Increase in attendance at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013: More than 58,000 top-ranking trade visitors from 130 countries

Berlin, 12 February 2013 – FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading event for the international fresh produce trade sector, fully lived up to the high expectations. Held from 8-10 February in Berlin, FRUIT LOGISTICA attracted the industry's major decision-makers, excellent reviews from exhibitors and trade visitors regarding the commercial results at the trade fair, and an increased number of trade visitors. More than 58,000 trade visitors from 130 countries came to learn more about products and services spanning the entire fresh produce value chain and to gain a global overview of the market. Around 80% of the visitors came from outside Germany. Exhibitors and trade visitors alike praised the excellent contacts to wholesalers and retailers, fruit and vegetable growers, importers and exporters. Key representatives from the world of agricultural policy came to Berlin, including twelve ministers of agriculture. Some 750 media representatives from 37 countries reported on site at the exhibition venue.

Dr. Christian Göke , Chief Operating Officer for Messe Berlin GmbH, commented: "Hardly any other industry worldwide has a trade fair with such an indisputable leading position as FRUIT LOGISTICA. The outstanding features of this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA were the international scope of the trade fair, the high degree of decision-making authority of industry representatives, the global market overview in the exhibition area and the presentation of the produce sector’s great innovative strength." The strongest participation yet with 2,543 exhibitors from 78 countries presented the entire value chain which ensures supply of quality fresh fruit and vegetables for consumers year round. Ninety per cent of the exhibitors came from outside Germany. Peru was the official partner country of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013.

Exhibitors highly satisfied

Key objectives for exhibitors at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 included presenting their company, strengthening existing customer relations and developing new business. These objectives were largely achieved. More than one-third of the exhibitors said they had presented innovations or enhancements of existing products at their stand. 88.3% of exhibitors said that their participation at the trade fair had a positive impact on business. Although business contracts were not among the top priorities, 45% of all exhibitors received new orders at the trade fair. Some 85% of exhibitors said they anticipated good post-exhibition business. An impressive 94% of exhibitors reported a good or very good overall impression of this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA.

Positive business results for 98% of trade visitors

The internationality and decision-making authority of the trade professionals was a notable feature of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013. The share of trade visitors from countries outside of Germany was around 80%. Trade visitors from outside Germany were mainly from Europe (70.4%); followed by the Americas (11.7%), Africa (7.6%), Asia (4.7%) and Oceania (1%). Most of the trade visitors came to FRUIT LOGISTICA to establish new business contacts or source new suppliers, find out about new products, study the market and monitor the competition. They were primarily interested in fresh produce as well as packaging and packing machinery. The key trade visitor groups were fruit and vegetable growers, representatives from import/export businesses, and just as importantly representatives from the wholesale and retail trade. The level of the trade visitors' decision-making authority remained high. Some three-quarters of the trade visitors hold senior positions in their companies. The majority of trade visitors praised the range of products and services on display at the trade fair. 98.2% of trade visitors gave a positive assessment of their business results at the event. 81.4% were able to establish new business contacts. More than one-third of trade visitors concluded business deals during the trade fair, and 75% were anticipating follow-up negotiations and business transactions as a result of the contacts made at the trade event.