The 34th edition of the Italian fresh produce trade event Macfrut was held last week in Rimini for the third time. The fair was larger than last year, and grew from 43,000 to 50,000 square metre, with the number of visitors growing from 38,000 to 39,000. According to the organisation, the fair was more international, both exhibitors and visitors were more international and twenty-five per cent more foreign visitors came to the fair compared to last year.
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There were also participants from the Netherlands and Belgium, both from the fields of trade and horticulture. The first day was quite calm. There were fewer visitors than last year, but the second day was much more crowded. According to the organisation, exhibitors were satisfied with the quality of the visitors. Despite Italy producing a lot of fruit and vegetables themselves, exporters still see options to export to the country. Supplying to retail isn’t done directly, but through wholesalers.
Horticulture was also present. Left to right: Team TecnOlanda with Carla Sentel, who represents a number of Dutch and Belgian companies in Italy. She’s an authority in the field of horticulture in Italy, based on Dutch techniques and applications. Pictured from left to right: Pieter Versluis (Buwatec), Carla Sentel (TecnOlanda), Klaas Jan de Ruiter (Bonar BV), Maarten van Hagen (Houweling), Paul van der Valk (Hortilux), Robert Vink (Alumat Zeeman) and Rodolfo from TecnOlanda. Top right: Eimer Niessen from Nordcom. They distribute Jiffy substrate products. Bottom left: Tom Coen and Gaetan Hug from Octinion. This company introduced the picking robot for strawberries last year. Harm Vogels and his Italian colleague Stefano Uggeri present Intra Hydrocare for horticulture. Intra Hydrocare is a cleaning and disinfection substance.
Various novelties could be admired in the part reserved for the Macfrut Innovation Award. The most talked about product was the snack combination with chicory leaves this year.