3rd edition of International Asparagus Days a high added value event!

The?3rd edition of International Asparagus Days was held at the Parc des Expositions in Angers on the 29 and 30 October. Co-organised by the SIVAL, the International Show for specialist plant production techniques in France, MACFRUT, the Italian show for the fruit and vegetable sectors and Christian Befve, world renowned asparagus expert, this ultra-specialised event welcomed 1000 participants, thus bringing more than 50% of the sector?s worldwide production together, and generating a high volume of business. A unique formatInternational Asparagus Days has, above all, a unique show format, that enables its visitors to totally immerse themselves within the asparagus sector: a show with 80 French and international companies present (50% were international), a 500 m2 area within the show for life-size demonstrations of machines on soil mounds, a conference cycle based around the challenges of the future, irrespective of whether they concerned production or consumption ; and finally technical field trips, involving nearly 400 visitors, to key production areas and innovative companies, in the Val de Loire (Langevine and Fleuron d?Anjou) and in Nouvelle Aquitaine (Lebourg and Planasa). This program enabled time to be spent concentrating on know-how and innovations at an international level, and to provide visitors with a 360? overview of the asparagus sector. This format optimised the development of business opportunities for the exhibitors. A strong international presenceInternational Asparagus Days saw more than 30 different nationalities in its aisles (Europe/Eurasia, Latin America, North America, Africa). Whether they were exhibitors or visitors, the strong international public presence was one of the features of this event. Valuable discussions?International Asparagus Days was, above all, a time for ?high added value? discussions. As Christian Befve pointed out, this professional event must enable the sector?s members, regardless of whether there are thousands of kilometres separate them, to benefit from this unique opportunity to meet, create lasting relationships and to work together in order to have a balanced sector. The gamble has paid off! The Networking Evening that took place on Tuesday served, equally, to reinforce the discussions and the links between the different countries. 300 people were present for this convivial event in the heart of Angers? historical heritage. This 3rd edition of International Asparagus Days closed with the satisfaction that it provided those of its members that were present with the opportunity to make durable contacts, as well as the keys to meeting the production challenges of the future, and finally precious relationships in order to continue the construction of the asparagus sector at an international level.