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Trade show anticipation

Industry Prepares For Afl

Around 600 exhibitors from 40 different countries will converge on Hong Kong in September for Asia’s leading fresh produce trade show.

Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) will return to Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo after being held in Bangkok in 2022, where the first-ever AFL was held 16 years ago.

The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) will feature as part of the Hort Innovation Grown in Good Nature stand.

ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said table grapes would have a dedicated section of the stand, and exporters could access a private interview room.

The premier fresh fruit and vegetable event had been a compulsory addition to exporters’ calendars before Covid hit, with the 2020 event held virtually, 2021 event cancelled and 2022 impacted by China’s continued travel restrictions.

Australia Fruits managing director Joe Tullio said he was looking forward to the event.

“We think it will be a substantial turnout, the vibe is positive as Covid is now well behind us,” Joe said.

“Hong Kong is a great location for Asians and Westerners to come together. We find exhibiting at the show is beneficial as we meet face to face with our existing customers and meet new customers, suppliers worldwide.

“We share information and it gives us a great opportunity to showcase our offering. Australia Fruits will have Vince Brullo, Ray Erwin, and myself, together with Wandin Valley Farms, on site for the three days.

“The three of us look after different markets and are looking forward to the fruitful outing. At our distribution centre we provide all the logistics required in shipping exports to customers.”

According to AFL, Australia, USA, New Zealand and Egypt will have a prominent presence on the show floor, while 24 national or regional pavilions will adorn the exhibition space.

Visitors to the show will be able to explore a wide range of agtech, from automation and sorting technology, through to packing and processing, IT solutions and POS equipment, as well as smart agriculture.

Joe said there was a buzz beginning to generate for the season, with growing conditions expected to improve.

“We believe it will be a dry hot growing season which normally indicates sweet fruit, which the market likes and is what Australia predominantly is known for – good tasting fruit,” Joe said.

“Together with our grower base we are relatively excited for the coming season. They have good volumes of all the modern varieties.” v

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