Fruit Logistica, the key event for professionals of the fruit and vegetable sector

M. Gerald LAMUSSE, Project Manager - Messe Berlin : Fruit Logistica, the key event for professionals of the fruit and vegetable sector The international Fruit Logistica show took place on January 16-18, 2003 in Berlin, Germany.This show seems to assert itself as the key event of the fruit and vegetables industry and achieved, once more, a record year as confirmed by Gerald LAMUSSE, Project Manager at Messe Berlin. FRUCTIDOR : How does the Fruit logistica show evolve since its creation ? Gerald Lamusse : To date, we can say we have quite well consolidated our position, we are the leading event for the marketing of fruit and vegetables. As we grew quite rapidly, we had to make sure visitors would follow : we did it with 15 443 professional visitors coming from more than 80 countries compared with 13 518 in 2002, that is to say a 14% rise ! FRUCTIDOR : What is your strategy for the coming years ? Gerald Lamusse : Projects are being studied for the years to come, but I think we will keep the same concept as it is what led us to success during these five past years. The target is to gather all the ones who have needs in the fresh produce sector from production to selling points. Priority is given to the marketing of fruit and vegetables, but also to give the possibility to visitors to discover all the industry new products (including software, packaging, etc.). FRUCTIDOR : Concerning exhibitors, what is their general assessment and feeling ?

Gerald Lamusse : The 2003 edition recorded 850 exhibitors compared with 823 in 2002. Numerous delegations participated in the show with, first, Italy (153 exhibitors) and Spain, but also the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Philippines. To be noted also the participation of China for the first time. The general feeling is very good, exhibitors underlining the high quality of the 11th edition of the Fruit Logistica show. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Change to the dates of Fruit Logistica 2004 : Fruit Logistica will now be held from 5 to 7 February 2004. The organiser has decided not to be with the Grüne Woche (Green Week) anymore.