The second day of Asia Fruit Logistica had slightly fewer visitors, but there was still a good flow of people. There was lots of interest from Asia for Australian and New Zealand cherries. Australians are just waiting on the final go ahead to ship the first loads of avocados to India. After the access was granted and protocols agreed upon earlier this year, this looks like a positive market and will ease the pressure on the Australian domestic market which is over supplied.
The Belgian conference pear exporters have noticed a lot of interest from China. There is less European fruit this year. One exported said he would hold his place in the market, but will shop less, while another said he will supply all the volume that the Chinese market wants despite the lower availability in terms of volumes.
China; big market, big stands
It’s noticeable that the size and design of many Chinese stands has grown. We heard that the Chinese fruit industry wants to show that the companies are strong, alive and ready to do more business. Nearly all exhibitors have given the feedback that the show traffic is good, stable and with new prospects. The food and fruit business in China has managed to navigate strongly through the COVID period; and this shown in the confidence of the exhibiting companies on the show.
For some exhibitors, being at this event is not to attract new clients, but new suppliers. There is some competition in this regard; making one wonder about the shift in power from buyer to supplier. Not only for China, but for Asia in general.
South Americans ready to supply Asia
South American exhibitors are seeing big interest from Asian buyers for blueberries, exotics and grapes as well as bananas. The drier weather in Peru featured in many conversations, but producers still had boxes of blueberries on display and available for tasting. They assured Asian customers there will be supply with a focus on quality.
A prominent blueberry variety owner said they have had the most interesting show with interest from buyers exceeding his expectations. A colleague said they buyer interest from across Asia was very strong. They had positive meetings with the leading retailers in China and other markets who want a 52 week supply.
The Brazilian pavilion was smaller, but reflects the size of their trading in Asia, which is lower than other regions. They key for them is to attend the show and learn more in order to increase volumes in future as China and other markets open up said a Brazilian exhibitor.
Hong Kong is back!
Canada's British Columbia stone and pome fruit companies and industry associations mentioned they had many interested buyers from China and the rest of Asia. The many meetings will lead to increasing sales volumes they said. South Korea and Vietnamese retail buyers as well as importers were lining up for meetings at the stands of Canadian and US companies too.
Exhibitors from different countries commented that Hong Kong is truly back as a show with an international offering of companies from across Asia and the rest of the world. The theme of strong buyer interest featured a lot.