Innovation Ideas from Fruit Logistica 2013

FRUIT LOGISTICA is one of the leading international meeting places of the fresh produce trade. Every February, more than 2,300 companies from across the entire fresh produce value chain are present in a single location. Products on show include fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, herbs and spices, organic products and self-service flowers and potted plants. Suppliers of products and services for packaging, storage, transport, warehousing and product presentation also exhibit their offerings. 

The trade visitors are growers, importers and exporters, wholesale markets, wholesalers and retailers, packaging, transport, institutions and organizations from more than 125 countries.

These are a few highlights of the show, new products and concepts that stood out amongst all these exhibitors.

On a general note, attending a show like this brings home the realisation that having an environmental and ethical programme like Origin Green is nearly a necessity, with a broad spectrum of countries and companies all using the show to highlight traceability, standards and ethical concerns.

Tozer Seeds

Tozer Seeds has developed a unique new vegetable which is a cross between a Brussels sprout and a leafy Kale. It looks like a tiny cabbage with green frilly leaves and streaks of purple. It tastes great and is really convenient to cook, it's very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Flower sprout is a winter vegetable and is on sale in the UK from November until March.

NERGI

NERGI® is a new berry fruit quite separate from the standard kiwi fruit. Small in size, with a fine and edible skin, NERGI® does not need to be peeled. Furthermore, NERGI® is an excellent source of vitamins C and fibers. Soft, healthy and convenient, NERGI® is a new commercial opportunity in the berry universe.

Jum! Crunch

Jum! Crunch produce 100% natural dried fruit products, including apple and tomato. The process preseves the flavour, and leaves the product with a crisp appealing texture. The process is an interesting way of adding value to fresh produce.

HZPC

HZPC are a Dutch potato breeder, with a flair for marketing and an understanding of consumer needs. They tend to market varieities on their use rather than their name, which is useful for new consumers, and they use bright contemporary packing to appeal to younger consumers. The lastest innovation they are trialling with a supermarket chain is the retailing of of potatoes in fridges, to emphasise the freshness.

Source: BordBia - Innovation Ideas from Fruit Logistica 2013