From 6-8 February, Berlin was transformed into the hotspot of the fresh fruit industry. Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair for the global fruit trade, not only reflects the entire value chain – from producer to retailer – but offers the best platform for business, innovation and information. The planned 78,000 buyers and trade visitors looked forward to over 3,200 exhibitors displaying their products, services and technical solutions. With exhibitors from around 90 countries, Fruit Logistica 2019 is more international than ever before. This is according to Fruit Logistica’s press release.
In its third consecutive year in its current form, Canada had a growing presence at the show, utilizing hall 23 (the Americas) as its base of operations.
The key stakeholders that took part in the Canada country pavilion delegation at Fruit Logistica 2019 Berlin were: Canada Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), Air Canada Cargo, Province of British Columbia (BC), Prince Edward Island Potatoes (PEI) and CKF, Inc.
The key stakeholders that took part were able to meet both current buyers but also prospects. Most importantly, having a Canada base in its current form allowed for many Canadian companies and organizations to use hall 23 as base of operations – which means to walk the show but to use the Canada hub as a base of operations at the world’s largest fresh produce show. The growing Canada brand at the show helped showcase the strength of the Canadian produce industry.
To note, CKF, Inc was one of only ten nominees of the prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards. It was the only one to not only be the one from the Americas but from the rest of the world (besides from Western Europe) to be nominated.
Ian Anderson President of CKF Inc, says, “It was an excellent fair, including great exposure for CKF and our Earthcycle Brand. Earthcycle offers Fruit and Vegetable growers, packers and Supply Chain participants a compostable, recyclable alternative to commonly used plastic packaging. It was particularly exciting to win the bronze award in the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2019 event. It was great to get such support from our community. The show was a great success for us, we look forward to serving our growing global customer base.”
Luc Mougeot (DRC), Vice-President of the DRC says, “Fruit Logistica Berlin has a been a great opportunity to grow our membership and providing opportunities for new exporters to Canada to learn about Canadian markets. The Canadian Pavillion made it easy for all those interested in shipping to Canada to easily find us in this amazingly vast trade show.”
“Canadians are increasingly exploring flavours and foods from around the world and looking for new fruits and vegetables. Being part of the Canada Pavillion at Fruit Logistica gave CPMA a chance to promote our Canadian demand for quality and flavour and encourage companies to explore the Canadian market,” according to Sue Lewis, VP Market Development, CPMA.
Sukhpaul Bal, president of the BC Cherry Association, quotes, “BC Cherry Association members have a strong focus on exporting, and Fruit Logistica is the hub to find new customers and to maintain relationships with existing clients. If you want to grow your business, Berlin is the place to be. “
Ellen Larsen-Kouwenberg, Export Development Coordinator, PEI Potato Board, says, “While the booth and promotional element is vital to raise awareness of the PEI Potato Industry brand, it is ultimately the development of commercial trade relationships, and the export of our island’s seed and fresh potatoes that generates the most value for our industry.”
Finally, Richie Santosdiaz states, “Having Canada grow in size at the show is key to help the global fresh produce industry see the potential Canada has in the sector – not only in providing various commodities but also as an innovator in technology and solutions across all aspects in the fresh produce and wider agriculture supply chain. I was very pleased to see new players take part this year and in 2020 to hopefully see more Canadians take part in Berlin.”
The Canada pavilion was organized by Michelle McArtor (Project Manager- B-for International), Nora Gruetters (Embassy of Canada Germany) and Richie Santosdiaz.
For more information:
Richie Santosdiaz
santosdiazr2@gmail.com
Michelle McArtor
mmcartor@b-for.com
www.b-for.com