An International Symposium:

Global Trade in Fresh Agricultural Produce with a Focus on the Consumer

The year the international market in fresh agricultural produce is focusing on the consumer. Winning brand names put the consumer in the center of attention. The buyer's demands and needs determine the market and must take precedence over the grower's convenience and marketing chains' needs. Whoever knows how to satisfy the client's demands, will lead the world's trade in fresh produce.

Today's client wants healthier fruits and vegetable. They must be organically grown (or at least without pesticides). Leading fruits and vegetables contain healthy ingredients: antioxidants, vitamins, etc. Consumers insist on convenience, and the industry has to adapt itself to these demands. Flavor, too, is a key factor in the purchaser's decision what to buy.

 The international symposium will deal with various aspects of this subject. Leading professionals will take part in discussions on the following issues:

·                       What constitutes a winning product? What makes the consumer "love" a product?

·                       How can the precious cargo be safeguarded when the journey from field to shelf is strewn with obstacles and dangers? Everything you want to know about logistical innovations in fresh agricultural produce.

·                      Brand names and packaging generate today's industry and give the consumer a feeling of security that his needs have been met.

·                       Today a winning product isn’t enough – you have to know how to market it!