Interfresh Eurasia 2025 will be our most global yet — BIG interview with Murat Ozer

With just four months to go until the next edition of Interfresh Eurasia, preparations for Turkey’s leading fresh produce and agri-food trade show are well underway. The event, which will be held in Izmir, is already nearly sold out and is expanding its scope with new sections, increased international outreach, and growing interest from exhibitors and buyers alike. 

To get the inside scoop, Fructidor spoke with Murat Ozer, General Manager of Interfresh Eurasia, who shared how the 2025 edition is shaping up to be the show’s most international yet.

Fructidor: How are the preparations going this year?

Murat Ozer: We’ve already sold 85% of the show space and expect about 20–25% growth in exhibitor numbers and 30–35% in visitor numbers compared to last year. This year we’ve expanded our international visitor program, having already visited all over Europe. We're seeing that the more we invest in visitors, the more the quality of exhibitors improves.

Fructidor: Is the event still focused only on fresh produce?

Murat Ozer: No, we’ve broadened our focus. Alongside fresh fruits and vegetables, we're highlighting frozen, dried, semi-dried, canned, sauces, and juices under the “Interfood” section — a sub-category of Interfresh.

Fructidor: What’s the outlook for Turkish fruit production this year?

Murat Ozer: Unfortunately, we experienced a “fake spring” in February, followed by a severe frost at the end of March and beginning of April. This has affected apples and stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums, especially in regions like Konya, Kayseri, and Karaman. Apple production could drop significantly — we might even see Turkey importing apples this year.

Fructidor: Has this weather impact affected exhibitor participation?

Murat Ozer: So far, not much. Most exhibitor slots are already sold. We might see fewer Turkish exhibitors in the apple segment, but there’s an opportunity for international players — Poland, Serbia, or even Russia — to step in.

Fructidor: What types of exhibitors usually participate?

Murat Ozer: It’s an A-to-Z showcase — from growers and exporters to packaging firms, cold storage providers, logistics, and sorting machine manufacturers. The full export chain is represented.

Fructidor: How many exhibitors and buyers do you expect this year?

Murat Ozer: Last year, we had 212 exhibitors. This year, we expect around 230–240. We’re already planning to open an additional hall. On the buyer side, we hosted 1,350 in 2024. This year, we expect 1,500–1,600. Our hosted buyer program includes 500 VIP buyers — about half of that capacity is already booked.

Fructidor: Which markets are you targeting?

Murat Ozer: Our main focus is Central and Northern Europe, the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), some African countries, and parts of Asia like Singapore, Malaysia, and China — particularly for premium fruits like cherries and blueberries shipped by air cargo.

Fructidor: Has the issue with phytosanitary certificates for Turkish cherries to China been resolved?

Murat Ozer: Yes, last year there were some challenges, but those have now been addressed thanks to close work with the relevant associations.

Fructidor: Any final message for international participants?

Murat Ozer: Interfresh Eurasia is more than a trade show — it's a strategic gateway between Europe, Asia, and the MENA region. For exhibitors and buyers alike, it's the right time to get involved. Interested buyers should contact our international promotion department soon to secure their hosted package.

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