Fruit Logistica 2009 Partner Country

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony in Berlin, Marigén Hornkohl, Minister of Agriculture for the Republic of Chile, emphasised the significance of the trade fair: “This is an important day for our country. FRUIT LOGISTICA is regarded as the world’s leading event for the fresh produce industry”. As next year’s partner country, the minister sees an excellent opportunity for Chile to intensify fruit and vegetable marketing at FRUIT LOGISTICA and further strengthen business relations with Europe.

Representing the FRUIT LOGISTICA organisers, Messe Berlin GmbH CEO Raimund Hosch pointed out: “We are delighted that Chile will be the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009 partner country. We have a special relationship with Chile and plan to do everything we can to ensure the country’s presence at FRUIT LOGISTICA attracts as much attention as possible. When it comes to agricultural goods, it is important to ensure that the healthiest, and not the cheapest, products reach the consumer’s table. And in this respect, Chile produces top-quality fruit and vegetables”. Next to the USA, Europe is Chile’s second largest market for fresh produce. A total of 716,504 tons of fruit and vegetables were exported to Europe in the 2006/2007 season. The fresh produce trade is one of the country’s most profitable export sectors. In 1980, the export volume was around 267,000 tons. The two-million ton mark was reached for the first time in 2003. This rapid increase is driven by investments in innovations as well as the ideal natural growing conditions in Chile.

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 attracted some 50,000 trade visitors from 125 countries to the biggest trade event for the international fresh produce industry. In an area covering 81,000 square metres of indoor space, 2,115 exhibitors presented a comprehensive market overview of products and services from all levels of the fresh produce trade.