The Future Begins Today – in Hall 3.1

4 February 2026

From AI-supported quality control to sustainable packaging: in Startup World, 18 young companies from eleven countries are presenting forward-looking business ideas for the fresh produce sector.

In the Startup World area at FRUIT LOGISTICA, a young entrepreneur presents his business idea to trade visitors. This is where visions become reality – founders, investors, producers, and representatives from trade and logistics showcase their innovations to a professional audience.

Nowhere is it easier to see how quickly visions can turn into real-world solutions than at FRUIT LOGISTICA. In Startup World in Hall 3.1, eighteen founders from eleven countries demonstrate how they are tackling today’s industry challenges. Whether addressing climate change, labor shortages, rising consumer expectations, or stricter regulations, their smart solutions help optimize processes, increase productivity, and conserve resources – putting sustainability into practice in ecological, economic, and social terms. Here are a few examples:

Compensating for Labor Shortages with AI and Robots

When Tyler Niday noticed that neighboring almond growers were unable to harvest their crops due to a lack of labor, he became convinced that automation was the only viable solution. It had to be practical, reliable, affordable, and tailored to real farm operations. This vision led to the creation of Bonsai Robotics. The company’s compact, AI-controlled autonomous machines independently perform tasks such as spraying, weeding, and harvesting in orchards, vineyards, and vegetable fields.

Better Quality = Less Food Waste + Happier Customers

The potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning also inspired the founders of Dutch start-up AgStacked. Their platform uses AI-powered forecasts based on weather, logistics, and cold chain data to identify quality risks early across the entire supply chain. This helps customers reduce food waste and avoid rejected batches due to quality issues.

Automation from Purchasing to Invoicing

The Swedish company Pifa AB offers importers, wholesalers, and distributors a software solution to optimize business processes – from purchasing to invoicing. All that is required is a smartphone or tablet with internet access. The system enables real-time inventory tracking, optimization of freight flows, order picking, complaint management, stocktaking, and goods receipt checks. Detailed reports – for example on best-selling and most profitable items – can be generated within minutes.

Seaweed-Based Packaging Reduces Carbon Footprint

From 2030 onwards, single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables will no longer be permitted under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Swiss start-up noriware already offers an alternative with its seaweed-based films. The transparent, plastic-free films can be heat-sealed directly onto cardboard trays and easily removed after use. They are fully biodegradable and have a CO₂ footprint up to 89% lower than polyethylene.

Small Innovation, Big Impact

Renewable and biodegradable materials also form the basis of the innovation developed by the Italian company Agree Net. Its small label, approximately 2 centimeters in diameter, is placed inside packaging and releases natural active compounds based on plant extracts that extend the shelf life of fruit. The solution is suitable for citrus fruits, cherries, berries, and grapes.

Anyone wishing to experience the founders’ passion and discover their innovative products and technologies firsthand should visit the Farming Forward / Startup Stage in Hall 3.1 on February 4 and 5 from 1:00 to 1:55 p.m. All 18 start-ups will present their innovations in five-minute sessions.