Asia?s premier produce show powers on

ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA attracted more than 9,200 trade visitors from 70 different countries to Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo Center last week. The record attendance at Asia’s leading fresh fruit and vegetable trade show was driven by a significant increase in Asian visitor numbers. Total visitor numbers rose by 14 per cent on last year’s event, and 66 per cent of those visitors came from Asia, up from 58 per cent in 2014. “These results demonstrate the further strong interest and engagement in ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA from trade professionals across Asia,” said Gérald Lamusse, managing director of Global Produce Events (GPE). “They underline ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA’s position as the unique pan-Asian event for this business, which also attracts unparalleled attention globally from leading buyers and suppliers.” China was by far the biggest country represented in terms of attendance, accounting for more than a third of total visitor numbers. Australia and the US ranked second and third respectively, and they were joined by India, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as the strongest of the 70 visiting nations. Exhibition expands by a thirdVisitors to ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA found a show that had expanded by a third in terms of exhibition space. Some 574 companies from 40 different countries showcased their products and services at the event, a growth of 20 per cent compared with 2014. China was once again the single largest country in terms of exhibitor numbers, with 105 companies exhibiting. Italy cemented its position as second-largest exhibiting country, with 54 companies taking part, a 39 per cent increase on last year. Egypt moved up into third place with 36 exhibitors, the US edged into fourth (31 exhibitors), while Australia and the Netherlands shared fifth spot with 30 exhibitors each. A number of countries recorded strong exhibitor growth this year, as they sought to make a bigger splash on the trade show floor. Kenya increased its presence by some 900 per cent, while Malaysia and Poland increased their exhibitor numbers by 300 per cent and 200 per cent respectively. Other big movers included Turkey (+150 per cent), Canada (+100 per cent), Israel (+75 per cent), France (+53 per cent) and New Zealand (+45 per cent). While some of these exhibiting nations were expanding off a low base, a number of them are newer to the Asian markets, and the growth rates served as a strong statement of their market interest and engagement. Top-quality information and insightsASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA also offered visitors a first-rate programme of information and educational activities that spanned the entire supply chain. It all got under way with the Asiafruit Congress – Asia’s premier fresh produce conference – which took place on 1 September, the day before ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA opened its doors. To mark Asiafruit Magazine’s 20th Anniversary, this year’s Asiafruit Congress kicked off with a panel of industry authorities looking back at the key changes in Asia’s fresh produce trade over the past 20 years, and projecting market demand for the next decade. The opening panel discussion underlined the remarkable gains made by Asia’s fresh produce trade over the past two decades, driven by the region’s economic rise, China’s emergence as a trade force, trade liberalisation and the rise of modern retailing. But the session also highlighted the huge potential for further growth. Concluding the session, John Piper of Hong Kong-based Food Asia Marketing said the challenge over the next 20 years would not be to grow the market for fresh produce imports in Asia but rather to ensure supply keeps pace with demand. “I have no doubt that the demand will continue to be there, the question is where is the production going to come from and how will it get in?” Other General Sessions at Asiafruit Congress looked at how fresh produce marketers could better capitalise on consumer interest in health and wellness in Asia, and at growth opportunities in Asia’s more established markets. Breakout Sessions explored Turkey’s position and potential as a supplier to Asia; the Philippines’ rise as a market; the banana market opportunity of China; and managing maximum residue levels amid a shifting regulatory landscape in Asia. Taking place on 2 September, the 1st Cool Logistics Asia Conference then brought together top-level speakers and decision-makers from over 20 countries to explore perishable supply chains of the future. The conference provided a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with major players in the logistics chain and shape solutions for individual businesses and the chain itself. Information opportunities continued for ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors on the show floor with the Asiafruit Business Forum, a programme of two workshop sessions hosted each day by Asiafruit Magazine. Marketing was the focus for Day One, with sessions on how product re-positioning can drive sales, and on country-of-origin branding. Technology was the theme for Day Two, which looked at software for a smoother supply chain, and at low-cost technology solutions throughout the value chain. The final day focused on production issues, with a Chinese-language session looking at the modernisation of China’s farming sector, and a varietal showcase session to explore what’s on offer from some of the world’s leading breeding programmes.All the information