International Trade Fairs 2021: Expected participation of COLEACP and partners

Supporting companies attending international trade fairs in the horticultural sector is one of the activities of COLEACP’s Business Development department.



In November and December 2020 we asked COLEACP members and partners to let us know which trade fairs they would like to participate in during 2021, to help us prepare for our future participation in trade fairs and other professional events, in person and virtually. The international trade fairs have adapted to the Covid-19 situation by developing new ways of digital participation (virtual stands, B2B meetings, webinars), or by adapting their traditional physical format to the health measures in force in the host country.



The surveys were conducted in French and English. There were 70 French-speaking respondents, and 49 English-speaking respondents.

There was a very clear answer to the question “Would you like COLEACP to continue to organise your meetings with buyers at these trade fairs?” – 97% of French speakers and 96% of English speakers answered “Yes”.

The four trade fairs we consulted about were:

• BIOFACH eSpecial 2021: 17–19 February in Nuremberg (purely digital format)
• MACFRUT 2021: 4–6 May in Rimini (face-to-face and two digital forums)
• FRUIT LOGISTICA Special Edition 2021: 18–20 May in Berlin (physical + digital tools)
• FRUIT ATTRACTION 2021: 5–7 October in Madrid (face to face)

The proportions of those intending to take part (whether as a visitor or exhibitor) are very similar in both language groups. However, more Anglophone than Francophone respondents hope to attend as exhibitors, particularly at Fruit Logistica. Overall, for the four trade fairs, around 20% of respondents are planning to attend as exhibitors. The highest planned visitor attendance is for Biofach eSpecial (English-speakers) and Fruit Logistica (French speakers).











We also asked for recommendations for any trade fairs and webinars (European, African or on other continents) that COLEACP could take part in.



For both anglophone and francophone respondents, there was general interest in trade fairs on the African continent. English-speaking respondents specifically mentioned the National Organic Agriculture Business Summit (NOABS) in Nigeria; the HortiFresh fruit and vegetable fair in West Africa; WAOC (the West African Organic Conference); and IFTEX (Kenya’s Flower Industry Expo). There was also interest in Middle-Eastern and Asian events such as WOP Dubai (World of Perishables); Asia Fruit Logistica; and Biofach Japan for organic products. A number of respondents were also interested in additional European events, including IFTF (International Floriculture Trade Fair) in Amsterdam; the London Produce Show; SIAL Paris; and the Anuga food fair in Germany.



Many French-speaking respondents mentioned SARA (Salon international de l’Agriculture et des Ressources Animales, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire), where COLEACP exhibited in 2019. Other suggestions for Africa were IATF (Intra-African Trade Fair, Kigali, Rwanda); FIARA (Foire Internationale de l’Agriculture et des Ressources Animales, Dakar, Senegal); Fidak (La Foire Internationale de Dakar); La Foire Internationale de Lomé, Togo; and Nigeria Agrofood in Lagos. Cocotech, organised by Cogent, was also mentioned. Several respondents mentioned a specific interest in investment and business opportunities. In Europe, specific mention was made by several people of SIA (Salon International de l’Agriculture, Paris); Salon Marjolaine in Paris; medFEL in Perpignan, France; and SISAB (the trade fair of the Portuguese agri-food industry). Again, there was interest in in Middle-Eastern and Asian events, with specific mentions of Dubai. There was some general interest in USA and Canada, and one respondent mentioned Russia.