The 31st edition of the Macfrut will take place in the Italian Cesena this week from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 September. Whereas the emphasis was on machines in the past, the exhibitors are now more varied, ranging from supplier of cultivation techniques to exporters and retailers. Last year almost 25,000 visitors and stall holders registered for this fair in the main Italian production region Emilia-Romagna.
Most stall holders are Italian, but there are also Chinese suppliers and South American exporter present at the fair. Despite the stronger local market and the opportunities on the Russian market, these exporters indicate that they find the export to the European buyers important. This is in part to do with the payment insecurity with direct export to Russia. The present Italian apple exporters face challenges. Many indicate they are bothered by the Polish supply on the European market, which cannot be competed with price wise.
Next year's location
The conversation during the first day of the fair was the discussion about the location for next year. It certainly seems like the fair is leaving the hard to reach Cesena, much to the chagrin of the local exhibitors. Bologna and Milan have been named as possible successors. There will be interviews and photo reports on the fair, stall holder and visitors over the next week
The Dutch Italy exporters were of course at the Macfrut
Above: Sandra Bogaard (Fris-Co) talking to Italian relations
Below: Hekuran Seiti of Frankort & Koning
www.macfrut.com