While many air cargo businesses are paying close attention to perishables, and industry publications and event organizers strive to attract hundreds of delegates to their conferences, companies that crave real action and market intelligence might do well by going to Berlin next month for Fruit Logistica, occurring February 3-5 at The Berlin ExpoCenter and City Cube.
     It’s certainly a good idea to send in some experts, but don’t forget to include sales and marketing people, because this event is loaded with innovation and new ideas.
      This is not so much an opportunity for a last minute display as it is a very worthwhile experience for exploring new possibilities.
      Of course, IATA Cargo will also meet in Berlin in March, but Fruit Logistica is about business and making money—it has quietly risen in importance to bite air cargo collectively on the fanny.
      The question is: who will stand up and take notice?
      Fruit Logistica has been held every year for more than a decade, and last year it blew the doors off its Berlin venue, attracting a record 65,000 people from more than 135 countries and 2,785 exhibitors from 83 countries.
       
Really Big Show

      Needless to say, the fresh produce industry was on the half shell in 2015, as business was booked, networks were strengthened, and everybody agreed it was a peach of an event.
      Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH, was understandably overwhelmed: “In addition to its undisputed position as a business platform, last year’s event strengthened its leading role for innovation to the international fresh produce trade.
      “For 2016, exhibitors and trade visitors will experience excellent opportunities to make contact with wholesalers, retailers, fruit and vegetable growers, importers and exporters, and suppliers,” he said.

Logistics Hub

      Fruit Logistica 2016 sees the addition of the Logistics Hub.
      Rather than sales pitches, sessions aimed at producers and shippers will address ten current issues relating to the logistics chain.
      “This is where producers, exporters and traders will find the information they need to help them make the right logistic decisions when it comes to transporting their goods,” says Alex von Stempel, who organized the sessions.
      “Supply chains are becoming longer and more complicated, sometimes spanning several continents.
      “The right choice of logistic services can determine whether or not a fresh produce consignment can be sold.
      “Fresh produce handling and logistics are essentially two sides of the same coin.
      “If costs are unclear, it is impossible to set a price.”
      Alex von Stempel has over 20 years experience as a commentator and trade journalist.
      He spends a significant portion of his time developing global and regional Perishable Logistics events, believing that niche conferences such as Cool Logistics Global, Cool Logistics Asia, Cool Logistics Africa, and Cool Logistics Americas can help advance and develop the perishables business.
      “As a team player I like to work with people who want to make a difference,” says Alex. His cooperative spirit may be his best reference of all as the perishables business skyrockets to the top of attention in air cargo worldwide.
      “‘Time to market’ is a practical way to measure logistical efficiency,” he will insist as part of his sessions in Berlin next month.
      “But there is more to it than that.
      “Fresh produce can be shipped by sea, air, road, or, in some cases, by rail.
      “It is important to ensure that the delivery process for fresh produce on its way from farm to point of sale is adapted to the respective mode of transport.”
      “Logistics Hub” takes place on February 3-5, 2016 in the CityCube Berlin, Hall B, Stand C-04.

Innovation Awarded

      The “Innovation Awards” (FLIA) showcase products and services released over the last 12 months, and an event at Fruit Logistica called “Future Lab” recognizes projects that can supply the fresh produce sector with innovations over the next two to five years.
      “Spotlight,” a new feature that debuted in 2015, offers companies the opportunity to present the latest and improved products and services.
      The first “Spotlight” featured no fewer than 34 world and 9 European premieres.
      http://www.fruitlogistica.de/en/
Geoffrey