From March 13 to March 15 2017 inspectors and traders met for the 31st international congress for fruit and vegetables in Bonn. The topics that were discussed varied from the quality cultivation of apples, onions, leek and garlic to the checking of origin and traceability. The current problems in checking and the regulations for marking fresh fruit and vegetables were intensively discussed.
The congress was opened by Dr Hanns-Christoph Eiden, president of the 'Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung' (BLW). He emphasised the importance of an open constructive exchange between inspectors and traders as well as supply countries and receiving countries.
Apples
The first day of the congress was completely devoted to apples and started with a look at the variety colour for the north German cultivation. Dr. Karsten Klopp, director of the fruit cultivation centre Jork, showed how much effort is put into finding the most suitable apple variety for a certain pitch that also meets the desires of the consumer.
The first day of the congress was completely devoted to apples and started with a look at the variety colour for the north German cultivation. Dr. Karsten Klopp, director of the fruit cultivation centre Jork, showed how much effort is put into finding the most suitable apple variety for a certain pitch that also meets the desires of the consumer.
New in the assortment - particularly among organic growers - is the variety SQ 159 (brand Natyra). It is characterised by a refined aroma and great crispiness and juiciness. PREMA96 (brand Rockit) is the new star in the snacking category and isn't just impressive due to its small size and sweetness, but also due to its packaging.
Onions
The second day was characterised by onions. Dr. Peter Grauert of Concepa spoke about 175 onion producing countries and a global production of 46.7 million tonnes, where 65% of the production is grown in just eight countries. Only 8% of this production is traded globally, particularly by the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.
Onions
The second day was characterised by onions. Dr. Peter Grauert of Concepa spoke about 175 onion producing countries and a global production of 46.7 million tonnes, where 65% of the production is grown in just eight countries. Only 8% of this production is traded globally, particularly by the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.
Garlic
Around 24.9 million tonnes of garlic is produced globally, of which 80 percent in China. The German market is overwhelming supplied by Spanish and Chinese wares. Enough of a reason to ask two experts about the cultivation in these countries. Oscar Requeña of Allium Prodiber took participants on a journey through the production of garlic, planting and the development of the first cloves to the harvest, processing and sales. The economic aspects of the different cultivation measures were just as highlighted as the influence of them on the quality of the garlic.