Record participation at fresh produce focal point in Berlin.

Fruit Logistica Berlin 2008, the biggest-ever trade event for the international fresh produce industry, is ready to open its doors. From 7th to 9th February, the key global players and companies from all levels of the produce trade will be in Berlin for the most comprehensive market overview ever presented at a trade fair. Some 2,110 exhibitors (2007: 1,856, +13%) from all continents will be showing products and services from across the entire fresh produce supply chain. A total of 68 countries will be represented in 25 halls at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, including first-time exhibitors from Latvia, Madagascar and Uruguay. Around 88% of the exhibitors are from outside Germany. The total exhibition space will increase by 12.5% from 72,000 square metres last year to 81,000 in 2008. As one of Africa's leading fruit and vegetable producers and this year's partner country, Morocco will be present at Fruit Logistica 2008 along with all of the nation's key export companies. Some 45,000 of the industry's top decision-makers from more than 120 countries are expected to attend the three-day trade fair and accompanying conferences. Established in 1993, FFruit Logistica will be taking place this year for the 16th time in Berlin.

Fruit Logistica 2008 was opened on 06 February (6.00 pm, ICC Berlin, Hall 2) by State Secretary Ursula Heinen from the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Trade Abdellatif Maâzouz.

Parallel to Fruit Logistica, Messe Berlin will be presenting FRESHCONEX 2008, a new trade fair focusing on the rapidly growing market for fresh-cut convenience products in the fruit trade. FRESHCONEX will be held in Halls 7.2a and 7.2b and is full integrated into the Fruit LogisticaA rounds.

Comprehensive conference programme

Kicking off the supporting programme is the traditional Fresh Produce Forum (06.02) where the focus this year will be on "New consumer expectations – trends at the point of sale". A total of seven Hall Forums sponsored by FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN (Düsseldorf) will cover a variety of topics: Quality over price – New perspectives in the retail sector (07.02.), European Commission: School Fruit for all? (07.02.), Russia – import goliath and gateway to the East (07.02.), Hidden potential in the supply chain (08.02.), Morocco – trading partner of the future (08.02.), Certification – finding a way through the maze (09.02.) and Innovation in the fresh produce business (09.02.).

Three special awards will be presented to honour outstanding performance in the fresh produce industry: the "Grüner Merkur" (06.02), the German Fruit Prize (07.02.) and the FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD 2008 FLIA (09.02.)