Mercabarna, the Association of Wholesalers (AGEM) in this large market, and the Port of Barcelona, will participate together in Fruit Attraction, as they have already done in the last two editions of this international exhibition, held in Madrid from 5 to 7 October. Mercabarna's goal is to highlight its leading role in Europe in the marketing, import and export of horticultural products and to promote itself as a Mediterranean Food Hub. Thus, the large wholesale market of Barcelona aims to boost the exports of the companies under its umbrella. Consequently, it has already closed a number of B2B meetings between potential international buyers and wholesalers.
Increase in the Market's sales volume
Mercabarna has become the main platform for the marketing of fruit and vegetables in Europe, with 1,700,000 tonnes sold in 2015. Moreover, its sales volume of horticultural products has increased by 9%, so far this year, compared to the same period last year.
Also during the first 6 months of 2016, fruit and vegetable exports of companies based in Mercabarna accounted for 31% of the products sold. The export activity of Mercabarna's companies is focused primarily in Europe, although export markets in some Gulf countries have also been opened.
Supply and transport solutions
Mercabarna and AGEM, alongside the Port of Barcelona, are once again taking part in Fruit Attraction in order to offer integrated solutions for the supply and transportation of perishable products to importers, exporters and logistics operators visiting the fair.
Mercabarna is showcasing its wide range of foods at the fair and the Port of Barcelona presents its specialised services. These include its 'short sea shipping' lines, which are very important to facilitate fruit and vegetable trade with the southern Mediterranean, as an alternative for road transport, with the consequent savings in financial resources and time and reduced environmental impact.
Also, its regular lines, connecting with the main off-season fruit suppliers in the Southern Hemisphere, have improved its speed and ensured greater competitiveness to the importers.
The new 'Food Trade Centre'
Mercabarna is taking advantage of its participation in Fruit Attraction to unveil its new Food Trade Centre, a flexible workspace launched this summer, aimed at the growing number of foreign buyers from all over Europe who regularly resort to this Central Market of fruits and Vegetables to obtain their supplies. The Food Trade Centre has offices to rent for short periods of time with all the services and technologies that these traders may need. This September, the first customers of this new service, offered by the food complex, have already set up.
Development of electronic horticultural trade in the Innova Forum
At Fruit Attraction's Innova Forum, Mercabarna will be presenting its second study on the e-commerce of perishable products. The study is an in-depth analysis of the different operators which are already offering its fresh products online, highlighting that this sales channel is especially popular among younger people and is expected to continue growing strongly in the future.
Mercabarna companies committed to the fair
Mercabarna's fruit and vegetable sector will also be well represented at the event, by 15 companies specialised in the distribution, import and export of fruits and vegetables, which will have their own space within the fair to promote their products and services.
You can visit Mercabarna at stand 3E03, located in Hall 3.
More information:
Roser Lapuente
Media and Communications Manager
Tl: 93 556 35 08/93 556 30 00
lapuente@mercabarna.cat