Fresh-cut products in the limelight at Macfrut

5 May 2018

This market is becoming increasingly important for the Italian fruit and vegetable industry, so much so that the sales volume in Italy approached €1 billion, mostly concerning salads sold through large-scale retail channels. However, in the last few years, the sales volume of other channels has also grown, especially with regard to companies operating in the community catering sector and, more generally, in the Horeca sector.

These products will have a pivotal role at Macfrut (9-11 May at the Rimini Expo Centre), to be attended by major producers in the fresh-cut produce industry. In addition, at the exhibition centre, a 400-square metre greenhouse will be installed in order to showcase cutting-edge vegetable harvesting technology developed specifically for this segment. There will also be an international conference coordinated by Giancarlo Colelli, professor at the University of Foggia, on fake news in the fresh-cut produce sector, which is now an important topic in the age of social media. Moreover, during the Macfrut Innovation Award ceremony, a special prize is dedicated to innovation and a gold medal has been awarded to the Annatura line for ready-to-eat products.

‘The world of fresh-cut products is constantly evolving,’ Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, explains. ‘Just think of all the novelty vegetables, for example the introduction of baby leaves, Brassicaceae with colourful inflorescences, microgreens and many fresh, processed vegetable-based products. This is why Macfrut is a key event featuring many initiatives dedicated to this segment: a conference, a large greenhouse with the recent innovations in cultivation technology, and the participation of leading companies in the sector.’

On Wednesday, 9 May at 2.30pm, Giancarlo Colelli, an expert in the field and coordinator of the conference “Fresh-cut products: Scientific approach vs. Fake news”, will focus on new products and formats in the fresh-cut segment. ‘The ready-to-use fruit market is growing, with the key products being apples and grapes, followed by (or together with) melon, pineapple and other tropical fruits. Loose pomegranate seeds are now becoming popular and, given the number of companies heading in this direction, we can expect to find this product on the market in the near future. In recent years, fresh ready-made soups, which are ready to be heated and consumed (with a variety of recipes ranging from traditional to seasonal), have been the main product on the market, along with fresh juices or vegetable 'extracts', which are not heat-treated, with many variations available, also mixed with fruits. Ready-to-use fruit and vegetables: quality, selection, service and well-being.’

For further information, please visit: www.macfrut.com

Read more:

First international marketing campaign underway for Dulcis™

4 November 2024
With over 600 tonnes of top-quality fruit produced across 300 hectares of land – expected to expand to 500 hectares by 2025 – Dulcis™ is poised to repeat last year’s success in Italy and also find itself in the shopping trolleys of consumers in several new international markets. This unique kiwi variety was developed by specialist bio-science enterprise New Plant of Forlì in collaboration with the University of Udine and the University of Bologna. »

Future Trends in Fresh Produce Supply

3 November 2024
The latest FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report is now available for download. Annual report’s in-depth information and expert analysis help industry representatives understand how fruit and vegetable supply is changing across the globe. FRUIT LOGISTICA’s latest annual trend report provides the fruit and vegetable sector with free and valuable information about the future of the global fresh produce trade. Entitled ‘Future trends in fresh produce supply’, this year’s report highlights the emerging supply chains, new sources of supply, and market trends »

25th FOOD & KITCHEN Africa 2024 | 20 - 22 November | International Trade Exhibition | Nairobi, Kenya

31 October 2024
The 25th FOOD & KITCHEN opens up a new world of opportunities for export oriented companies. With a GDP of $95 billion, Kenya recently reached lower-middle income status, and has successfully established a diverse and dynamic economy. It also serves as the point of entry to the larger East African market. Kenya’s Economy is distinguished from most African countries by the fact that it is one of the most diversified and advanced. »
PARTNERS