Page 15 - SA Fruit Journal VOLUME 14

Jacques du Preez, Willem Bestbier, Marletta Kellerman, Anton Kruger, Mono Mashaba, Antonia Appel, Justin Chadwick at the South African stand.prioriteit en ‘n geleentheid waarvoor SATI homself sterk beywer. Daar word gefokus om nuwe markte te bekom, bestaande markte te behou en uit te brei en veral dan aan die teg- niese kant, om protokolle te beding wat ener- syds aan die invoerlande die verlangde besk- erming bied en andersyds ons vrugte toelaat om goed op die rak te presteer.Asia’s fresh produce hub enjoys growth surge.Visitors to ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA found an exhibition that had grown by almost a third. Some 478 companies from 38 different countries exhibited at the trade fair from 3 to 5 September 2014, an increase of 28% on the previous year’s edition, while bookings for stand space grew by 25%.China remained the single largest country in terms of exhibitor numbers, with 94 com- panies exhibiting, while Italy held onto second place with 39 companies. Australia surged into third place with 34 exhibitors, marking a 54% increase on last year, and Egypt also ramped up its presence, moving up into fourth place with 31 exhibitors (up 47%). The US retained its position in the top five with 30 exhibitors. Asia once again accounted for the largest percentage of exhibitors on a regional basis, with 12 different Asian countries making upThe International Trade Press Stand at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA offers trade visitors and exhibitors an extensive range of international trade press publications which provide infor- mation on latest trends and innovations in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade world.34% of the exhibitor numbers. Europe re- tained its share of exhibitor numbers at 25%, while Latin America increased its presence to 15%. Oceania (11%), Africa (8%) and North America (7%) completed the global picture. Latin American exporting nations Argentina, Ecuador and Mexico, along with Spain, all reg- istered increases in exhibitor numbers of more than 60%, while other big movers included New Zealand (+100%), Japan (+75%), Turkey (+50%), The Netherlands (+40%) and India (+40%).In a clear sign of Asia’s growing im- portance as a market for the global fresh fruit and vegetable business, most exhibiting na- tions invested in upgrading or expanding their stands at this year’s show. Some 19 different countries had national pavilions, while Costa Rica, Poland and Saudi Arabia all exhibited for the first time at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA.Senior buyers and executives from lead- ing food retailers were out in force at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. One of them was Sumit Saran, head of international foods for Indian retail giant Future Group. “It’s not just the quality of the people you meet at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA that makes this show so special, it’s the quality of the time you get in those meetings,” said Saran. “It enables you to re- ally do business and plan programmes.”A meeting at the South Afrcan stand.Tina-Louise Rabie en Sinovuyo Matai.BEDRYFSNUUS 12 FEB | MAART 2015Visitors & exhibitors can look forward to an even bigger show in 2015The next edition of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA takes place from 2 to 4 September 2015 at AsiaWorld- Expo Centre in Hong Kong, with Asiafruit Con- gress held on 1 September. Join the biggest and best gathering of the international fresh fruit and vegetable business in Asia under one roof by booking a stand at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. Ex- hibitor registrations are now open, with applica- tions available to download from the ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA website: www.asiafruitlogistica.com/ en/ExhibitorService/ApplicationForms/