Germany is the official partner country for Fruit Logistica 2017, which will take place in Berlin on 8-10 February. This was announced at a joint press event in Berlin by Dr Robert Kloos, State Secretary, Dr Christian Weseloh, Managing Director of the German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BVEO), and Gérald Lamusse, Head of Products & New Business at Messe Berlin.
Germany was chosen as the partner country to mark the 25th anniversary Fruit Logistica. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) emphasises the importance of the world's leading trade fair for fresh produce, particularly with regard to the changing export market situation. "We at the BMEL are delighted to see that Messe Berlin has teamed up with the BVEO as a competent German partner for this event", said State Secretary Kloos.
Dr. Christian Weseloh, Managing Director, German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BVEO); Dr. Robert Kloos, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for consumer protection, food and agriculture (BMEL); Gérald Lamusse, Division Manager Products & New Business, Messe Berlin GmbH (l.t.r.)
"Fruit Logistica was founded in 1993 in response to encouragement from the fresh produce trade and has since become the industry leading trade fair. In its anniversary year, we are delighted to see Fruit Logistica linked to its historical roots with Germany as the official partner country. With 70,000 trade visitors expected at Fruit Logistica, we are creating an excellent platform to communicate the partner country's core message", explained Gérald Lamusse, Head of Products & New Business at Messe Berlin.
German exports are still relatively restrained, an upward trend is on the horizon. The reliable and carefully monitored quality of German produce is attracting more attention on foreign markets. This also applies to many of the German specialities, including white asparagus, strawberries and bush berries. "Under the slogan 'Germany – Your Garden', we are showcasing the diversity of products offered by the German fresh produce industry to our international market partners", said BVEO Managing Director Dr Christian Weseloh.
Germany is by far Europe's largest market for fruit and vegetables. Private German households spent approximately EUR 20 billion on fruit, vegetables and potatoes in 2015, approximately EUR 15 billion of this amount was spent on fresh produce.
The partner country project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
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Susanne Tschenisch