Following the first edition held in Milan in March 2025, which brought together over 120 growers from Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Serbia, Romania, Belgium, Georgia, Morocco, Guatemala, and Chile, the second edition of the blueberry conference will again take place in Milan. The event is organized by Sergio Panini of agroconsulenze.com, with Sebastian Ochoa, an international blueberry specialist, as the keynote speaker.
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According to Panini, the 2026 edition, scheduled for March 4, will focus on agronomic and management practices aimed at improving production and profitability for growers. "Sebastian Ochoa, the world's leading blueberry expert, will return to Milan to deliver the conference. I also thought it would be a good idea to talk and connect with the market and understand the needs of buyers and consumers. The speakers will be Rafael Barona, procurement director for Driscolls EMEA, and several other importers and supermarkets," he said.
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The program will include a networking dinner and an aperitif on March 3. On March 5, a technical session will allow producers to meet individually with Ochoa to discuss production challenges or seek agronomic advice. "He'll dedicate time to producers who want to meet face-to-face with him to solve problems or get advice. There will be a preliminary company and agronomic data collection. Then, on March 5th, there will be free visits to farmers or strategic suppliers for producers," Panini added.
As in the previous edition, sponsors will have a dedicated area to present new products and technologies for the blueberry supply chain. "Yes, like last year, we'll have an area where sponsors will display their products, new products, and technological innovations dedicated to the blueberry supply chain," said Panini.
Discussing the purpose of the event, he explained, "I believe that innovation and good agronomic practices, updated with experience and results, are the foundation for running a blueberry production company, where it's increasingly necessary to focus on reducing costs and maximizing profits. Producing blueberries is still profitable, but you need to stay focused, share experiences, and remain part of a group. Then you need to look at the market and its needs to align production with demand: variety, size, flavor, packaging, shelf life, sustainability, and distribution channels."
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Regarding agroconsulenze.com's role in the berry industry, Panini concluded, "I deal partly with import-export trading and marketing worldwide. I also offer my clients the best technological and innovative solutions to always be one step ahead in production."
© Agro ConsulenzeFor more information:
Sergio Panini
Agro Consulenze
Tel: +39 366 631 4643
Email: [email protected]
www.agroconsulenze.com
