Germany to lose importance as fruit-trade hub

Last week, the 5th Deutsche Obst und Gemüse Kongress (German fruit and vegetable congress) took place in Dusseldorf. The event was organized by GS1 Germany, the AMI and Fruchthandel Magazin. Around 450 participants took place on the 17th and 18th of September. They followed interesting lectures and took the opportunity to discuss controversial themes about the industry.

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While many participants already met at a loose and informal get-together in the traditional hotel “Hirschchen”, the official part took place on Friday.

Important themes of the congress were the roles of Europe and Germany in international trade, as well as the current developments in the industry. Although Germany will also function as a hub for the fruit business in the future, it will lose importance as a sales market. Professor Dr. Ludwig Theuvsen from the Georg-August university in Göttingen presented this from his studies.

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The parliamentary state secretary in BMEL, Peter Bleser, was thrilled about the large attendance at DOGK. In his greeting, he emphasized that the European fruit and vegetable sector can be flexible and would be able to adapt to the changed conditions.

Furthermore, the Green Mercury for special merits was conferred again. This year, the prize went to seed company Rijk Zwaan, for his outstanding work in research and development, and his countless innovations.

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