Last week, the London Produce Show took place for the fourth time. There was more diversity in the number of exhibitors, who came from more different countries than the previous editions. Exhibitors and visitors expressed their satisfaction about the fair. Seven hundred and fifty people from all over the world were expected during the event.
Jim Prevor: the right people were present
No definitive figures are currently available yet. According to organiser Jim Prevor, this year’s show was a record, and it is still showing an increasing line. “Even before the opening Cocktail Reception, the number of registered people was larger than the total number of visitors last year!” He emphasises, however, that their focus isn’t on quantity. “It matters that the right people were present, and we exceeded all expectations on that level. Leaders from the UK and many other countries were present.” Jim is enthusiastic about upcoming events. “In November, we’re organising the Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference, and in December the New York Produce Show. We’re looking forward to it!”
Seminars
On 7 June, the London Produce Show started. On the first day, the Food Service Forum kicked off the three-day event with seminars, discussion panels and cooking demonstrations. There was a presentation, among other things, about the way people in the Netherlands promote the fruit and vegetable consumption among children. There was also a workshop titled ‘UK Market Now & After Brexit,’ which was held prior to the cocktail reception. Interesting visions about Brexit were talked about. These will be published by FreshPlaza and AGF later. Hein Deprez from Greenyard was one of the speakers during this event. In his speech, he indicated that growers in the UK will have to work harder to become more self-supporting in coming years. About a third of all consumed fresh produce is now grown locally in the UK. According to him, there are plenty of options to increase the production of certain fruit and vegetables in the country.
Brexit
Opinions on Brexit vary. Some exporters think it won’t be too bad, because the UK will still need its products. Others expect more barriers and higher costs for export in future. There are now also rumours that importers from the UK want to buy directly form producers, skipping links in the supply chain to save costs.
How to get children to eat more fresh produce?
Please click here for the photo report of the cocktail reception.