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Monday, February 23, 2009
FreshConex -- held in conjunction with Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany -- drew 5,500 attendees from all over the world. The fresh-cut trade fair and educational sessions were held Feb. 4-6 at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds.
Fresh Cut's editorial director, Kimberly Warren, attended FreshConex and Fruit Logistica. Following are some of her observations from the show, as well as many of her photos featuring several different views of the FreshConex trade show floor. All things fresh-cut were on display at FreshConex, from the latest equipment and technology to the latest fresh-cut retail and foodservice offerings. A positive outlook for the convenience produce industry could be heard across the trade show floor -- in many of the world's languages. Consumers still are looking for products that will make their meal preparations quicker and easier. And they are continually looking for more ways to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables -- a message being touted by all of the world's health officials. Economic concerns were on the minds of those in attendance -- from exhibitors to attendees. During the opening press conference for Fruit Logistica, Jurgen Boruszewski, president of the German Fruit Trade Association, said that the financial crisis is certainly a concern for the media and the public at large. "Our member companies have already felt the impact of that crisis." Boruszewski continued in his official welcoming statement that: " ... we consider the impact less dramatic since the fruit trade has been subject to an extreme price competition for years and is consequently left with no space for market corrections. The green assortment will maintain its hold on the market as basic food, especially since it can be offered at relatively low prices. Additionally, it meets the consumers' demand for healthy food and a life in accordance with nature. We think that the general trend towards helath food will remain." This is good news for the fresh-cut industry. While that struggling world economy is affecting some consumers' willingness to spend a little extra on the convenience of fresh-cut, they're still willing to pay for products that will make their busier lives easier -- and allow them to feed their families fresh, healthful, tasty foods. The show floor was full of companies with new product offerings that fill those consumer needs while remaining affordable, healthful options. Many of these products involved combining proteins with fresh-cut produce -- anything from regular deli meats and cheeses to uncooked meat in stir fry kits, ready to toss in a pan on the stove and cook. Companies also were finding successes using fruits and vegetables consumers may be unfamiliar with and unwilling to try alone. For example, one fresh-cut company was promoting its fruit salads, which included star fruit and dragon fruit in its mix of pineapples and strawberries. These exotic fruits -- at least to many U.S. consumers -- seem less intimidating when served sliced and ready to eat with other familiar fruits. FreshConex attendees and exhibitors alike saw an overall positive future for the future of the fresh-cut industry -- as long as processors are bringing consumers the products they're seeking that are safe, healthful and convenient. FreshConex will be held Feb. 3-5, 2010, at the Berlin exhibition grounds. For more information, visit www.freshconex.com.
posted by Great American Publishing
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8:22 AM
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At one booth, a man played a carrot flute to draw attention to the booth and entertain the crowd. As it turns out, Vienna has an entire orchestra where the musicians only use instruments made of vegetables. Check it out at http://www.gemueseorchester.org/.
posted by Great American Publishing
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8:13 AM
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posted by Great American Publishing
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8:10 AM
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 This fresh-cut produce kit from Hessing Supervers combines raw diced chicken with fresh-cut vegetables and rice, providing the consumer with a fresh, convenient and healthful meal option. In this fresh-cut fruit offering, star fruit and dragon fruit are combined with other, more traditional fruits -- making "exotic" fruits more available and accessible to consumers who might otherwise not want to buy something they're unfamiliar with.
posted by Great American Publishing
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8:05 AM
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 This sweet green pepper from Enza Zaden won the 2009 Innovation Award from Fruit Logistica. The award is voted on by Fruit Logistica attendees.
posted by Great American Publishing
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8:03 AM
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posted by Great American Publishing
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8:01 AM
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posted by Great American Publishing
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8:00 AM
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