• 
• 

Published on September 10, 2007

Asia's first fresh-produce trade fair was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from Wednesday to Friday. It comprised an exhibition and a congress.

Chris White, managing director of Market Intelligence, who was responsible for the congress, said the event had attracted 650 companies and about 4,000 visitors from 54 countries.

"This was the first time in Asia that exhibitors, visitors and conference delegates have had an opportunity to make new contacts in the sector," said White.

Gerald Lamusse, managing director of exhibition organiser Global Produce Events GmbH, said there had been 116 exhibitors from 24 countries.

Among the exhibits were national pavilions from Thailand, Japan and Taiwan as well as companies from other leading Asian markets such as China, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and Sri Lanka.

White said the trade show's survey showed that 90 per cent of visitors had been impressed while 85 per cent had had the authority to make decisions to buy fresh produce.

Though he could not provide figures for trade transactions at the fair, White said the event was about building trust that would lead to transactions and many trade visitors would bring their friends to the next show.

Trade visitors included major supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, Metro, Big C, Central and Tops as well as leading fruit and vegetable companies from Hong Kong, the Philippines and Indonesia.

"Thailand is a very important grower of fruits and vegetables and exports them to major markets like the European Union and the United States," White added.

The congress, organised by Asiafruit magazine, has been held annually since the mid-1990s, attracting key decision-makers from around the world.

Asia Fruit Logistica will be held in Hong Kong from September 10-12 next year.

Sasithorn Ongdee

The Nation