Asia Fruit Logistica boasts a sell-out show

Asia Fruit Logistica sold out of stand space in early July, with just under two months to go before the region’s leading fresh fruit and vegetable trade fair opens its doors in Hong Kong.

Some 25% more exhibition space has been sold compared with last year’s event, smashing previous records for the show, according to organiser Global Produce Events (GPE).

More than 400 exhibitors from 38 countries and all six continents are expected to exhibit their products and services at the event, which returns to AsiaWorld-Expo on 3-5 September.

“We have more exhibitors from more countries than ever before,” says Gérald Lamusse, managing director of GPE. “This underlines the rising interest in the Asian markets from around the world, and the value that the global fresh produce business sees in this show as the platform for growth.”

Lamusse adds that many of the 38 exhibiting countries have ramped up their stand space for Asia Fruit Logistica 2014.

China, traditionally the largest presence at the show in terms of exhibitor numbers, has expanded its bookings for exhibition space by 40% compared with the 2013 event.

“Being a leading grower and distributor in China, Asia Fruit Logistica gives us an excellent opportunity to meet with other global producers and share information and experiences with them,” said Martin Salge of Chinese exhibitor Dalian XingYeYuan Group. “As we plan to develop our import and export activities, the three days at the exhibition will enable us to build strong relationships with serious players from all over the world.”

Australia, another leading presence at previous editions of Asia Fruit Logistica, has expanded its stand space by 70% versus last year.

Other exhibiting countries have registered more dramatic increases, including the UK (+217%) and Spain (+104%).

Visitor numbers are also set to hit record levels. Fair organiser GPE expects some 7,000 trade buyers and visitors from more than 60 countries to attend Asia Fruit Logistica 2014.

GPE stressed that Asia Fruit Logistica is the only annual international trade exhibition for fresh fruit and vegetable marketing in Asia which focuses exclusively on the fresh produce sector and related value chain for the whole Asian region. This makes it the most efficient platform in Asia for gaining an overview of the market, scouting for new products and varieties, and establishing new business contacts in this sector.

The fair will cover the whole spectrum of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, including

• Fresh fruit and vegetable,
• Convenience products,
• Dried fruits and nuts,
• Packaging,
• Transport and logistical systems,
• Produce handling and storage,
• Computer and Internet solutions, and
• Cultivation systems.

At this year’s show, companies from Costa Rica, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Yemen have signed up, all making their debut appearance at the show.

Almost 20 nations have booked national pavilions at the event, including Argentina, Australia, China, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam and the US.

New Zealand has almost doubled the size of its pavilion this year with seven new exhibitors taking part under the national banner. “The strong level of interest in Asia Fruit Logistica is being driven by the increasing importance of Asian markets and the recognition that there are practical benefits from New Zealand exporters working together to make more impact on the show floor,” says Peter Silcock, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand, which coordinates the New Zealand pavilion.

“We know from feedback received from past participants that this is a high-quality show that attracts importers and serious produce buyers from across Asia and the world.”

Exhibitor companies include leading industry players such as Mr Apple, Naturipe Farms, Cool Fresh International and Banabay.

“We see ASIA FRUIT LOGSITICA as the leading trade show in the region,” says Mr Apple’s project manager for the event, Lisa Cork. “The show is well established and draws key influencers and decision-makers from around the Asia-Middle East region. It offers Mr Apple a great opportunity to increase our visibility in the region as New Zealand’s largest vertically integrated apple grower-packer-shipper, exporting 25% of New Zealand’s apple crop.”

Cool Fresh International, a global fresh produce group headquartered in the Netherlands with a subsidiary in China, is also making its debut appearance at the show with a 50sqm stand. “Our group companies have been growing steadily, and that includes their marketing into Asia. We now need to consolidate our efforts, and profile our various companies in the Asian markets,” says Cool Fresh International’s Nic Jooste. “We are convinced that Asia Fruit Logistica is the most effective platform for us to do this. We will be promoting our global sourcing and direct supply services at the event.”