More than 300 companies and organisations from Asia and the rest of the world have signed up to exhibit at this year's Asia Fruit Logistica, an increase by over 30 per cent compared to last year. "We have now sold every single stand space that we have available," said Gérald Lamusse, managing director of GPE Global Produce Events GmbH, which organises the three-day fresh produce trade fair. "We have 34 per cent more exhibitors this year and they come from some 30 different countries all over the world."

Market growth in Asia’s fresh produce sector is being driven by demand in China, the largest single exhibiting country again at Asia Fruit Logistica this year. Fresh fruit and vegetable imports into China have jumped by almost 1 million tonnes in four years, climbing from 1.03 million tonnes in 2006 to 1.91m tonnes in 2009, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics.
However the Asian market for fresh fruits and vegetables in general is growing fast: almost every market in Asia has enjoyed a marked increase in trade in the last few years.

The third edition of Asia Fruit Logistica takes place on 8-10 September 2010 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More than 3,500 visitors are expected to attend the three-day trade fair, which takes place alongside Asiafruit Congress, Asia's leading business conference event for fresh produce professionals which has been held annually in Asia since 1997. Over 80 per cent of visitors to Asia Fruit Logistica are in leading management positions in their companies, with more than 90 per cent involved in purchasing and procurement. Visitors can plan their meetings in advance through Asia Fruit Logistica’s own Virtual Marketplace (VMP), an online tool available free through the official website for every visitor to use. VMP lists the products of all the exhibitors and allows visitors to contact exhibitors in advance.

This year’s Asiafruit Congress programme again looks at some of the leading issues for the Asian market. It includes 90-minute conference sessions on food safety, supply chain innovation in Asia, marketing to Muslim consumers, doing direct business in China, as well as an in-depth analysis of the Philippine market and a supplier spotlight on Chile.
A total of 20 speakers and expert panelists from 10 different countries are lined up to address the conference, including leading food retailers.