February 3, 2016

Technology in the spotlight at Fruit Logistica

Technology comes to the forefront at Fruit Logistica 2016 with forums and stages featuring data and increasing digitalization in the produce industry. The annual international trade fair is set for Feb. 3-5 in Berlin. Fruit Logistica is anticipating more than 65,000 visitors from more than 135 countries to attend the three-day event.ILAPAK

“As an innovation platform for the global fresh produce market, Fruit Logistica is a perfect place for exhibitors to introduce their new products,” said Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager Wilfried Wollbold. “The event gives trade visitors a chance to gain a comprehensive summary.”

Various forums and stages are geared toward specific steps in the value chain — from processing to trade to retail. The scheduled events start off on Feb. 2 with the 35th Fresh Produce Forum, themed “Climate Change — The Challenges for Global Production and Procurement.” Climatologists and international experts will discuss how climate change will affect the fresh produce and retail business and the potential impact on consumers. All events at Fruit Logistica will be simultaneously translated into German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Each day of the trade fair hall forums will cover a variety of themes, including:

  • “Innovation in Fresh Produce – Sustainability at POS”
  • “Fresh Produce Online? – The Trade Goes Digital”
  • “Varietal Diversity Versus Patent Rights – Will Product Variety Suffer?”
  • “The Global Banana Market in 2025”
  • “Food Safety at POS”
  • “Product Know-how – Informing the Customer”

Future Lab presents products and projects that could enhance the fresh produce industry in the next two to five years or are aimed at contributing significantly to optimization along the value chain. Ten innovations will be featured in Future Lab events, including low thermal greenhouses, vertical farming and using computer programming and drones in farm fields.

The Tech Stage, introduced at Fruit Logistica last year, is back again with one-hour exhibitor presentations, product demonstrations and workshops. Visitors can check out the Tech Stage for the latest technical solutions in machinery and equipment.

Logistics Hub, focusing on fresh produce handling and logistics, is a new three-day series of events for producers, exporters and traders. Sessions will address 10 current issues such as trade between emerging markets, e-commerce markets and transport infrastructure.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (FLIA), now in its 11th year, honors products and services that have been brought to market over the last 12 months. A panel of experts has selected 10 nominees and attendees will get the chance to vote for their pick during the first two days of the trade fair. This year’s nominees range from new vegetable varieties to a smartphone app, and packaging and processing equipment. The winner will be announced during an award ceremony on Feb. 5.

In addition to the FLIA, attendees can catch a glimpse of novel and debuting innovations before the trade fair in the “Spotlight” section featured on the Fruit Logistica website. The section features products, machinery and processes, systems and techniques, technologies, services, promotions and exhibitor campaigns.

For more information, visit the Fruit Logistica website. Check out the Virtual Market Place for a listing of exhibitors and the Trade Visitors page for a full schedule of events and sessions.

Ana Olvera, digital content editor





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