The number of Dutch exhibitors at Fruit Logistica is showing a steady trend. Along with a few dropouts, there are also companies debuting as exhibitors. These are AGF-Direct, Alblas International Transport, Chainn, De Terp, Exotic Roots, Flikweert Vision Technologies, Fresh IT Services, Greenfresh, Versland Selection, and Wiscomex.
Best Fresh is participating in the event again as a group. "Fruit Logistica is important for us. Many of our current and potential growers and customers attend. Participating in this fair isn't cheap, but there, we can chat with many of our growers from around the world in just a few days," begins FarmHouse marketing manager Jeroen Groenewegen.
"It's also a great place to meet with our customers. That's very efficient and saves us plenty of trips. It allows us to speak to many business relations in a short time. We, obviously, also visit many of them throughout the year because we value personal contact. We do consider, every year, whether and in what capacity we'll attend. There is, after all, only so much money you can spend."
PotatoNext has also chosen to participate as an exhibitor at Fruit Logistica in Berlin in 2024. "Fruit Logistica is the international fruit and vegetable trade show for us. The timing is decisive. Potatoes are best marketed at this time of year because the season has begun. You can also get a better picture of availability for the coming year. Fruit Logistica is a large event with a high international allure," says CCO Mariska Werring.
"That's interesting for our export channels. Plus, PotatoNext has been a merger of three trusted, leading ware potato sector players since October 1, 2023: Nedato, Agrico, and Leo de Kock. That merger created a new, agile cooperative with short lines rich in experience and expertise in cultivation, production, packaging, and distribution. Fruit Logistica 2024 is the moment to put this new cooperative on the international map."
But there are other opinions. For example, Agrofair - Fairtrade and organic bananas distributor - does not have a stand this year. "We decided not to exhibit anymore because we find Fruit Attraction more effective. That event's timing suits us better," explains director Hans-Willem van der Waal.
"It's right after we make new annual agreements with customers, suppliers, and shipping companies. We work a lot with Latin American suppliers who prefer going to Madrid because of the language and climate. Berlin's always freezing, and, for us, it's a bit of mustard after the meal. We've wondered for several years whether we should keep exhibiting in Berlin. Now we've decided."
ZON is also not exhibiting at the fair in Berlin this year either. "We don't have a stand; we want to allocate our resources differently. Last year, we organized a buyers/growers day for the first time. Based on that experience, we decided to focus more on that this year and invest our resources in it," says director John Willems.
"This is our 12th year participating. It almost feels like a betrayal if we drop out now," Anton Filippo of LBP declares. "We still consider Berlin an essential global event. But I doubt it will remain leading in the long run. The importance of a trade show like the one in Madrid is becoming increasingly visible. Many exporters from places like South America find Madrid more pleasant because of the timing."
"Others continue coming to Berlin because many of their European customers are there. How we, as a service provider, deal with that is obvious. We have no choice but to be where our clients and potential buyers are. That's why we decided a few years ago to be present at both fairs. Although both with half the original area (2 x 0.5 = also 1) being present is more important."
"We're taking part in Fruit Logistica again this year. Harvest House has a large stand in which all our companies are represented," states Sandra Vlielander. "We had a successful time in Berlin last year, meeting many of our customers and partners. So, we quickly decided to participate again in 2024."
"At the trade show, we talk with our business relations, display our range, share our vision of the ideal fruit and vegetable shelf, and demonstrate how we're working on increasingly sustainable cultivation. And, naturally, there's something to taste at our stand. As we see it, Fruit Logistica will remain a leading fair in the coming years."
Banken Champignons is also back. "We've exhibited at Fruit Logistica for more than 25 years and expect to continue doing so for many years. We've also regularly taken part in Fruit Attraction for several years. Berlin is more for the Northern European countries and Madrid for the Southern European ones. We participate in both every year."
"Besides Berlin and Madrid, we exhibit at several other smaller fairs, too. Fruit Logistica should stay a leading fair for many years. During the pandemic, we learned that meeting face-to-face turned out to be vital. This year, on Thursday, February 8, at 3:30 pm, we're organizing a real Banken Champignons Party at our stand, and everyone's welcome," Rob Banken concludes.