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Freshfel Europe celebrates 25 years at its Annual Event in Sicily on 15–16 April 2026
Freshfel Europe is holding its Annual General Meeting in Sicily on 15–16 April, bringing together more than 100 leading figures from across the European and international fresh produce sector. This year’s gathering marks an important milestone: the 25th anniversary of the association’s annual event, celebrating a quarter century of service to the fruit and vegetable industry. It also marks the end of the mandate of Salvo Laudani (Fruitimprese/Oranfrizer) as President of the Association.
Hosted by outgoing President Salvo Laudani, the Freshfel Europe annual event is moving to Sicily to celebrate the conclusion of his four-year presidency, capping a much longer period of dedicated engagement within the association. Welcoming participants to his home region, Mr. Laudani described the occasion as “a special edition” of the Annual General Assembly, reflecting both the sector’s achievements and the challenges it continues to face. In recent years, the industry has had to navigate a complex environment shaped by climate pressures, the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.
The annual event also marks 25 years of Freshfel Europe serving the fresh produce sector at the European and international level. Over the past quarter century, Freshfel Europe has built a strong reputation as the unified voice of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, promoting collaboration among stakeholders and advocating for the sector at both European and global level. The Association has carried out advocacy work on the European regulatory environment affecting the sector and has guided the industry through an evolving landscape. Despite these challenges, the fresh produce sector has shown a strong capacity for adaptation and leadership, positioning itself as part of the solution to major societal concerns. Fruits and vegetables remain central to both public health and environmental sustainability, offering high nutritional value with a relatively low ecological footprint.
“As I come to the end of my mandate, I do so with deep gratitude,” said Salvo Laudani. “It has been a true honour to serve a sector that is vital not only to Europe’s economy, but also to the well-being of its citizens and the planet.” He added: “As we celebrate this milestone, we must also strengthen our collective voice. Fruits and vegetables are uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and sustainability. Their contribution must be more clearly recognised in policy, in the market, and by consumers alike.”
The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on past achievements, but also to look ahead. Freshfel Europe will present a forward-looking manifesto, developed by its Board, outlining the Association’s priorities and ambitions for the next five years. This roadmap is intended to strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance the sector’s visibility, and ensure that fresh produce is fully recognised in shaping future European policies.
The two-day event will also mark the transition to new leadership, with Mr. Laudani expressing confidence in the incoming team’s ability to build on the association’s achievements and guide the sector forward.
“It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable sector,” he concluded. “I leave with pride in what we have accomplished together, and with optimism for what lies ahead.”
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