have not been successful on a large scale in the past.’ Decision-makers can only be convinced if the benefits are clearly measurable. Clarifresh uses AI for more precise quality control, which is significantly more accurate, objective and consistent than human judgement. The result? Around a quarter fewer complaints in retail. The long-term goal is to remove humans from the control process entirely.
Conversely, Wouter Kuiper, Chief Executive Officer at Kubo Greenhouse Projects, relies on a combination of experience and technology. For him, the key lies in the interplay between human intuition and AI. He explains, “Artificial intelligence can use large data sets to identify the most subtle details, calculate scenarios in advance and highlight risks at a very early stage.” He says that the decisive factor is actively embracing change: those who continue to develop will benefit, regardless of their company’s size. AI is therefore not just a topic for large corporations, but a genuine opportunity for smaller producers too.
Trend Report 2026 highlights competitive advantages through AI and automation
The 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report illustrates how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the global supply chain for fruit and vegetables. These technologies offer the industry greater efficiency in production, more precise quality control, improved forecasting, optimised logistics, and reduced waste and resource consumption. The report highlights practical applications such as smart greenhouses, predictive harvest models, AI-supported quality assessment and logistics optimisation. The report also demonstrates the potential of autonomous systems, non-destructive quality analysis and modern cold chain management.
Inspiration, innovation and international perspectives: at Fruit Logistica 2026, the focus of the expert forums and stages will once again be on the key issues for the future of the global fresh fruit industry.
From 4 to 6 February 2026, Berlin will once again become the centre of the international fresh fruit industry as the global fruit trade convenes at Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair in the sector. The event will feature a comprehensive stage programme with around 200 speakers from business, science, and practice. These talks will be simultaneously translated into German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Six specialist forums serve as a knowledge platform, discussion forum and trend barometer, covering current topics ranging from sustainable production and smart technologies to global trade and logistics issues.
Insights Stage: Focus on global markets
How is the international fruit trade evolving? Which consumption and trade trends will define 2026? These questions will be answered at the Insights Stage in Hall 21. Industry analysts, market researchers and leading industry representatives will present the latest studies, exclusive market data and well-founded assessments. Topics covered will include changing consumer behaviour, increasing price pressure, resilient supply chains, and geopolitical developments that influence global trade.
Farming Forward Stage: Progress from research to the field
At the Farming Forward Stage in Hall 3.1, you can see how innovations in science, technology and entrepreneurship are transforming agriculture. First, start-ups and companies will present their digital solutions and smart agricultural technologies, ranging from sensor technology to robotics. The CEA Alliance will then present controlled environment agriculture as a method of achieving weather-independent and resource-efficient production. Finally, on Friday, the Frutic Science Symposium will see international researchers discuss efficient production systems, digitalisation and sustainability.
Fresh Produce Forum: Holistic approach to value creation
At the Fresh Produce Forum in Hall 23, the focus is on markets, people and new opportunities throughout the entire value chain. Experts in production, trade, marketing and research will discuss innovative distribution concepts, sustainable packaging solutions, and the potential of international markets. Practical panels offer concrete ideas for producers, traders and service providers.
Future Lab: Visions for tomorrow’s fruit trade
The Future Lab in Hall 6.1 showcases forward-thinking ideas and technological breakthroughs. Start-ups, researchers and industry experts will be providing insights into pilot projects, automation solutions and AI-based applications. The discussions focus on concepts that are already paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally networked fruit trade.
Logistics Hub: Efficient routes for fresh produce
How can fresh products be transported safely, quickly and sustainably? The Logistics Hub in Hall 26 offers practical solutions. Experts in transport, refrigeration technology and supply chain management present the latest best practices and innovations in the supply chain. Topics covered include cold chain optimisation, intermodal transport solutions and modern port logistics, with a focus on quality, speed and sustainability.
Podcast Studio: Experience industry voices live
Following its successful premiere at Fruit Logistica 2025, the Podcast Studio will return in 2026. In Hall 11.2, visitors can listen live as presenters discuss current topics, innovations and personal insights into the industry with experts. Ten episodes will be produced and released monthly throughout the year on all popular streaming platforms.
Knowledge with impact
With its extensive forum and stage programme, Fruit Logistica 2026 is strengthening its position as a leading global knowledge platform for the fresh fruit industry. Combining information, inspiration and innovation, the programme is aimed at anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.
The complete programme overview is already available online.Fruit Logistica 2026: Six stages, one goal – sharing knowledge, shaping the future
Inspiration, innovation and international perspectives: at Fruit Logistica 2026, the focus of the expert forums and stages will once again be on the key issues for the future of the global fresh fruit industry.
From 4 to 6 February 2026, Berlin will once again become the centre of the international fresh fruit industry as the global fruit trade convenes at Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair in the sector.
The event will feature a comprehensive stage programme with around 200 speakers from business, science, and practice. These talks will be simultaneously translated into German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
Six specialist forums serve as a knowledge platform, discussion forum and trend barometer, covering current topics ranging from sustainable production and smart technologies to global trade and logistics issues.
Insights Stage: Focus on global markets
How is the international fruit trade evolving? Which consumption and trade trends will define 2026? These questions will be answered at the Insights Stage in Hall 21. Industry analysts, market researchers and leading industry representatives will present the latest studies, exclusive market data and well-founded assessments. Topics covered will include changing consumer behaviour, increasing price pressure, resilient supply chains, and geopolitical developments that influence global trade.
Farming Forward Stage: Progress from research to the field
At the Farming Forward Stage in Hall 3.1, you can see how innovations in science, technology and entrepreneurship are transforming agriculture. First, start-ups and companies will present their digital solutions and smart agricultural technologies, ranging from sensor technology to robotics. The CEA Alliance will then present controlled environment agriculture as a method of achieving weather-independent and resource-efficient production. Finally, on Friday, the Frutic Science Symposium will see international researchers discuss efficient production systems, digitalisation and sustainability.
Fresh Produce Forum: Holistic approach to value creation
At the Fresh Produce Forum in Hall 23, the focus is on markets, people and new opportunities throughout the entire value chain. Experts in production, trade, marketing and research will discuss innovative distribution concepts, sustainable packaging solutions, and the potential of international markets. Practical panels offer concrete ideas for producers, traders and service providers.
Future Lab: Visions for tomorrow’s fruit trade
The Future Lab in Hall 6.1 showcases forward-thinking ideas and technological breakthroughs. Start-ups, researchers and industry experts will be providing insights into pilot projects, automation solutions and AI-based applications. The discussions focus on concepts that are already paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally networked fruit trade.
Logistics Hub: Efficient routes for fresh produce
How can fresh products be transported safely, quickly and sustainably? The Logistics Hub in Hall 26 offers practical solutions. Experts in transport, refrigeration technology and supply chain management present the latest best practices and innovations in the supply chain. Topics covered include cold chain optimisation, intermodal transport solutions and modern port logistics, with a focus on quality, speed and sustainability.
Podcast Studio: Experience industry voices live
Following its successful premiere at Fruit Logistica 2025, the Podcast Studio will return in 2026. In Hall 11.2, visitors can listen live as presenters discuss current topics, innovations and personal insights into the industry with experts. Ten episodes will be produced and released monthly throughout the year on all popular streaming platforms.
Knowledge with impact
With its extensive forum and stage programme, Fruit Logistica 2026 is strengthening its position as a leading global knowledge platform for the fresh fruit industry. Combining information, inspiration and innovation, the programme is aimed at anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.
The release of the latest EAT-Lancet report on “healthy, sustainable and just food systems” is well aligned with the repeated calls of Fresfhel Europe to have a drastic shift in policies influencing food systems. An holistic review of agriculture, fiscal, health, environmental and education policies in the European Union is urgently needed. While the level of fruit and vegetables consumption remains way too low compared to health and sustainability recommendations, the current food policy environment continues reinforcing the position of ultra-processed food. This has far-reaching implications such as the downfall of European citizen’s health and an environmental footprint for agriculture and food incompatible with the EU climate ambition.
The release of the EAT-Lancet Report is closely aligned with Freshfel Europe’s persistent calls for a drastic shift in policies governing our food systems. A holistic review of agricultural, fiscal, health, environmental and education policies is urgently needed, positioning fruit and vegetables as key partners to the much-needed solutions to rising societal challenges.
Currently, levels of fruit and vegetable consumption remain far too low compared to health and sustainability recommendations. Meanwhile the prevailing food policy environment continues to reinforce the dominance of ultra-processed foods, contributing to a collapse in public health and leading an high environmental footprint incompatible of food with the EU’s climate ambitions. In contrast, the fresh fruit and vegetables sector has a much better use of natural ressources such as water , a low carbon emissions and also importantly an unique carbon sequestration capacity to secure Europe carbon neutrality.
Europe is at a turning point. Obesity rates are soaring, diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) dominate mortality statistics, and healthcare systems are buckling under unsustainable costs. Europeans are eating too few fruits and vegetables which are nature’s most effective and affordable “medicine,” with demonstrably strong health benefits next to one of the lowest environmental impacts among all food groups. Freshfel Europe has long warned policymakers of this imbalance, but necessary actions to be taken lagged behind political ambition. To meet both climate and health targets, the European Union must accelerate its transition to a more plant friendly diet with fruit and vegetables at its core. A positive discrimination towards fruit and vegetables is key to reverse the long lasting consequences of previous policies.
Philippe Binard, Freshfel Europe’s General Delegate commented: “ The EAT-Lancet Report on Healthy, Sustainable and Just Food Systems delivers a clear and urgent signal from the scientific community and fully match the year long narrative carried by Freshfel Europe” . As a result of this report, the European Union and nations worldwide must act without delay to realign food policies with health, environmental, and economic sustainable goals. He added: “The EU cannot afford ignoring the power of fruit and vegetables. They are the foundation of healthier citizens, healthier planet, and a competitive rural economy. A holistic review of agricultural, fiscal, health environmental and education policies is urgently needed. The current policy framework has fostered an deep imbalance with production growth destined to the food industry conflicting with the need of supply of healthy agriculture products needed according to health & nutritional guidelines.”
The average consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in the European Union falls well below minimum health or sustainability recommendations. While combined health and sustainability targets gravitate towards 800 g. of fruit and vegetables per capita per day, actual consumption hovers around 350 g. At the same time, over half of adults are now overweight, and nearly one in six is obese. Poor diets are directly linked to increases in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other NCDs — which account for over 90
% of deaths in the EU.
The EU Platform for diet, physical activities and health based on industry commitment to remedy to rising obsesity was a blatant failure of a soft law approach at the star of the century. And yet, the most recent EU health strategies, including the Beating Cancer Plan, so far failed to fully acknowledge and voice the preventive and protective role of fruit and vegetables. Simultaneously, EU agricultural subsidies and fiscal policies remain misaligned, favoring ultra-processed food production and promotion over fresh, nutritious produce. Besides, in the EU, a robust nutritional education strategy is missing. Children throughout their school education should enjoy a nutrition curricula highlightingthe benefits of a healthy diet combined with physical activities. Those two pillars were already clearly advocated by the European Commission in 2019 as part of the “Tartu Declaration “, but regretfully felt short of concrete implementation.
Philippe Binard added: Fresh fruits and vegetables are Europe’s most underused resource in confronting today’s crises. Freshfel Europe continually underscores the “triple win” fresh produce can deliver: health gains through lower obesity and fewer NCDs; environmental gains as the food group with one of the lowest footprints; and economic gains by supporting rural economies and reducing hidden healthcare costs associated with poor diets”. Europe has pledged to build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive economy. He added: “This ambition and the effective, thrifty use of public funding remains out of reach unless EU and national policymakers place fruit and vegetables at the center of food, health, and agricultural policies. The support for agriculture production should be better aligned with nutritional and dietary guidelines. This is not the case for the moment”. The cost of inaction and lack of shift is disastrous: for people, for the planet, and for Europe’s prosperity.
On behalf of the entire fresh produce sector, Freshfel Europe continues to call again and again for an urgent, coherent action plan by the European Commision with a policy shift placing fresh fruit and vegetables at the heart of a sustainable food system. Every measure in agriculture, fiscality, health, education, or the environment (such as packaging) should undergo an impact assessment to ensure the alignment of production incentives with health and sustainability goals. This will steer consumers toward affordable, healthy, and appealing food choices, with fruit and vegetables as a truly natural and preventive “medicine” for citizen’s health, without reliance on addictive elements.
The time to act is now. Europe cannot build a sustainable future on an unsustainable diet. Can the European Commission and EU Member States be up to the challenge?
The EU and Indonesia have announced a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The deal aims to eliminate over 98 % of tariffs, with key focus areas including cars, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agri-food products. As too often, the benefits for EU fruit and vegetables exports remain uncertain and subject to unresolved SPS. Is the EU–Indonesia CEPA good news for Fruit and Vegetables?
The European fruit and vegetables sector export around 7.000.000 T of high quality, sustainable and nutritious fruit and vegetables to more than 150 destinations. This volume remains however well below its potential and demand given excessive SPS barriers imposed by third countries. The recent finalisation if the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Indonesia could be an new opportunities for the EU fresh produce business and further market diversification in a buoyant South East Asian markets.
Despite being a distant market, Indonesia is a highly promising and strategically important market in the current geopolitical and trade context. With a population of 286 million, a growing middle class, and GDP growth consistently above 5 %, Indonesia offers significant opportunities for EU exporters. The EU assortment of temperate fruits and vegetables is complementary and not competing with the local Indonesian production.
However, access to this market is currently undermined by a series of trade barriers, administrative burdens, discriminatory measures and complex business environment that prevent unleashing the full potential from the EU supply given a unlevelled playing field with competitors, most notably from the Northern Hemisphere such China (prices competition) and the United States (enjoying more favourable market access conditions). As a result, European export is limited to around 20.000 T (< €15 Million). EU fresh produce only represents a small share of the Indonesian import assortment (1,5 %). Currently, EU shipments are limited to onions and kiwifruit and some exports in a sample mode with apples or blueberries. Beyond the market access irritants, the EU sector also needs to monitor and to cope with other important commercial aspects for a successful growth of business: negotiating direct, and costs effective reefer logistics, addressing detrimental exchange rate fluctuations, or converting EU sustainability achievements from a handicap into an asset within a global & competitive trade environment.
Upon signing the CEPA, European Trade Commissioner Šefčovič underlined that this is a strong signal for openness and partnership in a world facing rising protectionism and fragile supply chains. The deal aims to eliminate over 98 % of tariffs, with key focus areas including cars, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agri-food products. Commissioner Hansen also highlighted a victory for high-quality EU foods and 200 Geographical Indications (GIs).
Philippe Binard , General Delegate of Freshfel Europe stated: “These are encouraging steps, but EU external trade should not be limited to cars! When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, there’s a critical issue that remains unresolved. Tariff elimination alone will not improve market access for EU exporters if non-tariff barriers, particularly SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) measures, are not effectively addressed”. In Indonesia, these barriers are numerous and complex ranging from costly, lengthy, and fragmented PRA processes (product-by-product, member-state-by-member-state), to lack of EU-wide recognition for plant health standards. Limited laboratory accreditation and also opaque licensing and quota systems are failing to generate a business friendly model further excarcerbated by discriminatory port logistics practices.
Despite the EU having robust, common food and plant safety regulations, Indonesia does not recognised the EU as a signle entities and continues to impose applications process member state by member state and duplicate requirements and conditions treating each EU member state separately, while Indonesia enjoying seamless access to the EU’s 450 million consumers for their export.
Philippe Binard commented: “For CEPA with Indonesia to truly deliver its benefit for fresh fruit and vegetables, SPS provisions of the agreement must tackle these systemic issues head-on. Let’s see if the SPS provisions of CEPA provide the tools for eliminating these excessive and duplicating measures “ He added “Otherwise, CEPA tariff concessions on fruit and vegetables will be void and risk becoming an empty gesture, as seen with past FTAs with Mexico, Chile, Peru, South Korea, and Japan.Most of these countries take huge benefit of exporting to the EU markets by too often remain hermetically close in breach of basic reciprocity principles”
So the question remains: Will this time be different for fresh fruit and vegetables? Freshfel Europe is calling the European Commission to secure and deliver the expected market opening for fruit and vegetables trade based on the momentum of CEPA and a phasing out of all excessive protectionist barriers allowing safe trade for the benefit of both EU trade, Indonesian importers and retailers and Indonesian consumers.
Macfrut continues on its growth path. The 42nd edition of the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain held at the Rimini Expo Centre from 6 to 8 May, welcomed over 61,000 visitors, marking a 10 % increase compared to 2024. A highly dynamic edition, defined by enthusiasm and internationalisation, once again confirmed the uniqueness of Macfrut’s format. With more than 1,400 exhibitors – 40 % of whom from abroad – and 1,500 international buyers, along with themed pavilions on key trends, dynamic areas, and international symposia, Macfrut has proven itself to be a truly unique event in the global fruit and vegetable industry.
“Macfrut 2025 in a word? Enthusiastic,” commented Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut. “That was the prevailing atmosphere in the exhibition halls during the three days. This enthusiasm was shared by industry professionals who have recognised the high level of professionalism the trade fair has achieved in recent editions. Macfrut is the international showcase for Italy’s fruit and vegetable sector, reflecting the strength of its entire supply chain. Having a major international trade fair in Italy is not only a great showcase to the world – it is also a strategic industrial policy tool. The next edition is already scheduled and will be held earlier than usual,from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 April 2026.”
An in-depth look at market developments, economic challenges and climate impacts in the fruit trade – now available for free on the website.
The latest edition of the European Statistics Handbook is currently available for downloading on the website of FRUIT LOGISTICA. This annual publication is a handy collection of valuable information on Europe’s key markets and producers, as well as the main fruit and vegetable flows supporting the import/export business. The handbook contains detailed analyses and data that provide an in-depth look at the developments and challenges in this sector. The focus is on production volumes and the international trade in goods. The European Statistics Handbook helps companies in the fruit and vegetable sector make better and more informed decisions. As well as statistics, the publication contains analyses that make it easier to understand the production, supply and trade data of the various European markets.
Five key findings of the European Statistics Handbook 2025:
Difficult economic situation for consumers: Despite wage rises in 2024, the economic situation remains difficult for many consumers in Europe. Prices, in particular for fruit and vegetables, have continued to rise, making an above-average contribution to the higher cost of living. However, purchase volumes are not in decline. Sustainability, organic and local produce have as yet not been impacted by the economic situation.
Weather extremes are impacting the industry: 2024 once again saw many extreme weather events which severely impacted the production and transport of goods. Freezing nighttime temperatures, heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in Central Europe and Valencia, and the rising spread of new pests posed major challenges for farmers.
Lower operating costs, but continuing cost pressure: Following cost increases in previous years, fertiliser prices fell in 2024. At the same time however, spending on machinery, maintenance and wages increased. Labour availability remains a key problem. The price index for operating costs fell by 9 points, without any positive impact on the income situation of many farms, however.
Geo-political conflicts are influencing the sector: The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the results of the European elections in 2024 have strongly influenced the political climate. The debate surrounding bureaucratic requirements and cuts in subsidies led to protests, which at times blocked transport routes. Nevertheless, topics such as climate action and sustainability are gaining traction with EU agricultural policymakers.
Mixed results in fruit and vegetable production: While fruit production fell slightly, particularly of apples, vegetable yields remained stable and in some cases (onions and peppers) even increased. The effects of frost and flooding however highlighted the vulnerability of production to such events.
With the arrival of Christmas, the European project FRESH UP YOUR LIFE – TOP-QUALITY EUROPEAN FRUIT & VEG is inviting everyone to celebrate the holidays with a simple but meaningful gesture: to gift high quality fruit and vegetables, symbols of health, authenticity and love. These products, genuine expressions of European excellence, represent the ideal gift for a Christmas that combines taste and well-being.
European fruit and vegetables are important for daily well-being, as they are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Among the stars of the project are fruits that are extraordinary in quality and benefits. Kiwis, rich in vitamin C and fibre, are valuable allies for strengthening the immune system and fighting winter fatigue. Oranges, a symbol of vitality, offer an exceptional supply of vitamin C, flavonoids and potassium, bringing character and warmth to Christmas tables. Pears, sweet and juicy, stand out for their content of water, fibre and B vitamins, ideal for promoting cardiovascular health and glycaemic control. Processed tomatoes, finally, contain a treasure trove of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and promotes general well-being, making them a versatile and healthy ingredient for festive dishes.
These foods support the immune system, promote the proper functioning of the body and help prevent numerous diseases. As a pillar of the Mediterranean diet, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, fruit and vegetables are recommended for daily consumption of at least five portions, perfect for breakfast, snacks or as main ingredients in tasty recipes. Consumed raw, these foods maximise their nutritional benefits, making every meal a moment of well-being and pleasure.
Grown in specialised areas of Italy and Europe, these products meet the strictest food safety standards thanks to a production chain that integrates innovative methods while respecting the product and the environment. The long tradition of excellence of European fruit and vegetable products is reflected in their unrivalled quality, which makes them a perfect gift for someone you love.
The three-year ‘FRESH UP YOUR LIFE’ project, co-funded by the European Union and CSO Italy, involves leading companies in the sector such as Apofruit, Cico-Mazzoni, Conserve Italia, Lagnasco Group, Oranfrizer, Origine Group and Salvi-Unacoa, with the aim of promoting knowledge and consumption of European fruit and vegetables. The campaign is active in international markets such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates, spreading the values of quality, uniqueness and taste that characterise European agriculture.
This Christmas, surprise your loved ones with a gift that speaks of health and tradition. By choosing European fruit and vegetables, you will bring to the table the authentic flavours of excellence and a message of love and care for those you love. Gifting well-being has never been so simple and delicious.
ITO EN, a key player in Japan’s beverage industry, innovates the market with the launch of two premium beverages with bite-sized pieces in SIG SmileSmall carton packs, made possible by the SIG Drinksplus technology integrated in the SIG SmileSmall 24 Aseptic filling machine.
The two new products from ITO EN are Crunchy Smoothie, a carrot smoothie with carrot pieces, and Crispy Potage, a creamy tomato potage with onion bits. Unlike traditional juices and smoothies, both products stand out with the inclusion of real vegetable pieces which provide ITO EN’s consumers with a unique and premium drinking experience. Both new products in convenient on-the-go SIG SmileSmall carton packs are aimed to help ITO EN to capture a bigger share of the veggie juice market in Japan, currently one of the fastest growing categories in the beverage industry.
Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Brand Manager at ITO EN: “Our new products provide our consumers with a refreshingly different drinking experience – rich and satisfying with the incorporation of real vegetable pieces. The novel packaging solution and the filling technology from SIG, that allows these inclusions to be added, enables our consumers to easily supplement their vegetable intake anytime and anywhere. The SIG SmileSmall carton pack is a real eye-catcher with its curved, modern shape and easy-grip corners. It differentiates and the end result is a successful fusion of exceptional packaging and products.”
As well as being easy to carry, handle and store, and like all SIG carton packs, SIG SmileSmall carton packs are ‘sustainable by nature’, with a high share of forest-based renewable materials, 100% of the paperboard procured with FSC™-certification, a lightweight and space-saving design, produced using 100% renewable electricity, and designed to be fully recyclable. SIG aseptic carton packs are the proven lowest carbon footprint packaging choice compared with alternative packaging options*.
Angela Lu, President & General Manager Asia Pacific at SIG: “In Japan, it is vital for food and beverage companies like ITO EN to innovate the market with healthy and high-quality products, particularly for on-the-go consumption. Our SIG Drinksplus technology offers the opportunity to add value to healthy beverages with the inclusion of pieces of fruit, vegetables, nuts, or cereals, which can be easily filled into our convenient on-the-go carton packs. It opens up a plethora of new opportunities to transform and drive forward the Japanese beverage market.”
The free annual Trend Report published by FRUIT LOGISTICA provides expert analysis of the industry’s most important trends and key developments and is now available for download on the website.
One day before the start of FRUIT LOGISTICA, which takes place in Berlin from 8 to 10 February, the leading trade show for the fresh produce business publishes ist Trend Report. It discusses the challenges of the fruit and vegetable industry and contains free and valuable information about the future and what it means for businesses.
Entitled “What next for fresh produce? Key trends for the fruit and vegetable business in 2023”, the report contains a series of interviews about important topics like cost inflation, climate change, ethical trade, food waste, branding, category growth, and the application of new and exciting technologies.
The exclusive, in-depth interviews feature experts who understand the industry’s most significant trends, the challenges those trends present, and how companies can take advantage of them.
The outlook for consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables remains under pressure in the European Union. These are the conclusions from the latest consumption trends discussed in Freshfel Europe through a review of trends in Member States, covering 75 % of the EU population. Despite a very positive momentum for consumption growth, many barriers are severely impacting the move towards a healthier and more sustainable diet for European consumers.
The latest findings from the Freshfel Europe Consumption Monitor reveal that the average consumption for fresh produce stands at an average of 364 g/capita/day for 2021, a figure that could decline by ca 10 % in 2022 once the final data for last year is known. This is particularly worrying at it stays well below the minimum 400 gr. recommendation of WHO. These figures are driven by the low level of consumption by millennials and the youngest generations, which are tomorrow’s consumers. Under the difficult economic conditions, the consumption among the low-income population is also of particular concern. Informing and engaging with consumers to choose healthy, affordable and sustainable diets was identified as a priority not only for Freshfel Europe but also for retailer organisation EuroCommerce and the consumer organisation BEUC who attended the meeting to share their perspectives.
The economic crisis impacting all Member States following the war in Ukraine and growing protectionism in the world is severely impacting consumer purchasing power and limiting their food expenditure. In times of crisis, these consumers tend to move towards a less healthy diet, which is perceived to be more energy satisfactory and a cheaper food option. Freshfel Europe General Delegate Philippe Binard underlined, “Consumers have a basic misperception about fruit and vegetable prices on the shelf in supermarkets. Fruit and vegetables are the most affordable products and have also undisputed health and environmental assets. Price and value of fresh produce are both very attractive in the food assortment”. He added, “Compared to other food categories, rises in fruit and vegetable prices have been lower than the average inflation. A diet with 5 portions a day or half of the plate with fruit and vegetables can be achieved by EUR 1 or EUR 2 per person per day. Comparatively, for public expenditure of social security, the cost of unhealthy diets results to be twice as high of the total food market value, corresponding to EUR 6 trillion expenditure for social security in the EU according to the World Economic Forum”.
There is a need for the sector to bridge the gap between awareness of the benefits of fresh produce and concrete actions to be undertaken by authorities as well as by consumers. According to Eurostat survey, only 12 % of consumers across the EU reach their 5 portions per day and alarmingly 33 % do not eat fruit and vegetables every day. It is important now to build on the renewed interest of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic to take time to prepare, cook and eat a wide diversity of fruit and vegetables.
Fresh produce has been demonstrated to be an essential segment of the food assortment and is part of the solution to the objectives of the European Green Deal (contribution to carbon neutrality and low CO2 emissions), the Farm to Fork Strategy (move towards a plant diet) and the EU Beating Cancer Plan (preventive role of fruit and vegetables for non-communicable diseases).
Mr. Binard commented, “Regretfully, policy makers fail to be coherent in the implementation of these strategies and lack ambition in their measures, which should use fresh produce as an essential driver for success for their strategies”. Efficient promotion policy towards generation Y (millennials) and Z as well as education programmes in schools for generation alpha are crucial. The sector also has an important role to play in accompanying consumers to convert their awareness of the health benefits of fresh produce into concrete eating behaviours. In addition, better communication with consumers on expectations regarding societal concerns, price and image misperception will remain key while providing attractive tastes, diversity and convenience of products. This is an essential sector’s responsibility to compete with other food categories.
The latest consumption trends indicate that consumption levels are in decline. The purchasing power of consumers is under pressure due to inflation and high household energy bills. This is changing purchasing patterns away from premium quality and organic products, towards searching for promotions and discount prices, as well as reducing purchase quantities. Mr. Binard emphasized, “In this changing environment it is important to continue to build value for our products despite price becoming the sole priority of consumers. The affordability of fresh produce needs to be reminded to consumers and put in perspective of other food as being a cheap and healthy option. Consumers will have also to take their share of the rising costs for producers and other stakeholders in the supply chain to guarantee profitability and survival of the essential fruit and vegetable sector.”
In 2021, the market size for fresh fruit and vegetables amounted to 75 Mio T out of which comprises 11,6 Mio T in Italy, 11 Mio T in Germany, 10 Mio T in France, 9 Mio T in Spain and 7,2 Mio T in Poland. The most consumed fruit in Europe are apples, bananas, oranges, tables grapes and peaches/nectarines, while blueberries is the segment that is experiencing the most dynamic growth in many members states such as Germany and Poland. For vegetables, tomatoes, cabbages, carrots, cucumbers and sweet peppers are the most consumed products respectively.
In their review of the latest drivers of consumption, Freshfel Europe members confirmed that price is predominantly influencing the decision of consumers in recent months across Europe and consumers are buying less alimentary items. Mr. Binard further clarified, “This trend is impacting the frequency and place of buying, where a concentration of purchase is occurring in the beginning of the month along with a reduction of ingredients and items purchased. Premium labels and organic sales are those segments declining more”. Besides, Association members also reconfirmed that consumers remain adamant to buy local and seasonal, are eager to be informed about origin, variety, method of production, sustainable practices and when appropriate preparation or consumption tips.
Freshfel Europe members remain confident that fresh produce consumption can be stimulated in the coming months by building partnerships across the supply chain with all actors, providing quality and affordable products, and giving confidence to retailers to build the share of the category as an essential part of a sustainable and healthy diet for European consumers in 2023.
Premium fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier, SVZ, is pleased to announce its new brand tagline, ‘Growing better together’. Accurately demonstrating the business’ sustainable, collaborative values, the tagline also indicates SVZ’s continuing commitment to growing a better, greener world together with its customers and partners.
SVZ is passionate about collaborating with its partners, customers, farmers and suppliers to provide the very best fruit and vegetable purees, concentrates and NFC juices all year round. To further demonstrate the importance of trust, connection and partnerships across the entire supply chain, SVZ’s ‘Growing better together’ slogan represents everything the company stands for in working towards a healthier world for future generations.
SVZ has also refreshed its website to display these collaborative, future-focused values. Easy to navigate and with a refreshed design, the platform reflects the company’s growing better together ideals as it promotes a smoother transaction from concept to consumer.
Pieter Spanjers, CEO, SVZ comments: “At SVZ, ‘growing better together’ is what we do best. From our own employees to our farmers and customers, we’re delighted to work in such close collaboration. It’s only by strengthening these connections that we can create the highest-quality, tastiest fruit and vegetable ingredients.
Take our product development programme, for example, which is based on the latest trends and consumer needs. The ingredients we create are tailored to our customers’ requirements, and it’s only by working closely with our partner farmers that we can ensure that their needs are met with a great taste and high nutritional value. Plus, our connection with growers also means that we can guarantee sustainability credentials in our ingredients, through initiatives like a reduction in pesticides and water usage.
Our new website, which has been built to enhance the user experience, will be a key tool for close collaboration with various stakeholders and we look forward to growing together with our partners on the platform. We work on a global scale with our customers, suppliers and employees of Cosun and SVZ to co-create sustainably sourced ingredients that will appeal to consumers worldwide. Together, we can build a future-proof supply chain for our children and future generations and, ultimately, grow better together.”
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.
Over the past months Freshfel Europe has been advocating in cooperation with its members for more flexibility from the UK when it comes to the obligation for EU fresh produce exports to the UK to carry phytosanitary certificates from 1 April. In an announcement (March 11th) by the UK government about the adjustment of the timelines in the introduction of controls for EU imports, made in a written statement by RT Hon Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, is therefore warmly welcomed by Freshfel Europe and the fruit and vegetables sector as a crucial relief to enable the sector to smoothly adapt to Brexit in the ever-challenging context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In the announcement, the UK agrees to postpone the introduction of phytosanitary certification obligations for most fresh produce, considered low risk plant products, until January 2022, when documentary checks will start to apply. Physical checks at Border Control Posts on fresh produce will only be applied from March 2022. Freshfel Europe General Delegate Philippe Binard emphasized that, “Freshfel Europe has been voicing strong concerns over the last months and we consider that this postponement is essential to ensure the supply of the UK market and the continuation of trade flows through the Channel, across which the EU27 exports over 3 million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables a year”. Currently EU supply represents 40 % of the UK’s internal demand for fresh produce.
Following this welcome news, the sector further calls EU and UK authorities to make the most of this extended 9- month transition to speed-up preparations to ensure the smooth running of operations in 2022. The challenge remains enormous – over 750,000 phytosanitary certificates will be required on an annual basis to sustain EU-UK trade in fresh produce, a substantial economic and administrative burden, and a threat to the capacity of the industry to continue ‘just in time’ operations if administrative procedures are not sped-up. Freshfel Europe Director for Trade and Market Access Natalia Santos-Garcia Bernabe, highlighted that, “In Freshfel Europe and FPC’s letter to the RT Hon Michael Gove, the sector reiterated the need for electronic certification transmission between the EU and the UK to be up and running before the end of the year through the e-Phyto hub”. The postponement will give more time on both side of the Channel to work on digitalization and the successful introduction of electronic certification in 2022.
Freshfel Europe published its 2020 Consumption Monitor, the Association’s analysis for fresh fruit and vegetables production, trade and consumption trends in the EU-28. This latest and highly anticipated edition of Freshfel Europe’s Consumption Monitor shows that in 2018 daily fresh fruit and vegetable consumption per capita has increased by 4 % from 2017 levels to 363.76 g per capita per day. While still below the WHO recommended minimum daily consumption of 400 g, this represents a 5.1 % increase compared to the previous five years (2013-2017) and halts previous consumption stagnation.
Freshfel Europe released its much-anticipated 2020 Consumption Monitor. Analysing fresh fruit and vegetable production, trade and consumption trends for the EU-28, Freshfel Europe’s 2020 Consumption Monitor examines the latest sector data from 2018. While aggregate consumption remained below the WHO recommended minimum daily consumption of 400 g, fresh produce consumption in the EU showed a strong positive increase of 4 % compared to 2017 levels. Representing a 5.1 % increase compared to the previous five years (2013-2017), this significant improvement can be attributed to a 9.5 % rise in fresh fruit consumption to 211.82 g per capita per day, which also compensated for a slight overall decrease in vegetable consumption to 151.94 g per capita per day.
This indication of a strong positive increase in EU consumption has coincided with increased sector efforts to raise awareness of the importance of fresh produce consumption over the last few years. Freshfel Europe General Delegate Philippe Binard commented on the publication emphasizing, “The findings of Freshfel Europe’s 2020 Consumption Monitor are highly encouraging and clearly illustrate that the sector’s heightened efforts to boost consumption above the WHO recommended minimum of 400 g per capita per day are being paid off. While we will continue to observe the stability of this recovery, we need to investigate this new discrepancy between fruit and vegetable consumption”. Mr Binard encouraged the sector to continue its efforts adding, “The fresh fruit and vegetable sector must capitalize on 2021 being the UN International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. Continued reinforcement of the important role of fresh produce in a balanced healthy and sustainable diet is essential to maintain and boost this latest positive consumption trend”. Freshfel Europe is active in consumption promotion activities at EU-level. Freshfel Europe’s ‘Follow me to be healthy with Europe’ EU promotion campaign is now in its third year, and alongside its longstanding online #FruitVeg4You campaign this year Freshfel Europe is conducting a specific campaign, #SpeakUp4FruitVeg, to encourage support for the sector by EU policy-makers and boost consumption to celebrate the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021.
The 143-page Freshfel Europe 2020 Consumption Monitor consists of three parts:
total gross supply of fruit and vegetables in the EU-28, including trends in production, exports and imports of fruit and vegetables (2013-2018),
a comparative review of consumption trends across the EU-28 (2013-2018), and
a review of the total net supply and trends exports and imports of fruit and vegetables in the EU-28 (2013-2018).
Freshfel Europe members receive the full report free of charge. The 2020 Consumption Monitor is also available for purchase for non-members at a rate of 1000 EUR. All information about the Freshfel Europe Consumption Monitor is available via the Freshfel website (www.freshfel.org).
The Digital trade fair for the fresh produce industry, a three-day event for professionals with B2B meetings and buyers from all over the world, will take place from 8 to 10 September 2020, hosted by the Natlive platform. An absolute novelty in the trade fair scene of the industry.
Macfrut 2020 goes Digital. From 8 to 10 September 2020, Italy’s international showcase for the fresh produce industry will offer business opportunities through a digital platform that will bring together buyers from all over the world, opening up new international markets for the sector. This innovative project makes Macfrut the first digital trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry.
The uncertainty surrounding the current health emergency has made it difficult to organise the traditional trade fair, now in its 37th edition, in the usual way. Italy is striving to reaffirm its leading position in the sector, and this approach is in line with the current possibilities offered by state-of-the-art technology, which provides a unique opportunity for the fruit and vegetable sector.
Hence the launch of Macfrut Digital, a professional, simple and effective virtual trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, which will be fully online. This virtual event will not replace the physical one, but given the current situation it is intended to give all professionals involved the opportunity to do business in the global market. Thanks to this interactive platform, exhibitors will be able to interact with the buyers and sector professionals who will “participate” in this three-day virtual event.
How Macfrut Digital will take place
All visitors, from all across Italy and from all over the world, will be able to access and participate in this three-day virtual trade fair by using a personal device (PC, tablet or smartphone).
This system has three strengths: it is effective, since it allows participants to reach out to a large number of customers and markets directly from their workstation; it is simple, since it uses a platform that has been designed also for computer illiterate people; and it is inexpensive, free of charge for visitors and affordable for exhibitors.
But let’s go into detail. Macfrut Digital will consist of two areas: the Exhibition and the Forum. To log in, please register on macfrutdigital.com (registration is free of charge). Once logged in, visitors will be able to view an interactive map broken down by product sector and explore all the virtual “stands” to find out more about an exhibitor’s product range, request information, and hold and live stream B2B meetings.
There are plenty of advantages for exhibitors: an agenda of scheduled meetings with buyers and the opportunity to interact, also face-to-face with live streaming, with professionals from all over the world.
More than 500 buyers, invited by the organisers, will be selected in collaboration with the ICE-Agency (Italian Trade Agency), with which Macfrut has been working together with excellent results for many years through its well-established network of foreign sales agents.
Buyers and business meetings are therefore at the heart of Macfrut Digital. Moreover, the costs for exhibitors are rather low: a virtual stand costs from 1,000 euros (the package includes a video presentation, a multimedia brochure, B2B live streaming, and an agenda of meetings with buyers).
In addition to covering the business side, Macfrut Digital will host Technical Forums. The international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector has always been an event rich in content and technical insights on key topics in the industry. As part of this long-standing commitment, during these three days Macfrut Digital will host a series of live-streamed conferences, which can be viewed on the Natlive platform, after registering free of charge. The topics covered will include innovations in horticulture, innovations in the greenhouse sector, Acquacampus and innovations in irrigation, and the Biostimulant Forum. The platform will also be available to exhibitors for dedicated events.
Watch the interview with Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, where he presents the Digital Trade Fair:
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Creating flexible packaging from virgin grade material derived from plastic waste is now taking a step towards reality in a pilot project called ChemCyclingTM
Leading global packaging and paper group Mondi, in cooperation with chemical producer BASF and COROOS, one of the biggest European companies in the preservation of fruits, vegetables and pulses for premium A-brands and private label products, have cooperated on a state-of-the-art pilot project. Together they produced a stand-up pouch that is safe for food contact partly made with raw material which was derived from chemically recycled plastic. Until now, recycling plastic has chiefly been mechanical, limiting the scope of plastics that can be recycled and limiting the number of products that can be created with recycled material, in particular for the strict legal European regulations in place for food packaging.
Mondi believes that packaging should be sustainable by design, using paper where possible, and plastic when useful. For food protection and extending shelf life, plastic is often the best choice because of its barrier properties. These requirements make it difficult to use mechanically recycled plastic due to potential impurities and plastic flaws that can occur in the layers, limiting the applicability for food contact. “BASF is working on advancing the chemical recycling of plastic waste, because this will make it possible to process and reuse plastics that are currently difficult to recycle such as mixed plastics. This prototype packaging which is based on pyrolysis oil derived from waste plastic shows that the life cycle of consumer plastics, including multilayer packaging, could become a closed loop,” explained Christoph Gahn, who is responsible for the polyamide business at BASF.
As a leader in the flexible packaging market, Mondi partnered with BASF to produce this virgin grade material into a multi-layer laminate for food packaging for COROOS private label products and their own A-brand Servero. In the manufacturing, 100 % of the fossil feedstock was replaced by pyrolysis oil derived from mixed recycled material for one of the inner layers (oriented polyamide, OPA-12 mm). In total 12 % of the packaging weight is made of ChemCycled material. The recycled material was allocated via a certified mass balance approach. Graeme Smith – Sustainability Manager for Mondi Consumer Packaging – explained more about the pilot project: “It is important to show proof of concept when establishing breakthrough developments, and for chemical recycling it is an essential part of the roadmap to commercialising this process in the future.”
Sustainable solutions are not just a priority for Mondi, but across the entire value chain: “COROOS is partnering in this project because we care about sustainability and are looking into different options to improve our footprint, e.g. by using packaging from recycled materials, packaging materials being recyclable and/or by being re-usable” shared Elke Schroevers, the Marketing Manager of COROOS. With this development, the way is paved for plastic waste to become a new resource for flexible packaging while replacing fossil fuels.
Research from Swansea University has found how plastics commonly found in food packaging can be recycled to create new materials like wires for electricity – and could help to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the future.
While a small proportion of the hundreds of types of plastics can be recycled by conventional technology, researchers found that there are other things that can be done to reuse plastics after they’ve served their original purpose.
The research, published in The Journal for Carbon Research, focuses on chemical recycling which uses the constituent elements of the plastic to make new materials.
While all plastics are made of carbon, hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, the amounts and arrangements of these three elements make each plastic unique. As plastics are very pure and highly refined chemicals, they can be broken down into these elements and then bonded in different arrangements to make high value materials such as carbon nanotubes.
Conversion of plastics to carbon nanotube materials (Foto: Swansea University)
Dr Alvin Orbaek White, a Sêr Cymru II Fellow at the Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) at Swansea University said: “Carbon nanotubes are tiny molecules with incredible physical properties. The structure of a carbon nanotube looks a piece of chicken wire wrapped into a cylinder and when carbon is arranged like this it can conduct both heat and electricity. These two different forms of energy are each very important to control and use in the right quantities, depending on your needs.
“Nanotubes can be used to make a huge range of things, such as conductive films for touchscreen displays, flexible electronics fabrics that create energy, antennas for 5G networks while NASA has used them to prevent electric shocks on the Juno spacecraft.”
During the study, the research team tested plastics, in particular black plastics, which are commonly used as packaging for ready meals and fruit and vegetables in supermarkets, but can’t be easily recycled. They removed the carbon and then constructed nanotube molecules from the bottom up using the carbon atoms and used the nanotubes to transmit electricity to a light bulb in a small demonstrator model.
The research team plan to make high purity carbon electrical cables using waste plastic materials and to improve the nanotube material’s electrical performance and increase the output, so they are ready for large-scale deployment in the next three years.
Dr Orbaek White said: “The research is significant as carbon nanotubes can be used to solve the problem of electricity cables overheating and failing, which is responsible for about 8 % of electricity is lost in transmission and distribution globally.
“This may not seem like much, but it is low because electricity cables are short, which means that power stations have to be close to the location where electricity is used, otherwise the energy is lost in transmission.
“Many long range cables, which are made of metals, can’t operate at full capacity because they would overheat and melt. This presents a real problem for a renewable energy future using wind or solar, because the best sites are far from where people live.”
Stand applications for ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2019 are closing soon, and exhibitors looking to secure their space at this year’s event on 4 – 6 September at AsiaWorld-Expo Center, Hong Kong, must register by 28 February. Any applications received after this date are accommodated on a first come, first served basis.
Representatives from around 20 different countries have already signed up to exhibit at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2019, and the range of products on display has been expanded this year beyond fresh fruit and vegetables.
Last year, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA attracted more than 13,000 industry professionals from over 70 different countries who took in a vast array of products and services from 826 exhibitors representing 46 nations. An expanded product range this year presents even greater sourcing and marketing opportunities for servicing Asia’s growing demand for wholesome, healthy produce.
With a month to go before ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA opens its doors in Hong Kong, Asia’s premier fresh fruit and vegetable show is gearing up for its biggest and best edition yet.
Exhibitors from 46 different countries have signed up to showcase their products and services at the show, which returns to AsiaWorld-Expo Center in Hong Kong on 5-7 September.
Some 27 national pavilions will feature at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, including Argentina, Australia, Britain & Ireland, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, the US and Vietnam.
Visitors can look forward to taking in a rich array of global offerings, with exhibitors spanning all continents, and every sector of the value chain.
What’s on the programme?
Well over 13,000 top-level buyers from than 70 different countries are expected to attend ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA.
Visitors can get a valuable head-start by attending ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS. Asia’s premier fresh produce conference is the curtain raiser to the trade show, taking place on 4 September, the day before ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA at the same venue.
Leading figures from the fresh produce business and the wider business world provide expert insights into the key market trends and opportunities across Asia. Attracting more than 400 high-level industry professionals from 40 different countries, ASIAFRUIT CONGRESS offers first-rate networking opportunities.
On the show-floor at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA on 5-7 September, visitors can take part in two walk-in hall forums – ASIAFRUIT BUSINESS FORUM at Hall Forum 1, and COOL LOGISTICS ASIA and SMART HORTICULTURE ASIA at Hall Forum 2.
Shot-sized health-boosting juice launches take off
Consumers are increasingly interested in naturally-functional food and drinks. This increase in health consciousness, coupled with busy on-the-go lifestyles, has fuelled innovation around smart, nutrient-rich snacking solutions. Tapping into this trend, health-promoting juice shots provide a quick, natural boost of nutrition in small to-go bottles. Though still niche, the share of juice shots in total juice launches in Europe has increased sixfold over the past four years.
Nordic countries take a leading role in innovation
Nordic countries, led by Denmark, take a prominent role in juice shot launch activity in Europe. Of all juices described as shots/boosters launched between October 2015 and September 2017 in Europe, 39 % were launched in Denmark. Germany, Norway and Sweden follow with 13 % of launches each. Repeatedly referred to as “the healthiest countries in the world”, Nordic countries put a strong focus on wholesome, nutrient-rich and naturally functional diets.
Ginger dominates the scene, but probiotic-rich ingredients on the rise
Using concentrated doses of fruits, vegetables, plant extracts and herbs, juice shots are designed as a preventive measure to boost consumers’ overall wellbeing, but can also address specific health issues…
Many consumers want unique and premium-quality products which complement their modern lifestyle and mindful approach to eating. They prefer foods and beverages that are rich in fruit, delicious, and offer variety. WILD Flavors & Specialty Ingredients (WFSI), a business unit of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), has developed new attention-generating concepts for still drinks and juices. They feature different juice contents and distinctive blends of fruits and vegetables, customized to specific target groups and consumption situations.
Many people are paying more and more attention to what they eat and what enhances their well-being. They spend more time reading about both positive and negative product characteristics, and their goal is a conscientious and healthy diet. On the one hand, they want foods that are delicious and feel familiar, and on the other hand, they are increasingly open to new taste experiences beyond the tried.and-true classics.
Vegetables are growing in popularity – both at home and on the go
According to the Mintel market-research institute, over the past five years new product launches with fruits and vegetables have nearly quintupled in the European juice sector. Whereas there were 62 new products in 2011, in 2015 the number had grown to 296 fruit and vegetable blends on the shelves. Great Britain, Germany, and Poland are leading the way. In addition to beverages with carrot, which has been popular for years, more and more modern kinds of vegetables have established themselves and given fruit juices new flavor profiles: examples include beet, cucumber and pumpkin.
WFSI has been focusing on fruit-and-vegetable combinations for many years now: this ADM business unit developed the first multivitamin ACE drink nearly 20 years ago, has been intimately familiar with the juice segment for decades, and creates new trends and standards on a regular basis. Its “Fruit&Veggie” product portfolio combines the very best that vegetables and fruits have to offer: healthy ingredients and beautifully balanced flavors. WFSI has now composed several new “Fruit&Veggie” concepts for still drinks as well as beverages with a high juice content. All of these innovations have a great flavor, combine the classic and the new, and are compelling in their distinctiveness. This gives manufacturers a way to distinguish themselves from their competitors and appeal to a large target group.
Still drinks: juicy, fruity, refreshing
For those who want an exciting non-carbonated drink with an assortment of additional flavor notes, the current portfolio of WFSI’s Fruit&Veggie concepts has plenty to offer. These beverages are delicious, full of fruit and have a subtle hint of vegetable that will stir up people’s curiosity. They have a fruit content of 27 % and 3 % vegetable, and the options available include for example orange, pumpkin and ginger, as well as beet with strawberry. The fruits are harmoniously complemented by the right kind of vegetable, creating a fruity non-carbonated beverage with a touch of vegetable. The concept also provides other appealing choices, such as integrating the ever-popular flavor of ginger or a refreshing hint of mint. The product range is also available as a low-calorie option with steviol glycosides derived from the stevia plant. This satisfies consumers’ desire for lower-calorie products and a focus on naturalness with a sweetener from a plant source. The phrases “natural” and “no artificial flavors and colors added” can be stated on the product label. These drinks can also be enriched with vitamins.
Juice: endless opportunities to customize products
WFSI’s product palette has new brilliantly-colored concepts for everyone who enjoys juice often and wants to try innovative new flavors. The company’s selection of beverages with a high juice content is diverse and combines several different kinds of fruits and vegetables in green, red, purple, yellow and orange. Consumers can select blends made of concentrates or not-from-concentrate juices with options such as cucumber, kiwi and spinach, or apple, beet and black currant. The vegetable content ranges from 10-38 %. If the drink profile is supposed to be more “vegetable-y,” WFSI also has juice concepts with 50 % fruit and 50 % vegetables. The product range includes delicious choices such as apple, pear, parsnip and yellow carrot or beet, black currant and chili. Certain product options can highlight a special added touch, such as a hint of chili or a peppery note. The bonus feature for the product label: each portion can be counted towards the “five a day” recommendation about fruits and vegetables, thus irrefutably making it part of a balanced diet.
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