This week, several Belgian companies and cooperatives traveled to Hong Kong for Asia Fruit Logistica. Names like Coöperatie Hoogstraten, the Devos Group, and Wouters Fruit explored opportunities in Asian markets. BelOrta was also extensively present with a stand full of fruit and vegetables suitable for and aimed at the Asian market. They are pleased with how the event went. "A trade show always stimulates active trading," says Jo Lambrecht.
The trade fair, last held in Bangkok, Thailand, returned to Hong Kong and ran from September 6 to 8. Yesterday, Jo said, "So far, it's going well. It's quite busy, and a constant stream of visitors lingers at our booth. They range from existing customers, with whom we maintain relationships, to new potential customers. Trade shows are the perfect way to get to talk to these clients. Especially since that's often not possible to do in person with business partners from this part of the world."
Jo adds that people from all over Asia visited the fair. "All countries from this region are present, which makes it even more exciting for us. The Asian market is very interesting but also very broad. There are many countries, each with an interest in certain products. For some, that's limited to one or two specific products; for others, that involves much of our assortment."
"It depends on the destination, but there's certainly enough interest in Belgian products. Then, it benefits us to display an extensive range. As usual, our top fruit and chicory attracted plenty of interest. But, our fruiting vegetables, other leafy vegetables, open-field vegetables, and soft and stone fruit garnered much attention too," says Lambrecht.
And, after the pandemic, the event offered the chance to repair some contacts, Jo explains. "Trading with Asian countries has been considerably hampered recently. That's improved, but trade fairs help us return to what it was like pre-pandemic. It's a few days where you can see many end customers - face to face. Telephoning doesn't have the same effect; here, you can discuss specific things. You cannot recreate that situation in any other way, so we're definitely satisfied with how the event went," he concludes.
For more information:
Jo Lambrecht
BelOrta
120 Mechelsesteenweg
2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 126 70 260
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.belorta.be
