IBO in Madrid. Why it might just be good to meet you there
Within the context of global events that bring together the produce industry, Fruit Attraction has become a key meeting place in Europe, complementing and in certain ways surpassing Fruit Logistica’s traditional offer.
As part of the strategy set within IBO to be closer to our membership and the overall produce sector on a more regular basis, in 2024 we held what was named “IBO Gala at Fruit Attraction”. During that first event we touched upon preparations for the 2025 South Africa Summit, presented key elements of the 2024/2025 Global Production Report, reviewed European blueberry trends and held a panel discussion with the participation of Hector Lujan (CEO Hortifrut), Steve Magami (CEO Agrovision), Vicente Jimenez (COO SurExport) and Theo Lombard (Anglo Farming & Investments). Overall perception of the event was very positive, not only as a result of the presentations, and particularly the panel, but because of the opportunity to interact with key industry members.
Based on the success of this first event we are coming together once again in Madrid to meet at the “Blueberry World Forum & Cocktail by IBO”, on October 7th. Topics will include the 2027 Peru Summit, key findings of the 2026/2027 Global Industry Report, a European retail perspective of the blueberry sector, and a panel with the participation of Christoph Stricker (Edeka), Nicolas Moller (Hortifrut), Miguel Bentin (ProArandanos), Vicente Jimenez (SurExport), and Aritza Rodero (Grupo Atitlan).
With the very complex and elevated uncertainty of the production and business environment we are facing, and in consideration of the risks and impacts that issues, challenges and opportunities in different regions can have on a global reaching crop like blueberries, communicating in person, if possible, seems to be of much greater benefit. So, we would like to extend an invitation to be with us at Fruit Attraction to better understand and decide what are the possible current focus areas you should be targeting, and what might be the future trends that could be impacting your blueberry business, either as a grower, a supplier of services or inputs, or as a buyer of this unique fruit.
Looking forward to seeing you in Madrid in a few weeks!
Mario Steta, Chairman IBO
