FROUTONEA_UK_SEPTEMBER21

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COMPANY PAGE



MENELAOS 2ND COVER
TEX 1
MSC 3 In this issue
KIKU 7
KOLIOS FRUIT 7 Grapes: The Greek season started
CHATZIDAKIS 11 and continues with many problems
SOULIS 12
LABROS-GIORGOS S.A. 12
HELLAGRO 20 Apples: Reduced production
and few good apples in Greece


MacFrut 2021: Anticipation keeps growing



4 PRODUCTS












ÒGrapes





THE SEASON STARTED AND CONTINUES WITH MANY PROBLEMS



Extreme weather conditions have also hit the table grapes, as the heat caused a lot of damage to
production in Korinthos and several in other areas!

fering them at low prices.
That is a double bad development for
the market, as we offer low quality grapes
and at low prices. Of course there is no
other solution, and as the producers say
«whatever you can save, once the water is
spilled, it is good».
The next period
The traders are looking forward to Sep-
tember to start the harvest in the late es-
tates of Korinthos, which have withstood
the heat and the grapes have no problems,
but also, most importantly, to start the
harvest of Thompson Seedless in Kavala.
It should be noted here that the area
of Kavala does not suffer significant dam-
ages from the heat or hail and so far the
seeded varieties are harvested in this area
and they have a relatively good commer-
cial course.
We are in the 34th week and the com- However, the point that will differentiate
mercial course of table grapes continues this year from the previous ones, especial-
with many problems, as a large part of the ly in the region of Kavala, is that the new
production in Korinthos has been damaged varieties will give us a considerable vol-
by the summer heatwave. Specifically, ac- ume of production this year, and that from
cording to people that are well aware of The point that will these new varieties with royalties it slow-
the cultivation in Korinthos, the heat wave ly begin the most remarkable to stand out.
has completely destroyed 20-30% of the differentiate this year from But on this subject, that is, which of
expected production in Thompson Seed- the previous ones, especially the new varieties will stand out, we will
less, while significant damage has been be able to say more in our next issues. On
caused to a large part of the rest grapes in the region of Kavala, is that a closing note, we would like to say that
and these quantities are being sold now the new varieties will give what the new season leaves us, is that the
with great difficulty, as they have no dura- us this year, a remarkable change of the varietal composition of the
bility. table grapes sector in our country will in-
In fact, as reported by the same people, volume of production tensify in the coming years and that new
there are constant complaints from the su- productive areas will emerge, which will
per market chains in Europe about quali- have sufficient water, but also arable land!
ty problems in these batches of grapes,
which Greek traders try to manage by of- T.O.



SEPTEMBER 2021

“THE CRETAN GRAPES


RECEIVED GOOD PRICES THIS YEAR”



The season for the Cretan Thompson Seedless grapes will end in a
few days and Froutonea interviews exporter, Mr. Lambros Pervo-
larakis, about what is happening in this last phase, but also the evalu-
ation of the season.

Europe are a privileged field for the com-
mercial circulation of Spanish products,
due to their proximity and, of course, a
large volume of supply - elements that al-
low them to be sold at more competitive
prices.
LAMPROS PERVOLARAKIS This year, however, we also saw Italy
play very competitively, dropping prices as
EXPORTER, CO-OWNER its production was pushed by the heat.
OF L. PERVOLARAKIS - So what are the Thompson Seedless
G.KOUTSOUMPOS SA grapes’ margins with its competitors?
At least in terms of competition with the
Italians, the Cretan grape is favored by the
fact that the Italian grapes of the same
category end earlier and are replaced by
Mr. Pervolarakis, what is the current new, seedless varieties, which cost more.
stage of the Cretan grape harvest? If we did not have the effects On the other hand, we try to be aware of
The harvest for Thompson Seedless market developments in order to push
grapes, ie the main variety grown in Crete, of the heat, there would be prices up.
will have been completed by September Cretan grapes on the market,
5th. At the same time, the Crimson and Au- How long will the Italian grapes be on
tumn Pearl harvest has been taking place until October 5 the market this year?
lately, but these are a bit widespread vari- Our stocks will last until September 15.
eties, which do not affect the general im- However, there are other Cretan export-
age of our industry. ers who seem to remain in the market with
small quantities for a while longer, until
Finally, what levels did the production Which markets absorbed the largest the 25th of the month. If we did not have
volume reach? volume of exports? the effects of the heat, there would be Cre-
Unfortunately, while at first it seemed For us, the main foreign markets were tan grapes on the market, until October 5.
that we would have a 20% increase in pro- Austria and Germany. However, Cretan
duction, eventually the heat changed the grapes are also exported to the Nether- Do Cretan producers show interest in
data and we saw our production decrease lands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgar- planting new varieties?
by almost 30% from what we expected. ia and Romania. Finally, I must note that Yes, they do. They put new, early, pat-
in the Greek market our company cooper- ented varieties of American and Israeli ori-
At what levels were the prices formed ates with Lidl. gin. We do the same.
this year? On the other hand, I do not consider it
Producer prices at the end of August are Therefore, you have a good experience necessary to expand our production in the
at 0.70-0.80 euros per kilo for good grapes. from the confrontation of Greek with other direction, with late varieties, as in
Earlier, early Starlight and Prime grapes Spanish and Italian grapes in the Ger- the corresponding period there is enough
ranged between 0.90 and 1.30 euros per ki- man-speaking markets. Tell us your product from Corinth and Kavala. Crete can
lo. In general, the prices that Cretan grapes conclusions. benefit by looking to improve its perfor-
received this year were good. It is a fact that the markets of Central mance at the beginning of the season.



SEPTEMBER 2021

6 INTERVIEW







“LOWER PRODUCTION OF GRAPES IN KAVALA”





The damage caused by the adverse weather conditions to the culti-
vation of Thompson Seedless and Crimson grapes in Kavala, is re-
flected in the reduction of their production, notes Mr. Charalam-
bos Chrysanidis, Owner of the company “Chrysanidis SA”.











CHARALAMPOS CHRYSANIDIS

OWNER OF CHRYSANIDIS SA




Mr. Chrysanidis, how is the grape harvest
evolving in Kavala? What varieties are you
currently collecting and what do you notice
in terms of quality and prices?
The harvest in Kavala started on Au-
gust 5 with the Victoria variety, the harvest
of which lasts until the end of the same
month. This year, we were satisfied with 30%, with good quality. As for the other rieties is it worth investing as far as
the quality, although the quantity of the varieties, our productive calendar is as fol- exports are concerned?
harvest was moderate. In terms of pric- lows: The Crimson grapes of Kavala start Let me talk about the ones we manage
es, they stood at a good level and in the to be cut on September 10-15, but earli- and therefore know best. We, therefore,
last week of the harvest, Victoria grapes er, on September 2-3, the harvest begins in have been cultivating the new varieties of
returned to the producer 0.45-0.50 euros the area of Krya Vrysi of Giannitsa. Unfor- IFG for three years now. In particular, we
per kilo. tunately, even in this variety the damages cultivate the white sugar crisp and sweet
Note, however, that in Corinth, where we are enough. From there, there are the Ital- globe and the red jack’s salute and sweet
also grow grapes, the season is not going ia grapes, whose harvest in Kavala begins celebration, from which we have been sat-
well for the Thompson Seedless grapes. at the first days of September and fortu- isfied both in terms of quality and the de-
Damage from the heat and lack of wa- nately, the vines have been left untouched mand they gather from the European mar-
ter averages 50%, while there are low- by adverse weather events. kets. These are the ones we recommend to
land estates where the damage is close the producers we work with and I can tell
to 80%. Neither the demand nor the pric- How do you assess European mar- you that their production will double in the
es are satisfactory, as for the good quality kets? next few years. Already, this year, we ex-
the grapes are paid to the producer at 0.75 Speaking of supermarket chains, the pect production of 1,000 tons.
euros per kilo, while the low quality at 0.60 Germans prefer Spanish suppliers because
euros per kilo. they are more competitive in price. On the What is the productive calendar of
other hand, for us, I think that the markets these varieties?
When does the harvest of Thompson of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithu- These are late varieties, which start in
Seedless grapes and the other variet- ania are better, as they burden the product late September and last until October 20.
ies in Kavala begin? with lower shipping costs, even a little. But This feature enables us to remain in the
In Kavala, the Thompson Seedless this factor is important for our work. European market, at a time when Spanish
starts at the end of August and this year production is declining and, thus, to have
we expect a reduction of production by Let’s talk about varieties. In which va- more opportunities to gain new customers.



SEPTEMBER 2021



8 PRODUCTS






ÒApples





PRODUCTION AT LOW LEVELS




The harvest of the various early varieties of apples started at the beginning of August and what
has been noted so far is that in all the production places, the volume of production is reduced.


area - and the reason for this develop-
ment is attributed to the frost of Spring. In
fact, experts in the area estimate that the
reduction will be over 30%, with the re-
sult that the total volume in Kastoria will
range to 20-25,000 tons, from 35-40,000
which is the dynamics of this area. As for
the evolution of the quality of the fruits,
things are not so good, as problems are
identified from the summer hail, while the
heat has left its mark, since the color of
the fruits is not desirable. Again, it is good
that in August there was some rain in the
area, while the temperature has dropped
at night - and so day by day there is an im-
provement in the issue of color. Regarding
the sizes of the fruits, due to the weath-
er conditions, the medium and small sizes
will be increased.

Kozani - Pirgoi: Experts from the re-
gion, estimate that the total volume of
the region will show a decrease this year,
of 20-30%, compared to last year - and
the main reason for this development is
the Spring frost. However, the heat has al-
so affected the growth of apples - and so
it is estimated that the average size of ap-
ples will be particularly high this year. As
for the hail, there is also damage to those
We are in the 34th week of the year and these new clones of the variety, in addi- estates that have not laid anti-hail nets,
the harvest of the Gala variety is in full tion to being resistant to adverse weath- but these estates are few - and so we can
swing in the area of Agia, but also in other er conditions, the fruits quickly acquire a say that the problems from the hail in Pir-
productive areas of the country. Producer very good color, compared to the tradi- goi of Kozani are minimal. Producers were
prices in the first weeks ranged at the lev- tional clone - and so can be collected ear- concerned about the color of the fruit,
el of 50-65 minutes, to then fall - and this lier - and this is an important advantage, but the rains that fell in August and the
week to be at 40-45. But what concerns which producers do not overlook. But I low temperatures that occur at night, will
the producers who cultivate this variety is think it’s time to see how things have solve this problem, as it is estimated, as
that the summer heat has caused some turned out so far in the various production the harvest will be delayed by about 10
damage, especially to the old clones of Centers of the country, in terms of the cul- days, compared to with a normal year. Fi-
the variety, while the new clones have tivation of apples. nally, in terms of the trade climate, this
better behavior at high temperatures. On year earlier than any other year, it already
this occasion, it should be noted here that Kastoria: Production is reduced in this has over 40% of the expected production,



SEPTEMBER 2021

with Producer prices being set at 50-60, ie Arnissa-Zervi-Panagitsa: The vol-
at last year’s levels. ume of apple production is reduced in this
area as well, with the total reduction per-
Agia: The harvest of the Gala variety, in haps exceeding 30%. But in addition to re-
the area of Agia, is currently in its last turn We are in the 34th week duced production, the area has also been
- and according to local circles, it will be hit by hail - and those farms that did not
completed in the first week of September. of the year and the harvest have anti-hail coverage have been se-
Producer prices for this early variety have of the Gala variety is in full verely damaged.
been satisfactory this year as well - and
this has forced Producers to invest in this swing in the area of Agia, Zagora: Here is an area that, instead
variety, the area under which is growing but also in other productive of decreasing, presents an increased pro-
every year. According to producers from duction volume, compared to last year’s
Agia, at the moment the productive profile areas of the country. catastrophic year. Everything is going
of the region in apples is the cala variety, Producer prices in the first smoothly in Zagora - and as Coopera-
with all its clones occupying about 25% of tives report, so far the quality of the fruits
the cultivated area, the green apples 35- weeks ranged at the level is very good, with only a black spot some
40%, the red varieties 15-20%, while in of 50-65 cents and this week small problems caused by the heat, in a
the remaining area other varieties of ap- small percentage of the production, which
ples are cultivated. Note here that the to- stand at 40-45 cents is in single digits. The year is also late in
tal volume of apples produced in Agia is Zagora - and if in September 1 to 2 rains
around 50,000 tons. Now, in terms of the fall, then the color and size will improve.
evolution of production in the red variet-
ies, there is a reduction in production, of Summarizing
the order of 15-20%, with the fruits cur- Based on the above data, we see that
rently lagging behind in color, however as the volume of apple production shows a
the year is late by about 2 weeks there is decrease in all production areas of the
the optimism that in the end the coloring country, except Zagora - and it is estimat-
will have improved as well. ed that the total reduction will be around

10 PRODUCTS






However, the Egyptian traders show a
preference for apples in our country and
we hope that they will not change their
attitude this year.


Briefly


→ The volume of production is
reduced in all Production areas
by at least 30%.
→ The heat has greatly affected
the color, but also the size of
the fruit.
→ The absorption of the Gala
variety is very good - and
30%. This percentage has also been an- this shows that at least the good apples especially the new clones,
nounced in the official forums - and as ev- will be easily absorbed this year. So the which are spreading rapidly,
erything shows, we will not have signifi- commercial climate is very good at the to the detriment of the old red
cant deviations from this estimate in the moment and the intention of the traders varieties.
end. is too close the agreements with the Pro-
In terms of fruit quality, we currently ducers, with last year’s prices. → The commercial climate is
have a lag in color due to high tempera- The only shadows that exist and con- good, with Producer prices
tures and heat, while in terms of size, cern the Traders, especially those who being at last year’s levels.
the medium and small sizes of fruits will invest in low quality apples, are the in- → The increased production
probably be increased - and of course creased production that Poland has this of Poland causes uncertainty
from this product no hail problems are al- year, which in order to find a way out of for our exports to Egypt, but
so missing. All this leads us to the conclu- its production, will “attack” with low pric- also to other countries in the
sion that the apples of the highest quali- es our own Markets, ie in Egypt and the Middle East.
ty category will be very few this year, as countries of the Middle East. Whether
the volume will be reduced in the apples he will succeed now remains to be seen.
of the middle quality category as well! On
the contrary, the apples of the lower qual-
ity category will be the most this year, in
relation to the total volume of production Main apple harvest
- and this, because there are many local in the Altes Land to start mid-September
problems from the heat and hail.
Finally, it should be noted that the start A flawless appearance combined with excellent taste: consumers can look
of the red variety harvest will start this forward to quality of all apple varieties this year, say experts from the Lower
year with a delay of at least one week, Saxony Chamber of Agriculture (LWK).
compared to a normal year. According to freshplaza.com, harvesting of the early varieties has already
been underway since around mid-August, followed from mid-September by
The commercial behaviour! the first main and storage varieties in the form of Holsteiner Cox and Elstar.
We must be optimistic about the out- «Due to the cold and very changeable weather in spring, the start of the apple
come of this year for apples. We say this harvest has been delayed by about a week compared to last year,» says Dr.
because the gala variety that opened the Matthias Görgens, deputy director of the LWK’s fruit growing research station
season has so far had a very good absorp- in Jork in the Stade district. August 27 is the official apple season opening of
tion, as no stocks are created - and any the state’s fruit-growing specialist group at the Esteburg fruit-growing center
fruits are collected, packaged and trav- in Jork.
el immediately to Egypt. Close to this, The apple harvest in the Lower Elbe region is expected to be 300,000 t for the
let us add that commercial agreements fourth year in a row - farms are even expecting a slight increase in the apple
have already been concluded for the ap- harvest to 308,000 t, compared to the 2020 yield of 306,000 t.
ples of the highest quality category and



SEPTEMBER 2021

Chatzidakis S.A.





COOLING FACILITIES | PACKING HOUSE


IMPORTS - EXPORTS






















Feel the taste!













































15th km. Larisa - Tirnavos,
401 00 Larisa Greece
Τel.: 2490 25301-2 | Fax: 24920 25303

Central Fruit & Vegetable Market of Athens Κ 28, 30
182 33 Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Attiki Greece
Τel.: 210 4838195 | Fax: 210 4838196
E-mail: [email protected]

12 INTERVIEW







“THE PRESENCE OF GREEK KIKU


APPLES IN THE MARKET IS GROWING”



Aiming to break the barrier of 1,000 tons this year for the distri-
bution of Greek Kiku apples, ASEPOP Velventos is moving for
even greater expansion of the cultivation and the commercial
presence of the brand in the coming years. The details are an-
alyzed in Froutonea by Mr. Efthymios Balanis, Director of the
cooperative.





EFTHYMIOS BALANIS

DIRECTOR OF ASEPOP VELVENTOS






Mr. Balanis, how is this year’s produc-
tion of the Greek Kiku apples? What is
the volume and quality of production?
The first Kiku apples will be harvested
in the first fortnight of October. In terms
of production volume, the first indications
predispose us to a quantity larger than last
year. We are particularly pleased with this
fact, as our goal is to expand both tempo-
rally and “geographically” the presence of Explain to us what is meant by talking tion, which will be formally completed in
Greek Kiku apples in the domestic market. about expanding the presence of Kiku the next period, is a confirmation and the
In terms of quality, the good course of fruit in the Greek market. reward of our efforts.
development shows that the quality of ap- With the productive data of last season,
ples will meet the high standards set by we were present in the market from Octo- In conclusion, due to the work you de-
the Kiku Company. ber to May, while the distribution of apples velop with Kiku, you now have enough
takes place through the store of ASEPOP experience in managing “heavy”
So what goals do you set for the pro- Velventos in the Central Market of Athens, brands. The question is: Can the Greek
duction? as well as by some additional shopkeepers market recognise them?
For this year, our goal is to exceed 1,000 of this market. Yes, of course it can. This is proven by
tons of Greek Kiku. However, our plan en- However, we are working in order to be the success story of our brand peaches
visages the even greater expansion of our able to maintain stocks until July and to “Velvita”, but there must be the follow-
collaborations with new Kiku growers in be able to start full-time partnerships with ing characteristics: First, a tasty and quali-
Northern Greece. Besides, through the ge- super market chains. ty product. Secondly, the right promotions,
otechnical department of our Cooperative, which will highlight the superior quali-
we stand next to these Producers, in order How is the cooperation of ASEPOP ty of this product, so that it is recognized
to ensure the best possible yield of their Velventos with the Kiku Company pro- by the market and consumers as such, and
crops. We believe that there are large mar- gressing? thirdly, appropriate trade partnerships, i.e.
gins and it is possible that within the next We maintain good cooperation and both those that will make this more expensive
five years the Greek production will exceed sides are absolutely happy with the results product available to consumers who can
2,000 tons. of our work. The renewal of our coopera- and are willing to pay for it.


SEPTEMBER 2021



14 INTERVIEW







“THIS YEAR’S APPLE


PRODUCTION IN AGIA IS REDUCED”




Mr. George Zeikos, president of A.C. Kissavos talks to Froutonea
about how the new apple season in Agia is evolving.




producer. We note that so far the apples
go directly to the markets and do not go
for storage.
What other varieties follow the Gala
apples of Agia and when will they en-
GEORGE ZEIKOS ter the market?
In the last week of August, the harvest
PRESIDENT OF A.C. KISSAVOS of the next varieties of red and green ap-
ples had already begun with low volumes.
However, large volumes of these varieties
will start to come out from September 10
Mr. Zeikos, how is the apple harvest onwards and then their storage will begin.
evolving in the area of Agia? In general, we are talking about the variet-
We started picking the first apples on ies Red Velox, Jeromin, Granny Smith and
August 10, two weeks late compared to others. I repeat that all these dates indi-
the normal start date of the harvest. The cate a very late season.
first fruits were various types of the Ga-
la variety, such as the dark baron. The Ga- Is there any estimate for the total pro-
la harvest in Agia will continue until the duction volume?
first week of September and includes oth- Our Cooperative will distribute a slight-
er types of the same variety, such as devil Large volumes of Red Velox, ly reduced quantity of apples this year and,
and schnico red. Jeromin and Granny Smith as it seems, the whole of Agia area will
bring fewer apples to the market this year.
How is the volume and the quality varieties will start coming out
of the production at Gala apples this from September 10 onwards Given all the above, how would you de-
year? scribe the season that is just beginning?
The heat did not allow the apples to and then their storage The great difficulty, not only this year
easily acquire size and color. That’s why, will begin. Our Cooperative but in general, is that not only is Poland
after all, it took so long to start the har- extremely competitive in the markets we
vest. Fortunately, in the meantime some will distribute a slightly are as well in, such as Egypt, but also
rainfall occurred which helped the fruits to reduced quantity of apples that countries that formerly were primar-
get the right sizes, colors and brix levels. ily purchasing countries have now started
However, the heatwave also managed to this year and, as it seems, to grow their own production. I am talking
cause losses, as we record a 15% reduc- the whole of Agia area will mainly about Ukraine and Serbia, but Alba-
tion in our initially expected production this nia and Bulgaria are also developing their
year. bring fewer apples to the own apple crops.
market this year Our other markets, such as Jordan and
How do prices evolve? Saudi Arabia, have limited purchasing pow-
Apparently they started higher and with er and Egypt has become an indispensable
the passing of days they decreased. How- choice. But with the developments that I
ever, in the last week of August they were described to you, things are difficult for the
stable at 0.45-0.50 euros per kilo for the Greek apple in this market too.


SEPTEMBER 2021



16







VOG
2021 CROP SLIGHTLY SMALLER;


CLUB APPLES AND ORGANIC PRODUCTION INCREASE



In spite of the spring frosts and the growth in European output, a fairly well balanced sales season is
forecast.








































Slight reduction in quantities (-4%) and the low availability of containers, the clo-
harvesting about 7 days later. These are sure of the Suez Canal and, last but not
the expectations of the VOG Consortium least, Brexit in the United Kingdom.”
of Terlano (Bolzano) for the harvest of the
2021/2022 season, which got under way This season will see the first VOG´s production at approx.
in mid August with the start of picking of commercial quantities of the 500,000 tonnes
Gala apples. At the start of the 2021/2022 sales
“The European crop for the sea- three new apples launched season, VOG is expecting a slight re-
son which has just ended was relatively this year - RedPop®, duction in its crop, predicted to approx.
small, so conditions were favourable for 500,000 tonnes this year. Sizes will be
us to dispose of our product at a uniform Giga® and Cosmic Crisp® - smaller than last season, during which
rate throughout the year,” Klaus Höl- and growth in production fruit were, however, larger than average.
zl, VOG sales manager, explained. “We Europe-wide, the forecast is for a total
had to reckon with Covid again this year, of the Joya® and Crimson increase in production of 10% compared
but its effects were less dramatic than in Snow® brand apples, already to last year. “The harvest will also be an
2019-2020, while on the non-EU market average of one week later, and fruit siz-
we had to overcome difficulties such as present on the market es smaller, right across Europe. Output



SEPTEMBER 2021

will be higher, but still well below the re- well. As VOG CEO Walter Pardatscher ex-
cord crops of 2018,” Mr Hölzl commented. plains: “Our ambitious plan to expand our
“What’s more, once you deduct the prod- assortment with innovative varieties tai-
uct intended for industrial use, the quan- lored to the demands of new consumers
tity available for the fresh fruit market The outlook for the coming is intended to offer the right apple for all
will presumably be similar to that of last needs and tastes. All this is only possi-
year, and this points to a fairly well bal- season is also positive ble thanks to our innovative and passion-
anced sales season.” for organic production. ate producers”.

Good proceeding for the Good quality is confirmed Positive outlook for the organic
Consortium’s varietal innovation for organic Royal Gala production
programme The outlook for the coming season is
In terms of varieties, the VOG crop will apples, although sizes also positive for organic production. Good
include good quantities of Royal Gala, will be smaller and quality is confirmed for organic Royal Gala
Golden Delicious and Fuji, and above all yields lower due to apples, although sizes will be smaller and
the growth in the Club apples envyTM, yields lower due to the spring frost. As a
yello® and Kanzi®, continues. Alongside the spring frost result of the rise in apple orchard acre-
these, the season will see the first com- age (+7%), VOG’s organic crop will expand
mercial quantities of the three new ap- to 32,000 tonnes in the new season. Year-
ples launched this year - RedPop®, Giga® round availability is guaranteed.
and Cosmic Crisp® - and growth in pro- Last but not least, the new season
duction of the Joya® and Crimson Snow® will be affected by the rise in raw materi-
brand apples, already present on the al prices which began at the end of 2020.
market. The international situation is also having
The upward trend for these new vari- repercussions for the apple trade, with
eties confirms that the Consortium’s vari- considerable impact on packaging, freight
etal innovation programme is proceeding and logistics costs.




Labros - Giorgos S.A.






As fresh as it can get!

























LABROS – GIORGOS S.A.
Profitis Ilias, Irakliou, 71500 | Tel.: (+30) 2810 871536 | Fax: (+30) 2810 871514


SEPTEMBER 2021

18 FRESHLETTER






MACFRUT 2021
ANTICIPATION KEEPS GROWING



The 38th edition of Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fresh produce industry, to be held
from 7 to 9 September at the Rimini Expo Centre (Italy), is just a few days away and anticipation keeps
growing: sector professionals will soon get together, for the first time after a long hiatus imposed by
the pandemic, to showcase the latest innovations in the industry and establish trade relations.



cated to agri-food. ‘We are proud to be able
to say that the 2021 edition of Macfrut will
inject new optimism’, says Renzo Piraccini,
President of Macfrut, ‘and we are pleased
with the feedback we are receiving from our
exhibitors as it once again shows just how
committed they are to this event. Trade re-
lations should be conducted face to face;
however, over the last few months, they
have been subject to restrictions due to the
ban on in-person gatherings at large spe-
cialist events. The figures show that sector
professionals are very eager to meet again
and feel the need to do so. The organisers
of Macfrut have been working tirelessly to
make this happen and to make sure that
the trade fair can take place as safely as
possible,’ concludes Piraccini.
A hybrid format
Macfrut 2021 will be a special edition,
The 2021 edition of Macfrut, the inter- not only because this will be the first ma-
national trade fair for the fruit and vegeta- jor in-person event for the fruit and vege-
ble sector, is just around the corner. From table industry, but also because it is a hy-
7 to 9 September, at the Rimini Expo Cen- brid format. In fact, those who will not be
tre (Italy), the international fruit and veg- A total of 800 exhibiting able to come to Rimini can participate vir-
etable industry will gather once again in tually by registering at macfrutdigital.com.
person at a three-day trade fair packed companies will be present, The online platform will offer the opportu-
with events, technical tests and, above all, 20% of which are from nity to hold B2B meetings, watch recorded
trade relations. A total of 800 exhibiting conferences and visit the virtual stands of
companies will be present, 20% of which abroad, representing the exhibiting companies.
are from abroad, representing all indus- all industry segments
try segments (production, technology, ma- The China Day
chinery, packaging, logistics, services, etc.) (production, technology, Macfrut will officially kick off on 6 Sep-
and 500 international buyers have already machinery, packaging, tember with a virtual preview dedicated to
been accredited. China. The China Day will be hosted on the
As the 38th edition draws closer, en- logistics, services, etc.) macfrutdigital.com platform and is organ-
thusiasm is growing not only among sec- and 500 international buyers ised in collaboration with the ATPC (Agri-
tor professionals but also among the or- cultural Trade Promotion Centre), the Chi-
ganisers who have been working hard over have already been accredited nese government body that promotes
the last few months to ensure the success- agricultural products. In addition to the ex-
ful and safe running of this trade fair, which hibition there will be a dedicated area for
will be the first major in-person event dedi- B2B meetings as well as the second edi-



SEPTEMBER 2021

tion of the Italy-China Forum, which will This event will focus on experiences in the
be the largest event for trade exchanges entire berry industry, which will be shared
with China ever held outside of the coun- by participants from the world’s main pro-
try. The exhibition area will be divided in- duction and marketing areas: a meeting
to two pavilions: the China pavilion, which Those who will not be able place for nurserymen, producers, packers
will feature 111 Chinese companies repre- and large-scale retailers.
senting leading producers from 20 provinc- to come to Rimini The Biosolutions International Forum,
es, including Guangdong (tropical fruit) and can participate virtually by aimed at bringing together the Mediterra-
Hebei (apples and pears), and the interna- nean production chains and the world of
tional pavilion, with about 20 exhibitors in- registering at macfrutdigital. biostimulants, will take place on 9 Sep-
terested in the Chinese market. com. The online platform will tember. Both events will include an exhibi-
All virtual stands will remain online tion and a conference.
during Macfrut and will be visible in En- offer the opportunity The fourth edition of the Internation-
glish, Chinese and Italian, while an En- to hold B2B meetings, al Asparagus Days, instead, will be held
glish-Chinese interpreting service will be throughout Macfrut: a three-day exhibition
available to exhibitors and buyers during watch recorded conferences with conferences, field demonstrations
B2B meetings. and visit the virtual stands and technical visits to companies dedicat-

International conferences of the exhibiting companies ed to the entire asparagus industry.
Several international conferences are A Covid-free trade fair
also scheduled to take place in person, but In accordance with the Covid-19 mea-
they will also be recorded and made avail- sures taken by the Italian government,
able online for those who want to watch Macfrut will only be accessible to those
them at a later time. who have a Green Pass or an equivalent in-
The Italian Berry Congress, a great new ternational certificate. Those who do not
addition to Macfrut 2021, promoted by Ncx have one will be able to take a rapid test
Drahorad and ItalianBerry.it in cooperation at the exhibition centre at either of the two
with Macfrut, will be held on 8 September. entrances.










































SEPTEMBER 2021