On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the third edition of the event "International Business Meetings with Retailers" will take place. Organized by Fresh Food Leader, the event facilitates B2B interactions between production companies and fresh produce buyers from national and international supermarket chains. The event has seen participation expand, with retailers from a dozen European countries expected to attend, represented by their purchasing teams.
The event addresses the growing need among retailers to identify new suppliers due to an expansion in the number of sales outlets and rising sales volumes. Establishing direct relationships with producers is considered beneficial for extending product freshness and increasing supply chain efficiency. In addition to supermarket buyers, national importers and distributors supplying regional chains, traditional markets, and the Horeca and food service sectors will also participate.
New developments in 2025
This year, the event introduces new features, including the participation of flower and plant purchasing managers. Categories such as herbs, soups, dried fruits, and edible flowers are gaining attention, reflecting changing consumer preferences. Sustainability remains a key focus, with growing interest in environmentally friendly production practices and private-label lines featuring sustainable packaging solutions.
E-retailers are also participating, signaling a shift toward branded products in online markets. Data suggests that branded products tend to have higher repeat purchase rates compared to unbranded items, prompting online supermarkets to explore ways to enhance their visibility.
The event aims to serve as a platform for demand and supply to converge, fostering new solutions and collaborations. Companies from diverse sectors, including packaging machinery and variety development, will showcase their innovations to retail buyers.
The event highlights the evolving dynamics of the fresh produce market and provides an opportunity for businesses to address these changes by building new partnerships and exploring innovative strategies.
A short video of the previous edition is available here.
For more information:
Fresh Food Leader
Tel: +39 349 7404 885
Email: [email protected]
www.freshfoodleader.com