The first two days of the Asia Fruit Logistica 2024, that took place in Hong Kong last week (4-6 September, 2024), were described as an overall success by exhibitors and show attendees. However, despite the two good first days, the uncertainty around the Typhoon and missed morning due to the T8 warning in Hong Kong is what most people who attended the show will remember.
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The first day of the show was very busy. More than 600 exhibitors from 38 different countries came together to showcase a wide array of fruit and vegetable products. Two fruit types that stood out and were available in ample supply were apples, pears and a variety of berries. This includes blueberries, strawberries and raspberries that were eagerly tasted and enjoyed by the show visitors. China stood out as the largest exhibiting country, with the number of Chinese exhibitors that has increased with 12 percent compared to last year.
Other Asian markets seem to be doing well. For India, exporting grapes to Europe has been challenging due to the Red Sea situation, but the country has found a good alternative in Russia. With fewer grapes making their way over to Russia from other countries, it was a good market for India. Some Italian apple and pear exporters said demand from China and Asia as a whole is good, but the Red Sea challenges prevent them from sending fruit.
Exporters from Latin America continue to see opportunities to expand in Asia. For the Asian market, quality and appearance of the products are key, including size, shape, colour, and flavour. Certifications on the other hand, as required in Europe and the U.S., are less important.
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Tasting is key
On display at the show were lots of exotic fruit and vegetable items. For the Asian market, it is very important for potential buyers get to taste the different products. As a result, most companies brought samples, and exhibitors were busy getting the displays in their booths ready and making sure their products appealed to the audience.
Apart from exotic produce items on display, this year's exhibition also stands out for the presence of companies specializing in seeds, variety research and development, breeding technology, and nursery cultivation. Many exhibitors are showcasing their cutting-edge innovations in the fruit and vegetable seed industry.
All in all, exhibitors from China as well as other countries reported a strong start of the trade show, with considerable interest for their products from across Asia. Several companies said they were satisfied with potential customer leads and new orders they had already received.
Threat of Super Typhoon Yagi impacts second and last day of Asia Fruit Logistica
Super Typhoon Yagi that neared the city of Hong Kong saw organizers opening an hour earlier on the second day of the show. Exhibitors and attendees said they made full use of the extra time, by rescheduling meetings to Thursday. Ironically, during Asia Fruit Logistica's 2023 event, the worst rainstorm in 150 years hit Hong Kong and prevented the event from opening its doors on day three.
Some lessons were learned from last year's big interruptions with hotels and restaurants making for alternative meeting venues for exporters, importers etc. A South African exported noted they were able to spend even more time with a key importer, away from the show. A number of South African exporters also visit other Asian countries before and after the show, thereby making full use of the long trip. They say any cancellation or delayed start had much less effect for them. Other countries, however, were not so happy with yet another third day, effectively "wasted".
"We empathize with the organizers that the show couldn't begin as normal at 10:00 am this morning," said Jill Witheyman with Angus Soft Fruit. "We are disappointed, but this unforeseen outcome was unavoidable. The show has been a great success so far with an engaging and positive atmosphere and we are pleased we can return for the afternoon," she said.
"We normally plan our meetings for the first two days only, so it is not a problem for us," commented Sam Manujith with The Avolution. As a result of the weather forecast, many Chinese companies were already planning for the show to be cancelled on the third day and started rushing to make appointments on the second day instead.
"The afternoon of the last day entrance is free to the public," commented Mr. Tian from Jining Shangzhuo. "Therefore, most professional attendees visit our stand on the first and second day of the event. As a result, the weather conditions on the last day had little impact on our participation."
In addition, some South American exhibitors, who travel around 28 hours one-way to get to Hong Kong, were upset to again only have two days of the show. "Maybe the organizers should consider moving to other dates when these weather events are less common," one person commented.
Asia is a key market for many continents
Asia Fruit Logistica is a key event for Latin America. Chile sends about 90 percent of their cherries to China and with a record crop expected for the upcoming season, networking with (potential) customers is invaluable. Chilean cherries are a popular item to gift for Chinese New Year and Chinese consumers are willing to pay a good price for high quality fruit.
Asia is also an important market for Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand cherry and apple growers are optimistic for a better season after a cyclone and wet weather made for a couple of tough years. Australian vegetable growers have seen a good winter season with ideal growing conditions in most places.
In the European section of the show, many French apple and pear growers said they are happy with the demand for their fruit across Asia, with India and China particularly showing. The Belgian pavilion had a lot of fruit on display, with tastings delighting visitors. The South African pavilion was packed with visitors, as many exporters were meeting with buyers from Asia. Some were reviewing and closing the citrus season, while others were discussing programs for the coming table grape season.
Exhibitors from North America also reported it is a successful event for them. U.S. growers mainly have grapes, citrus, apples, dates, and potatoes on display. From the U.S., California is particularly well represented. Canadian growers and exporters promoted cherries, apples, and blueberries and hope to increase exports to Asia.
As most people returned to their respective countries over the weekend, many noted they will wait to hear from the organisers about their plans to mitigate any major disruptions for next year's event that has already been set for 3 to 5 September, 2025.
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