Macfrut, the 38th edition kicks off today

"Here today we are welcoming the recovery". This is the message that comes through loud and clear from the opening of the 38th edition of Macfrut, the international fresh produce industry trade show taking place in Rimini (Italy) from today to September 9. “There is a great desire to meet again and to be present, and this is confirmed by the unexpected numbers that this edition is registering. - says Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut - The last two years have been difficult because of the pandemic, but today Macfrut offers the opportunity not only to be present again, but also to resume contacts that have already been made, and the more than 500 international buyers present represent an important point. From an agricultural point of view, 2020 was also a traumatic year. We have had hailstorms, environmental disasters, the Asian bug, but despite this, and despite the uncertainty, companies want to start again. And Macfrut, as always, answers the call”. Yesterday an all-digital overture took place on the macfrutdigital.com platform: The China Day, an event dedicated to trade with the Asian giant, which proved to be full of proposals and ideas, particularly during the Italy-China Forum. “Create a logistic hub in the North-East of Italy for the trade with China”, proposed Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut. The Presidents of the Port of Ravenna and the Fruit and Vegetable Market of Padua responded positively. Giampaolo Bruno, Director of Agenzia ICE - Italian Trade Agency in Beijing, focused on the numbers of trade between China and Europe. "Macfrut is one of the most influential and innovative exhibitions in the fruit and vegetable sector in Europe and the Mediterranean area, an important bridge between European and Chinese markets. In the first 7 months of 2021 Chinese exports grew by 4%, imports by 33.8%. Imports of fresh fruit and vegetables into China are increasing rapidly thanks to the country's economic growth, which has led to a rise in household income and the consolidation of a middle class. My hope is that the Chinese market will open up further to new fresh agricultural products, given the Italian quality”. Ma Hongtao, General Director of ATPC (Agricultural Trade Promotion Center) gave an overview of the relationship between the two countries: “Despite the pandemic, trade in fruit and vegetables between China and Italy grew by 1.2% to almost US$ 1.3 billion. Macfrut is, for us, the platform for the global development of fruit and vegetables. After the success of last year's edition, this year the number of Chinese companies has risen to 111 and the Pavilion offers 40 products divided into six types: pears, citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, edible mushrooms, peppers and garlic”. Tomorrow there will be a rich programme of events, including the Italian Berry Day, entirely dedicated to blueberries. AccreditationTo get your ticket to Macfrut, please follow the steps online at this link. To access the macfrutdigital.com platform, you must first register here (registration is free of charge).