The ninth edition of Fruit Attraction, which took place in Madrid from 18 to 20 October, welcomed more than 68,000 industry professionals through its doors this year, from 110 countries - a record number, and 17% higher than the previous year. Some 1,500 exhibiting companies participated in this year’s event, again 20% higher than the previous year.
Organised by IFEMA and FEPEX, Fruit Attraction 2017 was held from October 18 to 20 at Feria de Madrid, covering some 45,000 square meters of floor space, 10% more than the previous edition. The event was inaugurated by the Spanish Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Isabel García Tejerina.
International Participation
One of the most outstanding statistics from this year’s event has been the increase in international participants, some 19,947 industry professionals, which is an increase of more than 97%. In particular, the show welcomed increased numbers from Italy, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Belgium, confirming the fair’s status as a key commercial event for the European fresh production and distribution industries.
In terms of attendees from Spain, most participants attending Fruit Attraction hailed from Andalusia, Madrid, Valencia, Murcia and Catalonia, which together represented 54% of national visitors.
As regards exhibitors, international participation accounted for 37% of the total, with the event welcoming 557 foreign companies from 33 countries, including for the first time new countries such as Colombia, Greece, Israel, Senegal and South Africa.
Technical Expertise
In parallel to the commercial exhibition, Fruit Attraction also played host to an extensive program of technical conferences and activities, which offered professionals a space for debate and exchange of knowledge.
Among others, the fair played host to the Global Fresh Market Forum, organised by FEPEX in collaboration with ICEX and Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, as well as Stone Fruit Attraction, hosted by APOEXPA-FEPEX; Lettuce Attraction, hosted by PROEXPORT; and events detailing the latest innovations in technology, adapting to climate change, and emerging fruit varieties.
The event also welcomed the return of ‘Pasarela Innova’, a dedicated space to highlight the latest products, varieties and brands that exhibiting companies are offering to the fruit and vegetable market for the first time, as well as host a number of talks, presentations and technical seminars.
On this occasion, a total of 34 new products were exhibited in this area.
Upon the show’s closure, Fruit Attraction again facilitated the collection of fruits and vegetables from exhibitors to supply the Food Bank of Madrid. This year, more than 42,000 kilos of fruit and vegetable products were gathered, an increase on last year, which helped support this valuable charity endeavour.
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