Three days of Fruit Logistica are over again. It was another successful fair in Berlin, Germany, with a pleasantly busy Holland Hall 3.2 and around it also halls for horticultural technology. They seemed a little quieter, but overall, exhibitors were pleased with their previously arranged meetings, and the growers met on the floor.
Click here for the photo report.
Surprisingly, more suppliers and vertical farming companies were to be found at the show this year. Chasing them in the hallways proved to be fruitful. I'm just kidding, but we did find loads of suppliers at the panels, at booths, and at work events.
What does the industry look like in 2024?
Speaking to suppliers, which varies from growing equipment to lights to irrigation, the industry is NOT sitting still. Numerous projects were mentioned on the exhibition floors. And, given that we've already seen a few big funding numbers coming in the new year, does this mean that the industry is finally a bit maturing?
This, though, does not mean that it's all roses, but it definitely shows that investors are fortunately hopeful for the sector to be picked up again.
Technology
With horticultural technique hall 3.1 and a CEA workshop program, Fruit Logistica shows they would like to see growth in Berlin's technology sector. It is said that the trade fair organization is committed to gradually further clustering horticultural technology in that hall, and thus, possibly a decrease in the number of technology parties in the busier hall 3.2.
In terms of novelties, it was relatively quiet as several companies announced saving their novelties for GreenTech - but we found some. In addition to these novelties, several breeders brought new products. Key remains beating the rugose virus, as this is the most looked at resistance. We'll update you in the coming weeks.
Click here for the HortiDaily photo report showing the horticultural suppliers.
Also, our Freshplaza colleagues visited the international produce trading halls. Click here for their market report.
Isabelle van Doorn with Greenhub.
Sandro Allouche with Beirut Farm (who is soon ready to share more about the latest developments) and Garo Hambarsounian with ABC Fresh.
Seth Ford with ONNA Greens came by the stand to talk about the farm's big plans for 2024. More to follow.
Rick Schneider with Siemens came to say hi to us at the booth! Big plans are coming up for the company in this year.