Click here for the photo report
Both of these new events were well attended and included celebrities as well as many well known faces in the UK produce sector.
Thursday was Tradefair day which had more exhibitors and noticeably more visitors, but according to Jim Prevor, who started the New York Produce Show many years ago, it is not the number of visitors which is important but the quality of those visitors which counts, "We had more attendees registered before the start of the event this year than we had at the end of last year, but we need to focus on the quality of these attendees. We have succeeded in building a name for this event and attracting thought and practice leaders here."
Managing Director of the event, Tommy Leighton spoke at the press conference for the Under 40's Growers, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and will take a study trip to South Africa thanks to the many sponsors - one of which is the London Produce Show. Tommy was very proud to be able to contribute to groups such as this one as we all know the importance of getting young people involved in Farming.
The New York and London Produce shows will be joined by the Amsterdam Produce Show which takes place in Westergasfabriek - November 2-4 2016.
On Friday the Industry Tours took place, there is a wholesale market tour, a Foodservice tour by Reynolds, a retail tour, a production tour and also a student tour to East Malling Research in Kent. FreshPlaza went along on the tour of New Spitalfield Market, so keep an eye out for the photo report.