Fruit Logistica 2014 sees record participation

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 recorded excellent results, with a high percentage of decision-makers among the trade visitors and a remarkable record number of exhibitors and visitors.

From 5-7 February, more than 62,000 trade visitors from 141 countries gathered information and did business at the most comprehensive trade exhibition for the international fresh produce sector. More than 2,600 exhibitors from 84 countries presented their entire range of products and services at all levels of trade, as well as a number of innovations for the sector. These give the sector new impulses and provide even more diverse offers for consumers.

Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH , said: "The leading international trade fair FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 can report an increase in the numbers of both exhibitors and trade visitors. It is a catalyst for the fresh produce sector, and the key industry event." FRUIT LOGISTICA sets new trends and innovations

As the industry’s platform for innovation, FRUIT LOGISTICA launched a new series of lectures that gives trade visitors a glimpse of the future. The "Future Lab" showcased innovative projects that may enhance the fruit and vegetable industry with innovations in the coming years or contribute significantly to optimisation along the value chain.

FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award 2014

While "Future Lab" showcases innovations in the pipeline, the nominees for the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award are products and services that have already been launched on the marketplace over the past twelve months. The FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award 2014 (FLIA) goes to the "BBQ GrillMix" from the Eisberg company based in Switzerland. This new convenience product is a quick and easy solution for barbecue lovers. The ready to grill vegetable mixes are sold in a recyclable aluminium container that is suitable for the grill or oven. Each container is vacuum-packed in a special foil to keep the product fresh longer and for optimal presentation on the supermarket shelf. The foil can be easily removed from the container and leaves no residue on the product.

The second place contender selected by FRUIT LOGISTICA trade visitors was the "Oriental Mixed Living Salad" from Home Harvest Salad based in the UK. This product offers a unique combination of coriander, pak choi, mustard and tatsoi. Third place honours went to "Vegetable Crumbs" from the Italian company Aureli . This gluten-free vegetable breading product is made without preservatives and is available in several varieties: carrot, purple carrot, beetroot, celery and spinach.

Exhibitors highly satisfied

Key objectives for exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 included presenting their company, strengthening existing customer relations and developing new business. These objectives were well achieved. More than 90% of exhibitors said that their participation at the trade fair had a positive impact on business. Although business contracts were not among the top priorities, 44.3% of all exhibitors received new orders at the trade fair. Some 90% of exhibitors said they anticipated good post-exhibition business and 89% reported a positive overall impression of this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA.

Positive business results for 98% of trade visitors

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 was attended by top-level decision-makers from all over the world. 83% of trade visitors came from outside Germany, with the majority coming from Europe (71%), the Americas (11.5%), Africa (8.4%), the Middle East (4.6%), Asia (2.6%) and Oceania (1.9%). Most of the trade visitors came to FRUIT LOGISTICA to establish new business contacts or source new suppliers, find out about new products, study the market and monitor the competition. They were particularly interested in fresh produce, packaging solutions and packing machinery.

The key trade visitor groups were fruit and vegetable growers, importers and exporters, as well as wholesalers and retailers. The level of the trade visitors' decision-making authority was once again high. Some three quarters of the trade visitors hold senior positions in their companies. Trade visitors were extremely enthusiastic about the range of products and services on display at the trade fair. 98.2% of trade visitors gave a positive assessment of their business results at the event. 84.1% were able to establish new business contacts.

More than one third of trade visitors concluded business deals during the trade fair, and 77.5% were anticipating follow-up negotiations and business transactions as a result of the contacts made at the trade event.