Innovation in Agriculture: Fruit Attraction 2018
Innovation might not be the first word you associate with a 12,000 year-old industry and yet innovation is what guides the agricultural process. Agriculture began with the selection of advantageous traits in wild food plants and constant experimentation spurred new methods of cultivating, growing, and propagating. In this spirit, “where fresh produce and innovation meet” is the guiding slogan for Fruit Attraction 2018—the 10th annual international trade show for the fruit and vegetable industries.
Innovation in Agriculture: Fruit Attraction 2018
Once you understand the grand scope of the event (1,600 exhibiting companies and 70,000 industry professionals from 120 countries) it only makes sense that the gathering would provide an unparalleled platform for exchanging new ideas and approaches to all aspects of the agricultural process. In addition to the quantity of participants, attendees represent every sector of the industry. On average, 21% of participants are part of production, 21% import/export, 16% trading companies, 9% retail trade, 7% transport and logistics, 7% Horeca, and 5% industry.
In one of the most direct displays of agricultural innovation, the IFORED Group will be showcasing Kissabel®, a range of new apple varieties developed by French breeder IFO. The intriguing apples boast richly colored internal flesh, varying from pink to deep red, and are at the peak of their European harvesting season. Those able to travel to Madrid will be rewarded with a taste of three Kissabel® varieties: Rouge, Orange, and Jaune.
Other exhibitors will focus on new growing methods. As blackberry demand grows throughout the world, Projar is paving the way towards soil-less blackberry production. Developing new techniques and products for hydroponics, including coconut fiber blocks, pots, and grow-bags, Projar’s soil-less techniques have increased profits over traditional forms of cultivation in the early years of production.
Rolled out for the first time last year, the Smart Agro exhibition area will highlight technological advancements that are improving agricultural yields and profits in the fruit and vegetable markets. Emphasizing sustainability and efficiency, the Smart Agro exhibition will feature practical talks and workshops where attendees will learn new skills, as well as try out cutting-edge products and techniques.
Fruit Attraction 2018 will also feature BIOFRUIT CONGRESS, the first European congress on organic fruits and vegetables. The event will focus on understanding new European regulations in a time of growing consumption, while also touching on future demands of retail and a discussion on the need for additional “added value,” such as fair, biodynamic, local, and carbon neutral trade.
Participants are in for a busy four days of new information and connections. A full agenda of events and exhibitors is available here.
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