It was a very festive morning in GuangZhou with the start of the 3-day International Fruit Exhibition.
Two halls at the International Exhibition Center are filled with with major brands and companies from the Chinese fruit industry.
In the morning a number of official cooperations and new projects were announced on the main stage. One of the larger signing ceremonies was the International Strategic Signing Cooperation, between different Chinese domestic and international partners.
Dole China Team photo
Different from previous years, the show only lets in trade visitors, so the audience is more professional.
Also temperature controlled train shipments now possible. This will allow for speedy movements of fruits throughout China.
One day earlier International Fruit Conference 2023 was completed.
The show floor looks professional and spacious, with many large and colourful booths.
Trends that appear are the continuing importance of Southeast Asia as a supplier of popular tropical products.
Chile and Peru are present too. Chile's focus is to evolve the cherry category from not only being a festive gift, but a daily fresh and healthy snack.
Different sorting technologies, post-harvest products and logistic solutions are being presented.
GuangZhou is about to get hit by Typhone Saula, which is could land later on Friday night.
Various flights and over 4,000 trains have been cancelled, which might mean fewer visitors than expected.
However, some visitors mentioned that this could be a positive development, as there will be more time to engage with the different stand holders.
