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Five outstanding innovations honored with the expoSE/expoDirekt Innovation Award 2025
Europe’s berry and asparagus industry gathers at Messe Karlsruhe from 19–20 November 2025
Five outstanding innovations honored with the expoSE/expoDirekt Innovation Award 2025
The European berry and asparagus sector is set to meet once again at Messe Karlsruhe (Germany) for the 29th edition of expoSE, Europe’s leading trade fair for asparagus and berry production, and the 14th edition of expoDirekt, Germany’s largest trade fair for agricultural direct marketing. A highlight of this year’s event will be the presentation of the expoSE/expoDirekt Innovation Award 2025, recognizing five exhibitors whose pioneering solutions bring measurable benefits to growers and direct marketers.
An independent jury evaluated 37 innovative entries based on criteria including originality, user benefits, and economic potential. The five winning products help streamline daily operations, reduce costs, boost sustainability, and enhance efficiency across the berry and asparagus value chain.
Winners of the expoSE Innovation Award 2025
Ant Robotics (Stelle, Germany)
VALERA Cube – Autonomous tunnel sprayer for professional use
The VALERA Cube is a robotic spraying system designed for protected cultivation in rack systems. Capable of treating 3–7 rows simultaneously, it features two large tanks for extended operation and uses integrated solar technology for long-range, fully autonomous performance.
Guided by advanced sensors, the robot navigates tunnels with precision — even at night — detecting and avoiding obstacles. A dedicated app enables remote control, providing GPS data, tank monitoring, and machine-readable spray documentation that already meets digital plant-protection requirements coming into force in 2026.
More information at expoSE Hall 2, Stand L08 and at www.antrobotics.de
Bioline AgroSciences (Essex – Little Clacton, United Kingdom)
Sprayvent – precision sprayer for applying beneficial organisms
Sprayvent is the world’s first tool designed specifically for precise liquid-phase application of predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis. Its patented formulation keeps beneficial organisms suspended uniformly inside the tank, while the nozzle ensures gentle, highly accurate spraying.
Growers benefit from uniform biological control, reduced labour, and significant cost savings.
More information at expoSE Hall 2, Stand I20 and at www.biolineagrosciences.com
Voltiris (Epalinges, Switzerland)
Solar modules with sun-filter technology for larger fruit and higher yields
In partnership with 3M, Voltiris has developed solar modules using a unique filter that transmits only the wavelengths required for strawberry growth while converting excess heat into renewable energy.
Early trials show fruit up to 22% larger, reduced waste, and plant temperatures up to 5°C lower — all while generating clean energy directly inside the greenhouse.
More information at expoSE Hall 2, Stand K12 and at https://voltiris.com
Winners of the expoDirekt Innovation Award 2025
FrachtPilot (Münster, Germany) in cooperation with FlexFleet Solutions
Digital control centre for harvest & sales stands
This integrated digital tool simplifies harvest tracking, labour management, warehouse coordination, and sales-stand logistics. Real-time dashboards, automated restocking recommendations, and comprehensive data analytics help operators manage decentralised farm shops, market stands, and seasonal stalls efficiently.
Immediate use is possible thanks to the cloud-based setup.
More information at expoDirekt Hall 1, Stand B11 and via www.frachtpilot.de/verkaufsstand-verwaltung
NonStop Shop (Meppen, Germany)
Calibrated scales in vending machines for gram-accurate billing
NonStop Shop introduces vending-machine trays equipped with precision scales that weigh loose products — such as strawberries, asparagus, or meat — immediately before dispensing.
This eliminates manual pre-weighing and compensates automatically for evaporation losses in refrigerated products, ensuring fair, exact-gram pricing for both customers and operators.
More information at expoDirekt Hall 1, Stand D20 and at www.nonstop-shop.de
Expert Jury
The award jury consists of:
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Steffen Finder, Berry Fruit Consultant, Chamber of Agriculture NRW
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Ralf Große Dankbar, Asparagus Consultant, Chamber of Agriculture NRW
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Ute Heimann, Editor-in-Chief, HOFdirekt
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Isabelle Kokula, Asparagus Consultant, Karlsruhe District Office
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Thomas Kühlwetter, Editor-in-Chief, Spargel & Erdbeer Profi
Travel, Tickets & Opening Hours
Messe Karlsruhe is easily accessible by plane, car, and train. A complimentary Messe-Express shuttle runs between Karlsruhe Central Station and the fairgrounds.
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Day ticket: €16
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Season ticket: €30
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Permanent Ticket 25: Free for trade visitors aged 25 and under
Ticket shop: https://www.messe-ticket.de/KMK_SHOP/expoSE-expoDirekt
Fair opening hours:
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Wednesday, 19 November 2025: 9:00–18:00
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Thursday, 20 November 2025: 9:00–17:00
More information: www.expo-se.de
The Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE), with around 630 members, is Germany’s largest organisation for asparagus and strawberry producers. VSSE has organised expoSE since 1996 and expoDirekt since 2011.
More details: www.vsse.de
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