International trade fair on fresh produce attracts Arab market
Fresh produce import in Dubai yields more than $1bn in ‘07
Organizers of FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade fair for the international fresh produce industry, are in Dubai to promote the event to this growing market of fresh fruits and vegetables, during a press conference held at Fairmont hotel, Dubai.
Recent market research reported that imports of fruit and vegetables in Dubai reached more than $1 billion, an increase of almost 40 per cent since 2007. Across the region, the trade in fresh fruits and vegetables is valued at $3 to $4 billion based on 2007-2008 data from the Dubai Customs’ statistics department.
“Dubai is an important market for the fresh produce industry. Dubai’s strategic location combined with its modern infrastructure, ideal marketing strategies and high living standards make it an ideal venue to promote Fruit Logistica,” said Gerald Lamusse, Global Brand Manager, FRUIT LOGISTICA.
FRUIT LOGISTICA, which will take place next year from February 3rd - 5th at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, offer the sectors connected with the fresh fruit and vegetable business an ideal opportunity to present their products across the entire value-added chain, from growing to the point-of-sale.
Salma M. Tillawi, Regional Representative of FRUIT LOGISTICA emphasized that Dubai's world-class facilities, strategic location and its role as a transshipment point for fresh fruit and vegetables in the Gulf region has contributed to it becoming the central hub for fruit and vegetable imports and re-exports.
Statistics from the Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market at Al Aweer revealed the scale of operations for the regional fresh produce industry. In 2005, Al Aweer received 13,376 trucks and this is expected to rise to 20,000 by the end of the year. The total number of recorded delivery vehicles at the close of 2008 had risen to 34,949 trucks, an increase of 261 per cent in three years.
“The Gulf region’s population, which also comprises large and diverse expatriate group, demands most of the fresh produce. The majority of the expatriates look for food coming from their countries of origin so importing fresh fruit and vegetables from abroad is a key element for the food retailers,” added Mr. Lamusse.
He noted that fruit and vegetables are very sensitive fresh products that make tough demands on logistics management. “That is why, in addition to its emphasis on the products themselves, FRUIT LOGISTICA also presents the technical expertise required for the logistics. Another important theme is handling fruit and vegetables at the point-of-sale in the retail sector.”
FRUIT LOGISTICA is an excellent venue for traders and businessmen from the UAE and the entire Gulf-region, because it offers a first-class opportunity to present their products to a professional international audience and to do business.
A large number of participants to the fair are key decision makers. They have the opportunity of approaching potential business partners and viewing their products/services annually. The trade visitors are wholesalers, retailers, fruit and vegetable growers, importers and exporters who come to FRUIT LOGISTICA to source new products, new suppliers, and new technology and to see where the market is heading.
FRUIT LOGISTICA is also seen by the global fresh produce trade as a major platform for the unveiling of the latest technology and IT solutions in packaging, storage, transport and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables.
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009 attracted 50,224 visitors from 120 nations. A total of 2,283 exhibitors from 79 countries presented a complete market overview of fresh produce sector products and services.
The registration deadline for exhibitors is 31 July 2009. Application forms for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2010 are available on the Internet for download in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish versions (www.fruitlogistica.com/Exhibitor Service /Application Forms). (www.fruitlogistica.com/Contact).
