Why Sicily is becoming a hub for Mediterranean agriculture — BIG Interview with Nino Di Cavolo, SiciliaFiera

Can a regional fair in Sicily really redefine the future of Mediterranean agriculture? What started as a showcase of citrus, prickly pears, and pistachios has now grown into a platform attracting ambassadors, international buyers, and innovators shaping Agriculture 4.0.

Frutech returns to SiciliaFiera from 27–29 November 2025, following a debut that already featured more than 100 exhibitors, 12 thematic conferences, and delegations from Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Northern Europe. But numbers tell only part of the story. What makes Frutech different is its ambition to bridge research, business, and diplomacy, turning Sicily into a hub where the future of Mediterranean agriculture is actively designed.

To understand how this transformation took place — and what’s coming next — Fructidor spoke with Nino Di Cavolo, President of SiciliaFiera.

Can you walk us through how Frutech grew from a regional initiative into a platform with both international reach and on-the-ground impact in Mediterranean agriculture?

Born in SiciliaFiera, in Misterbianco, Frutech initially focused its activities on enhancing the value of local fruit and vegetable excellence, such as citrus fruits, prickly pears, and pistachios. Over time, it progressively expanded its commitment to include open-field horticultural production and regional viticulture.

From its very first edition, however, Frutech stood out for its forward-looking vision: sustainability, agroecology, and technological innovation have been its cornerstones from the outset. Even in its debut edition, Frutech recorded significant figures, with over 100 exhibitors and 12 thematic conferences.

What truly marked its evolution, however, was its ability to build a bridge between research, business, and institutions — actively engaging buyers and representatives from countries such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Northern Europe. Diplomatic participation, including ambassadors and honorary consuls, further contributed to its international reach.

The qualitative leap came thanks to a solid and well-structured organization, guided by a high-level technical-scientific committee. The topics addressed — ranging from plant genetics to agricultural mechanization, from the use of drones to the digitalization of processes — have attracted the interest of an increasingly broad and specialized audience.

In this way, Frutech has become much more than a trade fair: it is a strategic platform where concrete solutions for the future of Mediterranean agriculture are designed and developed. It promotes Agriculture 4.0, supports startups in the sector, facilitates technology transfer, and works to bridge the gap between scientific research and the real needs of agricultural enterprises.

Today, Frutech represents an effective synthesis of local roots and global vision, of tradition and innovation, with a tangible impact on the present and future of the fruit and vegetable sector in the Mediterranean.

What sets Frutech apart from other agritech trade shows in Europe?

The ability to attract international buyers and engage diplomatic representatives demonstrates that Frutech is an international platform actively contributing to the development and competitiveness of Mediterranean agriculture, with a strong focus on cutting-edge innovations in the agritech sector.

Frutech thus combines the specific features of the Mediterranean territory with an innovative and multidisciplinary approach, establishing itself as a unique point of reference in the European agritech exhibition landscape.

What key themes or technologies will take centre stage at Frutech 2025?

Frutech 2025 is a true laboratory of ideas, dialogue, and cultural growth. Our cultural and educational program includes conferences and seminars open to all, featuring the participation of experts, researchers, and prominent figures. It offers a valuable opportunity to delve into key topics such as sustainability and the agroecological transition.

A strong emphasis is placed on education, with a dedicated teaching project aimed at students and teachers. Younger generations are actively involved and placed at the center of the initiative, becoming protagonists through practical and inclusive experiences. The goal is to communicate — clearly and engagingly — how everyday actions can contribute to building a more sustainable future.

Compared to previous editions, what new developments should we expect?

An event titled “Sicilian Fresh & Vegetables Award” will take place, featuring the participation of a growing number of companies and international buyers. During the trade fair, attendees will include operators from Jordan, Dubai, Singapore, India, and Armenia.

We are also currently in negotiations with additional buyers, with the aim of expanding collaboration opportunities and broadening target markets for participating businesses. The main objective of the event is to promote Sicilian produce and foster the creation of a strong network of relationships among producers, consortia, buyers, and stakeholders in the agri-food supply chain, with the support of large-scale retail distribution.

Furthermore, we are finalizing a prestigious agreement with the African Agricultural Movement of Cameroon, which will allow the participation of agricultural and agri-food companies from Central Africa at the fair.

This marks the beginning of a long-term and fruitful relationship between Italy and Africa, with the goal of promoting trade exchanges and collaborations in the agricultural sector.

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