APS16

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Amsterdam Produce Show attracts 100 exhibitors

The first ever Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) took place November 2-4, 2016 at the Dutch city’s iconic Westergasfabriek and was organised and hosted by the creators of the New York Produce Show and the London Produce Show.

The first ever Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) took place November 2-4, 2016 at the Dutch city’s iconic Westergasfabriek and was organised and hosted by the creators of the New York Produce Show and the London Produce Show.

The event kicked off with a cocktail party on November 2, followed by a thought leaders breakfast panel, trade exhibition, chef demonstration theatre and educational seminars on November 3. On the final day of the APS participants could take part in industry tours, visiting retail, production, trade or logistical companies.

The APS programme was organised around four core themes – innovation, education, sustainability and health – and designed to provide an opportunity to think about how high level global concerns will drive success in the produce trade in years to come.

According to the organisers, the seminar focus was on the unique lessons that can be learned from the role that the Netherlands plays in the global produce industry. A quarter of all global trade in horticultural produce is estimated to go through Holland.

The seminars touched on a host of different subjects ranging from increasing consumption, the impact of agribusiness, corporate social responsibility, new ways to determine quality, cooperation through food clusters, organic farming or reduction of food waste.

Although from a different perspective, many presentations covered future business models, the need for communication, co-operation and the creating value.

The trade exhibition gave over a 100 Dutch and international trade exhibitors direct access to a wide range of produce buyers from the retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors. Among them were:

– Jan Willem van Wyk, Jurgen Smith and their colleague starting the European branch of The Grape Co.

– Ryan Nichol from Coolsan and his colleague bringing ChillSafe – which reduces bacteria, mould and excess ethylene in storage and transit – to Europe.

– NatureSeal applied to fresh cut bananas preventing them from discolouration for up to 4-5 days.

MW

 

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Amsterdam Produce Show about to debut

The Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) is set to take place November 2-4, with the trade exhibition set in the unique surroundings of the Gashouder at the iconic Westergasfabriek.

The Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) is set to take place November 2-4, with the trade exhibition set in the unique surroundings of the Gashouder at the iconic Westergasfabriek.

This boutique trade show brings the international fresh produce and flower communities together in Holland – at the very heart of the global produce industry.

Organised and hosted by the creators of the award-winning London Produce Show and Conference and The New York Produce Show and Conference, the Amsterdam event boasts a unique concentration of Dutch and international trade buyers from the retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors, who all exhibitors will have direct access to.

A series of networking events, Holland-focused seminars and chef demonstrations with some of the Netherlands’ top culinary minds will run around and alongside the exhibition.

Four themes infuse the event

The Amsterdam event will have four core themes running throughout – Innovation, Sustainability, Education and Health – with feature zones on the show floor looking at the ways in which both Dutch and international companies are addressing the challenges and opportunities in these areas, in order to sell more fresh produce to consumers in an ever-changing marketplace.

The main seminar stage will focus on Dutch leadership and some of the innovators and influencers who are helping the country maintain its position at the industry’s top table.

Look out for innovative touches from an event perspective, too – the food and drink is being provided free to visitors by entrepreneurial young specialist chefs from Holland and chef demonstrations and pop-up seminars will also bring something new to the show floor.

The event begins on November 2 with a networking event like no other, a fabulous opening cocktail reception that is open to everyone. It ends on November 4 with a series of educational and inspirational tours taking in retail, logistics, production and food service in and around Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Jim Prevor, editor in chief of Produce Business, the magazine behind the shows, said Amsterdam is a logical choice, “given the fact that Holland has long been a market leader in fresh produce and flower circles, whether that be its incredible research and development programs, top-class production operations, expert scientific institutions, its world-renowned trading model or its innovative and wide-reaching logistics models.”

“We think our action-packed show will give the Dutch industry the opportunity to reaffirm its position at the top table of the global produce industry – and we’re inviting the rest of the world to Amsterdam to meet, share, learn and, perhaps most importantly, do more business with their Dutch colleagues and partners, as well as buyers from all corners of the globe.

 “In New York and London, we have already proved that our distinctive model allows people the time to make real connections, to build true partnerships and to improve both themselves and their businesses. For more than a century, this wonderful industry of ours has relied heavily on its Dutch partners for access to Europe and beyond – our event will provide everyone involved with a commercial and cultural experience like no other. Our company’s raison d’être is to Initiate Industry Improvement – that objective lies at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Raise your profile, increase your profits at a unique fresh produce event

APS16 managing director Tommy Leighton said the event will offer numerous tailored packages and opportunities for companies to showcase their brands and services, launch new products and meet, share and learn from their counterparts from around the world of produce.

“You can raise your brand awareness in the presence of many of the most influential figures in the international produce industry, including Dutch and international retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers, before, during and after the event. Be an integral part of something truly unique in your sector and take advantage of their massive social media and promotional output before, during and after the show to get your messages heard.

“We believe that the value of face-to-face interaction is still massive in any trading relationship. All of us continue to learn every single day and my experience tells me the more you know, the more you are likely to grow, both as an individual within this great industry, and as a company with aspirations to progress in a profitable and sustainable manner,” he said.

For more information: www.amsterdamproduceshow.com. (Note: attendance is free for all buyers of fresh produce.)