Fruit Logistica 2024: A Global Summit Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce

Fruit Logistica, the leading international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry, concluded its 2024 session in Berlin from February 7th to 9th, marking a record-breaking year with an unprecedented surge in visitors, exhibitors, and exhibition space expansion. Kai Mangelberger, Director of FRUIT LOGISTICA, stated, "Nowhere else in the world can you truly feel the pulse of the sector like here in Berlin."

Breaking Records in Diversity and Attendance

Fruit Logistica 2024 featured a diverse array of 2,770 exhibitors from 94 countries, marking a 6% increase in participation. Among the 47 countries that expanded their footprint at the event, China stood out with the most substantial growth, nearly tripling its exhibition space from the previous year. This remarkable threefold expansion by China highlighted its post-pandemic recovery.? The active involvement of Latin American, European, Middle Eastern, and North African countries highlighted the event's global impact in shaping market dynamics, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainability.

In terms of attendance, the event set new records with over 66,000 visitors, 24,000 exhibitor staff, and 450 media representatives, attracting attendees from 145 countries, including 70% key decision-makers.

Organic Certification and Sustainable Water Management at the Forefront

A significant shift towards organic certification in the fresh produce sector was showcased by exhibitors from South American regions like Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. This reflected the industry's response to the increasing consumer demand for organically grown produce. Certified organic mangoes, avocados, and limes were spotlighted, emphasizing the industry's commitment to sustainable farming. The event also featured year-round supplies of organic blueberries from various countries and innovative farming methods, including an Ecuadorian company's organic broccoli production. This collective emphasis on organic certification signifies a pivotal global shift towards sustainable practices in the fresh produce market.

Additionally, GLOBALG.A.P. organized a crucial panel on "Addressing Responsible Water Management in High Water Risk Regions." The discussion, featuring industry experts, stressed the urgent need for sustainable water usage in agriculture. The consensus on digitalization and data-driven irrigation practices underscored the collective responsibility for water stewardship across the supply chain, with a focus on enhanced water governance and technology as essential steps towards securing sustainable water management practices globally.

Technological Advancements and Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

This year, the spotlight was on the fusion of technology and sustainability, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI) driving efficiency and innovation in the fruit and vegetable sector. The mechanical engineering segment showcased AI-based processes, advancing agricultural practices.

Discussions on the future of packaging, led by Miriam Wolk and Max Teplitski from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), emphasized forward-thinking approaches. The event highlighted the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods (ASPF), advocating for sustainable packaging that ensures food safety and product quality. IFPA and ASPF's dialogue with regulatory authorities in the EU, Canada, and the U.S. aims to guide the transition to innovative packaging, balancing environmental stewardship with industry demands.

Global Showcase: Vibrant Displays from Chile, Peru, Brazil, and the USA

Chile's pavilion commanded attention, particularly in the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, with a spotlight on cherries. The inauguration of Frutas de Chile, a unified brand for Chilean produce, marked a significant milestone, emphasizing the nation's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Over 100 representatives from various sectors of the Chilean fruit industry gathered to celebrate this cohesive initiative.

Peru, under the leadership of PromPeru, showcased its rich agricultural diversity, with a focus on high demand of grapes, avocados, and of course, blueberries. Anticipating sales of US$ 450 million, Peru's participation of nearly 200 agro-export sector entrepreneurs, garnered significant interest from major markets, in products such as grapes, asparagus, mango, Hass avocado, pomegranate, citrus fruits, ginger, and blueberries through a strategic alliance between the Association of Agricultural Producer Guilds of Peru (Agap) and Promperú, supported by its Trade Office Abroad in Hamburg.

Brazil, with over 40 companies represented by the Brazilian Association of Fruit Exporters (Abrafrutas) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), showcased a diverse range of fruits, including maracujá, a?ai, dragon fruits, and more.?

The USA Pavilion, endorsed by the USDA, featured 17 exhibitors showcasing a diverse array of American produce. Visitors to the pavilion were treated to a wide variety of offerings, including apples, citrus, pears, pistachios, pomegranates and pomegranate juice, sweet potatoes, dates, and mangos. Notably, 10 of the exhibitors were small-to-medium-sized enterprises.

A Succesful 2024 Event and a Promising 2025 Edition

Fruit Logistica 2024 concluded on a high note with significant commercial achievements. According to survey data, half of the exhibitors successfully closed deals, and an impressive 90% anticipate positive outcomes from follow-up actions. Furthermore, nearly 90% of exhibitors expressed their readiness to endorse the event, eagerly anticipating participation in Fruit Logistica 2025.

Looking ahead to Fruit Logistica 2025, scheduled for February 5th to 7th in Berlin, QIMA is excited to confirm our booth presence. We have enjoyed the opportunities this event offers, allowing us to meet and support existing clients and connecting with new ones, showcasing our expertise in quality control, food safety, and organic certification services.