Interpom 2024: More International and a record 24,000 Visitors

INTERPOM has broken all records with an impressive 23,998 visitors! Over the past few days, the potato industry gathered from all corners of the world at Kortrijk Xpo. Despite many challenges, such as climate change, stricter regulations, increasing disease pressure, and concerns about soil and water quality, the potato sector is clearly riding a wave of success.

The theme "Energizing a Potato Industry in Transition" resonated with everyone preparing for the sustainability transition ahead. INTERPOM once again proved its value as the key trade platform for the potato industry by offering numerous solutions and answers to the current needs of a sector in full transition.

Internationalization: The Growth Engine of INTERPOM

INTERPOM achieved remarkable success this year, with 330 exhibitors from 15 countries and a record- breaking 23,998 visitors, an 18% increase compared to the previous edition. Over the three days, 9,471 visitors attended on Sunday (+13%), 8,378 on Monday (+20%), and 6,150 on Tuesday (+26%). The event strongly focused on internationalization, with 31.5% of visitors coming from abroad, representing 59 countries.

Particularly noticeable were the increases from the Netherlands (+14%) and France (+15.6%), while the number of visitors from more distant countries rose impressively by 20%. Visitors from Canada, India, Australia, the United States, Japan, South Africa, and Northern Europe: potato professionals from all continents are finding their way to this unique trade fair in Belgium, the heart of Western Europe's potato-growing region.

Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom:

"INTERPOM has never received so many visitors, and never before has the audience been so diverse and international. This proves that the consistent effort and commitment to a proven concept continue to bear fruit. At the fair and in the press, I was often asked: what is the secret behind INTERPOM's success? I usually sum it up in three words: integration, professionalism, and innovation."

"Integration, because there is no other trade fair in the world that covers every aspect of the potato industry, from the grower to the plate. Professionalism, because the organizing duo, Xpo Group (Kortrijk Xpo) and Belgapom, demonstrate tremendous expertise and organizational flexibility, ensuring the best possible outcome from the fair. And lastly, innovation. We are at the heart of the global potato industry, and this position means that the largest innovations are tested here in practice. We owe it to ourselves to maintain this leadership position."

"This is why this fair is considered the place to find unique expertise that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This attracts a growing number of international visitors – the key driver of the fair’s growth. For this reason, we are actively attracting new exhibitors who make a difference with their innovative solutions. The potato year 2024, like many others, had its ups and downs, especially with a very difficult start due to the wet spring."

"But we are ending the year on a positive note with INTERPOM. This is something that, for the first time, has also caught the attention of the national press here in Belgium. I hope our policymakers have seen that we have gold in our hands with our vibrant potato industry and trade, and that they will help us maintain and strengthen this unique position in the future."

Review Keynotes and Panel Discussions Belgapom focused strongly on knowledge sharing through keynotes and panel discussions. Three crucial topics were addressed: the potato industry in an accelerated transition, how to integrate new technologies into agriculture, and how to manage water as a source of new solutions. These engaging and interactive sessions were recorded and will be available for review starting December 6.

Innovation Tour

See the products of Interpom Innovation Tour 2024

As a media partner of Interpom, PotatoPro was exhibiting at the show, contributing to the international presence. The PotatoPro team actively engaged in high-level discussions and collaborated with industry leaders, offering comprehensive media coverage and delivering valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations within the potato sector. This involvement underscores PotatoPro's unwavering commitment to supporting the global potato industry through expert reporting, thought leadership, and a continuous focus on industry advancements.