Last week the London Produce Show took place with a record number of visitors and many interesting seminars, presentations and industry tours. A first this year was the Global Grape summit, a very well-attended event.
The mood was very positive among the exhibitors and attendees alike. The tradeshow floor was very busy, despite the various presentations throughout the day which attracted big audiences. The Chef Demonstrations took place on the balcony filling the ballroom with delicious aromas.
Click here to see photo report of the cocktail evening, Global Grape Summit and tradeshow.
Delegates came from around the world as did the exhibitors, Holland had a big presence this year, as did the grape growers and breeders.
South America was well represented with stands from Peru, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador, where exporters spoke to visitors about their products. There were a group of Serbian apple exporters on the 'Serbia Does Apples' stand who were there for the first time.
Click here to see photo report of the cocktail evening, Global Grape Summit and tradeshow.
South Africans were also there in force, many grape exporters had their own stands. Italy and Spain were also well represented, and let's not forget the many British companies, many of whom have been there from the very first show.
"LPS is a well organized event, tiny and compact, which has a specific purpose: to meet demand with supply, with a commercial exchange of products or services between companies - some exhibitors report - in a country that more than most others is a forerunner in trends and innovations."
"The English market is, in fact, a sophisticated market that enhances the uniqueness of the products. It prefers, surprisingly, even strong and particular flavors, as in the case of grapes - the exhibitors add - but at the same time, it is not so easy to enter it and above all without the required quality and standards."
Almost all the Italians interviewed called for a re-thinking by the United Kingdom on Brexit. "This is a problem that affects all economic sectors, not just the fruit and vegetable sector. The country has surprised us more than once, we hope it will do it again."
Click here to see photo report of the cocktail evening, Global Grape Summit and tradeshow.