Expectations for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2023 were high and we wondered whether the motto “All in ONE” could make it the same as it once was before the pandemic.

It felt like it had been an eternity since we had been to FRUIT LOGISTICA, but that’s how you end up at the Palais am Funkturm every year if you’re always on the lookout for “THE One”.

There weren’t as many tomatoes on offer this year as in previous years, as there were many dark varieties that came close to the original tomato. What they all have in common, of course, is the beloved Umami taste – always a guarantee for winning over the palate.

The “machine halls”, i.e. where sowing, harvesting, sorting and packaging take place, were well attended as always. Here, the trade visitors crowded around the innovations in the processing and packaging sector.

The ability to determine characteristics such as condition, density and even sweetness by sensory means during the sorting process has continued to develop – see also my TOMRA article.

We actually wanted to try the Miracle Berry this year, but unfortunately we didn’t find what we were looking for.

The special feature of the Miracle Berry is that after you have let the flesh melt in your mouth, your tongue no longer lets you taste sour and bitter for a short period of time – around 15-20 minutes – which means that you can enjoy sour citrus fruits like plums or strawberries and finally taste all the nuances that are otherwise hidden behind the sourness.

In 2023, we focused a little more on the varieties of dragon fruit with their supposed origins in Mexico.

The number of countries that grow this delicious fruit in all its varieties is increasing every year – but a tropical climate zone is always a prerequisite for success.

Not only Ecuador, Nicaragua, China and, of course, Mexico should be mentioned here – other Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos have also recognized the potential and benefits of this fruit.

Personally, I found the yellow fruits from Latin America – especially Ecuador – to be the tastiest.

The special sweetness, the unique aroma – but above all the freshness and texture – took it up a notch compared to the other countries of origin.

A few other fruits from Ecuador were also particularly memorable – the pineapples from CARALINDA, for example, each a real gem.

Pineapple with such an intense flavor is rarely found, and we were completely surprised by the balance of acidity and sweetness – a great product!

Catering

Last but not least, the topic of catering at trade fairs often turns into a spit-roast – except perhaps at the Green Week, where there is almost an entire hall for “snacks in between”.

The prices for food and drink in particular prevent many visitors to trade fairs from taking the time for a culinary break – instead they eat at home in the evening.

This year, however, the small but fine food truck from MANI IN PASTA caught my eye, firstly because the air was “impregnated” with the aroma of fine pasta & sauces, but above all because of the fair pricing with good quality and friendly service.

Innovation Award

This year’s Innovation Award was won by the Tatayoyo bell pepper – a bell pepper that, with 19 different volatile substances, far more than other bell pepper varieties, creates a taste experience that is second to none.

Unfortunately, this year we didn’t have the time to devote to the Innovation Award as usual. Let’s see what FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 will have to offer here.

Our conclusion

So much for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2023 – as always, it was a refreshing & varied tour, with the halls seeming tidier, clearer – but the hustle and bustle of events was noticeably missing compared to the pre-pandemic years.

As in previous years, we really enjoyed the trade fair. We met up with some “old friends” again, but unfortunately many well-known brands and contacts were not on site this time.

As far as my personal perception this year is concerned, there is definitely still room for improvement for 2024 in terms of the number of exhibitors and, above all, the products on display.

So we are hoping for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 – let’s see if the close timing with Green Week and Bio-Fach and the like will allow for relaxed visits to the respective events.