Aug 27, 2019

Fruit brands to be presented at Asia Fruit Logistica

Dazzle, Jazz and Envy apples will be among some of the biggest brands promoted at the Asia Fruit Logistica expo, which runs Sept. 4-6 in Hong Kong with exhibitors from some 42 different countries.

BayWa and T&G Global will present their broad apple varietal range from both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, including the premium Jazz and Envy brands as well as popular varieties from German orchards, according to a press release from Asia Fruit Logistica.

T&G Global’s latest offering is Jazz Snackers, a sweet and crunchy smaller apple designed as a snack, according to the press release. The ‘little sisters’ of the premium New Zealand-bred Jazz apple, Jazz Snackers are sold in fun-sized pre-packs featuring Jazz cartoon characters.

Another New Zealand-bred apple variety – Dazzle – will have its own stand at Asia Fruit Logistica for the first time this year.

“Last year, Dazzle apples were introduced to Asia Fruit Logistica by some of the licensed marketers, but now that we have commercial quantities of fruit available from New Zealand, we will have an increased presence at the show,” said Steve Potbury, manager of Dazzle’s master licensee Fruitcraft.

With parentage that includes Royal Gala, Braeburn and NZ Queen, the PremA 129 variety – to which Dazzle lends its name, is the latest in a long line of innovative varieties to come from New Zealand. Potbury said the apples are “sweet, red, crisp and juicy with hints of watermelon and grape flavors.”

Intellectual property varieties are driving the development of fruit brands, and Australasia-based Freshmax Group, which launched a dedicated IP business, Innovar, last year, will be showcasing a wide range of proprietary varieties it grows and markets. These include Modi and Dazzle apples, Honey Belle and Piqa Boo pears, and Eureka blueberries.

In addition to the trade show, the Hong Kong event will feature AsiaFruit Congress, a fresh produce conference on Sept. 3, the day before the trade show.

AsiaFruit Congress also hosts the presentation of the Asia Fruit Awards.

On the show floor at Asia Fruit Logistica, visitors can take part in a range of hall forums and workshops, including the Asiafruit Business Forum, Smart Horticulture Asia and Cool Logistics Asia.

Show goes ahead 

Following recent unrest in Hong Kong, Asia Fruit Logistica conducted an opinion poll among its exhibitors on whether to continue or postpone. A clear representative majority of exhibitors voted to continue with the event as planned, according to a press release.  Exhibitors were informed of the decision in writing August 20. Visitor attendance is forecast at 80% of the 2018 show, according to the press release.

A checklist of recommendations has been issued to business visitors here to help them prepare for their trip.