"Thanks to ICE, the Italian Institute for International Trade, we will triple the investment to attract foreign buyers from all over the world to the fair. The planned budget is 1.5 million euros. In three years, we want to turn Macfrut into the leading fair in the fruit and vegetable industry," said Renzo Piraccini, president of Macfrut, during the presentation press conference held on 13 September 2022 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A moment of the presentation in Riyad, Saudi Arabia with Piraccini speaking
The fair will be held in Rimini from 3 to 5 May 2023. "There are all the conditions to increase exhibitors, especially foreign ones. We will also set up two more pavilions compared to the past. We aim to reach 30 percent of foreign visitors and this will be possible in two ways, that is, thanks to the support of ICE, the Institute for International Trade, and the 30 foreign presentations that we will be carrying out in the coming months.
Finally," Piraccini added, "Macfrut is the first fair in the world where exhibition goes hand in hand with expertise. There will be meetings with researchers to take stock about innovations in the various fruit and vegetable segments."
A moment of the presentation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
All the above will be possible thanks to the project co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), through Ice-Agency.
Blueberry as the symbolic fruit
The symbolic fruit of Macfrut 2023 will be the blueberry, which will be the protagonist at the fair of a world event, the International Blueberry Days, consisting of three days with top international technical and scientific experts, as well as major global operators, including the American Driscoll's, ranked first in nursery and fruit production, and the Australian Costa Group, a major breeder in the production of blueberry. On field visits and training are coordinated by Bruno Mezzetti of Marche Polytechnic University together with Thomas Drahorad of NCX Drahorad.
Bruno Mezzetti
Nursery gardening and innovation
Another new feature is the International Nursery and Varietal Innovation Show. This will be a dedicated meeting place for nurserymen, breeders, producers, technicians and researchers in a field that has become strategic for the development of modern fruit growing. Conferences, technical seminars and workshops will be organized during the show, with in-depth discussions and the latest updates on topics such as certification, patent protection, varietal clubs and new breeding technologies, and special focuses dedicated to varietal innovation in the apple, cherry, table grape, kiwi and strawberry varieties. Stefano Lugli of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is in charge of this area.
Tomato in the spotlight
A new format dedicated to the tomato supply chain is Pianeta Rosso. Starting from the analysis of the needs of end buyers, which emerged from market research and panel tests, the meeting will result in a direct experience on how to translate consumer demands into supply chain projects.
Roberto Luongo ICE director
A special focus on biosolutions
The Biosolutions International Event is dedicated to natural products for plant defense, nutrition and biostimulation. For this dynamic and increasingly strategic sector, several activities are planned for exhibitors and visitors. First, the Biosolutions Innovation Award has been confirmed for the third consecutive year, which is a recognition intended for the most innovative products. In addition, technical round tables and subsequent one-to-one meetings are foreseen, with in-depth discussions on kiwi, citrus, grapes, olives and nuts. Finally, there will be a return of the Biosolutions International Congress, an international event with the participation of operators in the kiwi production. The area is coordinated by Camillo Gardini of Agri2000.
Anti-drought techniques and innovations
AcquaCampus, jointly with ANBI and CER, will take place again, focusing on irrigation innovations and technologies. A test field will be set up in the exhibition halls for hands-on experience of the most advanced water management technologies applied to horticulture, accompanied by guided technical tours.
There will be an area dedicated to innovative machines for medicinal plants and nurseries, as well as innovations in drones and robots. Luciano Trentini, an expert in the field, is coordinating this area.
And again, speaking of innovation bearing witness to an agriculture 4.0, an area of the fair will be dedicated to startups in partnership with the Crédit Agricole Italia Banking Group, the main sponsor of the entire fair event. It will be an area devoted to digital precision agriculture with the latest innovations in the sector.
Spices and herbs
After last year's success, Spice & Herbs Global Expo, the exhibition dedicated to the world of spices, medicinal and aromatic herbs, will be returning as well. A fast-growing sector due to the ever-increasing use of these products in the kitchen. The area is coordinated by FIPPO, Erboristeria Domani and Cannamela.
Andrea Primavera of Fippo
Calabria Region
The Italian regional partner for the 2023 edition of Macfrut is Calabria, known for its excellent products such as bergamot, citron, PGI Clementines, PGI Rocca Imperiale Lemon, PGI Tropea Onion, PGI Sila Potato, kiwi and strawberries. The trade show will be enriched by events and tastings that, in addition to showcasing the versatility and quality of regional products, will narrate the history, culture and traditions of Calabria, one of the most important regions in the Italian fruit and vegetable sector.
Luigi Bianchi director of Cesena Fiera
Focus on Latin America
The International Focus is aimed at the Latin American Continent with the Latin American Days. An entire pavilion will be dedicated to Latin America with the participation of international companies, institutions and operators with technical visits, workshops, show cooking and B2B meetings.
Another event of the "SME Forum," promoted by IILA to consolidate relations between Italian and Latin American small and medium-sized companies, dedicated to agrifood supply chains, will also be hosted during Macfrut. Latin American Days is organized in collaboration with IILA (International Italo-Latin American Organization), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Cooperation (MAECI), AICS and ICE Agency.