Bursting with fresh ideas at IFE Fresh Produce 2008

The third edition of IFE Fresh Produce, scheduled to be held between November 5-7, 2008 at Expocentr, Moscow, promises to be bigger and better than the inaugural event in 2007. Organised jointly by Montgomery International and ExpoMedia Events Russia, IFE Fresh Produce is part of the IFE Worldwide portfolio of exhibitions which includes IFE London, IFE Poland, IFE Foodapest, IFE Americas and IFE India.

With 83 exhibitors from 23 countries, 42 media partners, IFE Fresh Produce 2007, was well received by industry professionals of Russia and international communities. Major countries represented in the exhibition were Belgium, Bulgaria, China, France, Hungry, India, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, USA and of course Russia. The show recorded 37 per cent increase in exhibiting companies and 41 per cent increase in unique attendance from its previous year.

For 2007, as many as 108 delegates attended conference sessions held by APK Inform (Ukraine) on 'Fruit and Vegetable Business of Russia'. Most of the delegates to the conference were Russia's top importers, buyers and retailers. From attendance of 1,469 from 34 countries and 51 regions of Russia, IFE Fresh Produce 2007, had 75 per cent of visitors who had direct purchasing authority and recommendation. The show also had seven leading international trade associations as well as Ministry of Agriculture, Russia supporting it.

Supporting the visitor turnover, M Haque From EMA Global Trading, commented: "We exhibited for the first time in 2006 and were delighted with the business and contacts made. We are very pleased to report that IFE Fresh Produce 2007 has been even better, and we have already signed up for 2008." A business tour was arranged to one of Moscow's most important hypermarket wholesalers and distribution centres owned and run by multi-format Russian retailer Victoria. It made the exhibitors and visitors take note of Victoria's current fruit and vegetable processing facilities and state-of-the art distribution centre with Grade A technology. It continues the success of last year’s 'Meet the Retailer Forum' between international exhibitors, buyers, importers and wholesalers. More one-on-one meetings would be engaged for trade negotiations with the exhibitors. Separate tasting sessions and attracting display areas would also be created to highlight a unique idea, product or method at the show.