Macfrut 2024, increasing its global appeal

The international presentations of Macfrut 2024, the trade fair for the fresh produce sector to be held at the Rimini Expo Centre (Italy) from 8 to 10 May 2024, are in full swing. The official presentation press conference in Doha was followed by the first international trade missions organised to promote Macfrut 2024 worldwide in four continents: Asia, Africa, America and Europe. The aim is to stress the key role played by Macfrut in the fresh produce sector by attracting even more international exhibitors and visitors this year than in the previous year.

One trade fair, four continents

At the beginning of September, the first trade mission of Macfrut 2024 took place in Azerbaijan, a country that is of strategic importance for the fruit and vegetable sector as a result of its investments in infrastructure and agriculture. The promotional tour continued in the heart of Asia, in India, a key country for fruit and vegetables, which will have its pavilion in the next edition of the trade fair, with twice as many buyers compared to 2023.

The international delegation of Macfrut then travelled to Africa in early November, specifically to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many Congolese exhibiting companies will be participating in Macfrut, with the ultimate goal of increasing agricultural production by setting up an efficient, high-performance cold chain. Two presentations were also held in Mozambique and South Africa, which share the same goal as the DRC, once again proving just how important this continent is: Africa will have its pavilion at Macfrut 2024.  

As for the Americas, the delegation travelled to the Dominican Republic where, on 14 November, Macfrut was presented to an audience of associations and stakeholders involved in the production and marketing of exotic fruit. The Dominican Republic has been one of the most represented countries at Macfrut for many years, not only because the trade fair is attended by buyers interested in its tropical fruits (especially organic bananas, pineapples, mangoes and avocados), but also because this country is looking for new technologies and services for its fruit and vegetable sector.

As for Europe, the delegation travelled first to Albania, with a special focus on aromatic and medicinal plants, of which this Balkan country is the world’s fifth largest producer. The Spices & Herbs Global Expo will be one of the main exhibitions at Macfrut and is aimed at giving these products greater international visibility and opening up new markets for the sector.    

Just a few days ago, Macfrut 2024 was also presented in Bulgaria, which has a particular interest in Italian technologies, to an audience of Bulgarian fruit and vegetable associations and companies.

Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, said:

 ‘The fact that international presentations of Macfrut were held in Asia, Africa, Central America and Eastern Europe is further indication that this trade fair is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Through a great deal of effort and with the support of ICE - Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and numerous international bodies and institutions, Macfrut has become an increasingly influential event that is of major importance for the fruit and vegetable sector. It revolves around three pillars, which are business, knowledge and networking, and is getting better and better at bringing together different institutions, organisations and countries and at having an impact on the industry across the world. It is not only a source of pride for us but also our mission.’