María José Sánchez, director of Fruit Attraction:

“Fruit Attraction 2022 is going to be a great fair, with participation figures similar to those of 2019”

From October 4 to 6, the 14th edition of Fruit Attraction will be held at IFEMA Madrid. The new director of the event, María José Sánchez, is optimistic and reported that the level of participation will be similar to that of 2019.

“I am taking over a highly consolidated project”
María José Sánchez’s professional career goes back more than 30 years, during which she has directed fairs in different fields. “Now, I’m taking over the reins of Fruit Attraction with a huge sense of responsibility and respect for this sector, which has such a consolidated position in Spain. And of course, I am looking forward to doing everything within my power to allow the fair to continue growing so that companies can see their business expectations fulfilled,” she said.

“I am taking over a highly consolidated project, of course, and will continue on the same path with the collaboration of our strategic partner for this sector: FEPEX. I believe it is essential to strengthen all the positive aspects that have yielded excellent results over the years and to incorporate other new elements into the project to guarantee a maximum return on investment for the sector. With the advice of the Organizing Committee, as well as commitment, enthusiasm, confidence, work and creativity, and investment, Fruit Attraction will be able to consolidate its position as one of the essential business events in its field worldwide,” she added.

“Fruit Attraction 2022 is going to be a great fair”
“Fruit Attraction 2022 is going to be a great fair,” said María José Sánchez. “Our forecasts are optimistic, given the good pace of participation confirmations, with figures similar to those of 2019; that is, around 90,000 professionals and some 1,800 companies. Of course, these are very good figures, but what matters most is the interest and support from the fruit and vegetable sector in promoting the fair as a fundamental instrument for the internationalization of the sector and as a meeting point for all the professionals that make up the entire supply chain. We can certainly confirm that the slogan of the fair, ‘Proud to be Fruit Attraction,’ is what the companies that are part of it are living by.”

It is worth recalling that last year, despite the economic and health situation, the edition was closed with the participation of 65,000 professionals from 110 countries, as well as 1,300 companies. “At the moment, there are confirmed participants from practically all production areas and autonomous regions in Spain, as well as international participants from 42 countries, which demonstrates the strong commitment to the project of the sector as a whole in this edition.”

For now, the event is expected to have exhibitors from Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The fair’s exhibitors will be showcasing real novelties”
In addition to the already established Fresh Produce and Auxiliary Industry areas, Fresh Food Logistics, a sectoral platform devoted to logistics, transport, and cold chain management for fresh food, has also been added. “Of course, we are once again committed to transformation solutions through innovation, sustainability, and digitization with the Smart Agro and Biotech Attraction Area,” said María José Sánchez.

“Also, Ecorganic Market will again be the exclusive space for the marketing and export of organic products, and strawberries will have a leading role in this edition with the Fresh&Star area. It will also be very interesting to learn about the products that will be showcased at the Innovation Hub, which will bring together the most cutting-edge developments in the sector,” said the director of Fruit Attraction.

“Also worth highlighting is the Guest Program, as well as the Guest Importing Country, featuring the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. About 1,000 buyers from around the world are being brought to Fruit Attraction with these programs.”

“In any case, the real novelties are those showcased by the exhibitors at the fair, with their products and services,” says María José Sánchez.

The digital sphere will continue to be boosted 
“In fact, it would no longer be possible to conceive a trade fair held exclusively in person. We are committed to digitalization as a complement to the face-to-face event,” says the director of this fair.

Fruit Attraction is welcoming the entire community under the Fruit Attraction LIVEConnect platform, which gives all its members the opportunity to stay connected 365 days a year.

“It is a powerful communication tool that generates visibility and brand awareness and provides the possibility of networking and access to product and service catalogs, as well as high-quality, specialized content. There are not two simultaneous online and offline fairs but complementation of both channels. A single expanded experience thanks to technology,” she concludes.