Fruit Logistica and Freshconex exceeded all expectations in Berlin

Trade visitors and clients from all over the world visited S&G stand at the TasteXperience live show

A record-breaking attendance figures add up to a positive preliminary assessment for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 from 7 to 9 February in Berlin. Some 50,000 trade visitors from 125 countries represented a 16% increase compared to 43,000 visitors from 120 countries in 2007. Trade visitors and clients from all over the world visited S&G stand at the TasteXperience live show, hosted by the dutch Master Chef Angelique Schmeinck, to learn about the company’s latest developments and newest products.

Visitors found a new S&G pepper variety, sweet Sivri Type, named DOZER. Clients were specially surprised that it was possible to create a sweet version of this traditional Turkish type, because the shape was reminding them of a hot pepper. The original Sivri varieties can be pungent at certain times of the year, which can represent a problem for consumers who do not appreciate a pungent taste. That is why DOZER variety is an important breakthrough for the Turkish business chain.

As for tomatoes, they come in different shapes and sizes: small, round, oval, on the vine, etc. They are adapted to the different growing conditions around the planet. They offer unique flavours, benefiting from Syngenta research on fruit taste and its perception by consumer.

With respect to melons, the S&G range of Galia, Charentais and Piel de sapo melons were shown at the stand, as well as high quality personal size seedless Watermelons. Other products as courgettes, broccoli and cauliflowers were also shown in different colours, as well as the BellaGio® lettuce, which is a truly new range of high quality lettuce with uniform, one bite leaves with a perfect structure and attractive colours and different shapes.

Many people experimented with flavours and aromas at S&G stand, enjoying the taste of many special F&V recipes. The show at S&G stand was hosted by the Dutch master chef, Angélique Schmeinck, who prepared a number of new and imaginative dishes that are getting the very most out of fresh fruits and vegetables: clear tomato juice, tomatoes with lamb steaks and shrimps with a pepper sauce. She will also be attending the Tomato Conference 2008, organized by Syngenta next May in The Netherlands, where visitors would also appreciate the seducing flavours of S&G fruits and vegetables.

Once again in 2008, FRUIT LOGISTICA attracted a substantial number of top decision-makers. Three-quarters of the trade visitors came to Berlin from other European nations or from overseas countries and officials from Morocco, this year's FRUIT LOGISTICA partner country, attending the event included Aziz Akhenouch, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, and Abdellatif Maâzouz, Minister of Foreign Trade. The opening-day tour was led by German Agriculture Minister Horst Seehofer. Agriculture ministers from Egypt, Amin Abaza, Chile, Marigen Hornkohl, and Italy Paolo De Castro, were on hand along with 32 ambassadors and a number of official delegations representing countries from around the world.

According to Messe Berlin executive Dr. Christian Göke, "FRUIT LOGISTICA 2008 exceeded our high expectations and has evolved to become a premium product. The global market overview of the entire fruit industry value chain was more professional and comprehensive than ever before".

Author: Laura Novell
Correspondent Fruit Logistica / Freshconex 2008

Syngenta Seeds Vegetables Tomatoes Today - February 2008