The "center of gravity" of Macfrut has shifted to the northwest. Piedmont will be the region and partner of the 2019 edition of Macfrut (to take place from 8 to 10 May 2019). The announcement was made on 28 June 2018, on the occasion of the presentation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.
Piedmont is one of the most important regions when it comes to Italian fruit and vegetable production. Its symbolic product is the apple, which is also the symbol of Macfrut 2019. The annual production is 170,000 tons (mostly red apples). Kiwifruit, nectarines and peaches are also largely produced in this region (the former covers 20% of the Italian offer on a national scale).
"38 representatives of the African embassies were present - there were only 12 last time. The 2020 edition will take place in Northern Africa" explains Renzo Piraccini, president of Macfrut.
"Africa is a continent of opportunities: there will be opportunities for Italian companies specialized in technologies and innovations, but also for production companies, especially those producing conservable fruit such as pomace, citrus and kiwi. Moreover, following the expansion of the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean has re-acquired its vitality and Italy could logistically become the Netherlands of Southern Europe, as it is easier to reach Europe from Asia via the ports of the Adriatic sea".
Macfrut 2019 will witness the return of the Macfrut Field Solution (previously experimented with in 2017), a test field of 700 square meters where the most modern technologies for the horticultural and fruit sector Acqua Campus and innovative technologies in irrigation are tested. This demonstration field will also host several international events.
The second edition of the Tropical Fruit Congress will be held on Wednesday 8 May 2019 in the afternoon, and will focus on the tropical fruit market trends in Europe and on the currently emerging products, such as lime, papaya and passion fruit. In the afternoon of the following day, the Congress will organize a session entirely dedicated to pineapples, namely "The Pineapple Day".
Several Sub-Saharan African countries will participate and act as partners. The fruit and vegetable sectors can play a leading role in the promotion of the development of this geographical area and respond to a greater demand for food.
According to the FAO, in fact, the world food supply of fruit and vegetables will increase of 900 million tons compared to today. Africa is therefore a continent full of opportunities for Italian fruit and vegetables. Not only in the field of technologies and seeds, but also in the sale of Italian products coveted by a growing upper middle class, especially in large urban areas.
Therefore, helping Africa means also helping Italian and European companies to grow and develop. African fruit and vegetables can play a strategic role in development, but only if Africa succeeds in modernizing all stages of the supply chain. In fact, Macfrut's focus on Africa will be on four highly relevant macro themes: efficient water management, new frontiers of horticulture, technologies for farms and small plants for industrial transformation. In the meantime, between now and May 2019, 11 missions are scheduled in Africa, in collaboration with the ICE (translator's note: ICE, or ITA, is the Governmental Organization promoting internationalization of Italian companies).
Contact:
Cesena Fiera
Via Dismano 3845
47522 Cesena (FC) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0547 317435
Fax: +39 0547 318431
Email: info@macfrut.com
Website: www.macfrut.com