Yesterday saw a busy first day at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, where the temperatures were a little lower compared to previous editions of the event. Usually, the second day of the three-day event is the busiest and while that is also expected to be the case this year, day one didn't disappoint. It was a busier first day compared to other years and while exhibitors are usually longing for the second day, there was no reason to complain about first day attendance this time around. What may have driven the high turnout is that many attendees are eager to make agreements with their suppliers for the upcoming season.
Europe
Most regions of the world are represented at the event that continues to grow every year. Due to its location, about half of exhibitors are from Spain, but Europe in general is well represented. The Dutch exhibitors are spread out over different section of the venue and are not necessarily grouped together. Belgian exhibitors saw a busy first day with the VLAM Pavilion expanding every year. Exhibitors acknowledged that the timing of the show is ideal for them as it runs parallel with the start of the top fruit season. Attendees seems to increasingly find their way to the Belgian stands. French exhibitors were very satisfied as well. It was a more dynamic start for them compared to previous years and they feel Madrid is the new place to be in the trade show scene.
Staay Food Group from the Netherlands.
Overview of Flanders Pavilion, Belgium.
French exhibitor, proudly showing The Eiffel Tower in produce.
Italian exhibitors were represented in different halls but have in common that they saw many foreign visitors. Some exhibitors reduced the size of their stand or joined a collective group to save on expenses, still giving them an opportunity to participate. With the market situation being very different this year, some Italian exhibitors said they didn't see as many smiles this time around.
The Polish pavilion seemed a bit smaller this edition, with rumors saying the reason could be a decrease in government funding of the event. Polish apple exporters are positive about the season and hoping they can increase their presence in Latin American markets. The Greek Pavilion seemed to have grown compared to previous years with lots of traffic in Hall 10 on the first day.
Latin America
From Latin America, mostly Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador were present and both countries saw a busy first day with lots of interest for their products. The Peruvian delegation came with more than 30 exhibitors, showcasing products that are traded globally, including a range of exotic offerings.
Corpohass unveils their new brand Avocados From Colombia. Pictured is Liliana Garcia, Director of ProColombia in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Team Sol de Olmos couldn't wait to get a hard copy of the Primeur Magazine, Fruit Attraction edition.
Arab region and Africa
Over 100 companies from the Arab region were represented with the majority coming from Egypt and Morocco, sharing Halls 2 and 4. Their stands were very animated and filled up with meetings. Exhibitors from the region are satisfied about the traffic and the potential the event has to offer. Unfortunately, all Lebanese exhibitors, but one, had to cancel their participation in the event due to the war in the country. As a result, their pavilion was shut down.
Asia
From China, many garlic exporters were present and said they met existing clients to discuss business. They are happy their existing clients introduce them to new potential customers, increasing their opportunities to do business with Europe.
Developments in Spanish fresh produce sector
In Europe, the fresh produce sector currently faces strong demand with many European importers showing interest in greenhouse vegetables from Almeria, Spain. Due to a production gap in Central-North Europe, this demand comes earlier than usual. Creating a perfect storm is the fact that production in Almeria is delayed, resulting in prices currently being high. The Spanish citrus season has started with uncertainty due to a drop in lemon volumes. At the same time, orange harvest in Andalusia shows a recovery. In general, the Spanish citrus sector is hopeful the campaign will be more balanced this year compared to last year as the region is eager to regain its leadership in the European market. In Huelva, strawberry plantings will start in a few weeks, with new and improved varieties playing an important role. Water shortage continues to remain a concern for many regions, but growers are more optimistic for this coming season. Is the trend of paper and cardboard packaging reversing? Plastic is making a return as the safest and best option.