The first edition of the Mac Fruit Attraction trade fair was a success. The event, which took place from 4 to 7 May in Cairo together with Food Africa, was the outcome of a challenging project launched by Cesena Fiera in cooperation with Fiera Madrid. The event received a good turnout, with operators coming mainly from Egypt but also from across the MENA region, which is becoming increasingly crucial for Italian and European businesses in the industry.
The positive feedback on the event was provided directly by the ca. 30 exhibitors who took part in this first edition. We collected some of their comments.
Giulia Montanaro, Assomela, an association that represents 80% of the Italian apple production industry. “Our five members who attended the trade fair (Vog, Vip, Melinda, La Trentina and Melavi) were satisfied. In addition to meeting some existing commercial partners, they also had the opportunity to acquire many new contacts, from Egypt and more generally from across the Middle East and North Africa region.”
Riccardo Martini, Tramaco: “Considering that this was the first edition and that the organisation had to deal with some logistic problems at the local level, we were satisfied. For us, this trade fair took place at the right time, in that it allowed us to get clearer on the Italian export situation and to schedule the summer program for grapes export from Egypt to Europe.”
Nicola De Tomi, European Fruit Group: “We have been working on this market for ten years and in three days we were able to meet all of our clients, which usually takes at least a week. I should like to add that we got to know many new potential clients. Mac Fruit Attraction was a much-needed event in this area. Well done!”
Leonardo Bigoni, Sermac: “We were satisfied. The trade fair addressed mainly the Egyptian market and I must say that we found the partners we expected to find.”
Carlo Lingua, RK Growers: “Before the event we were somewhat sceptical, but our doubts have been promptly dispelled. In addition to meeting our clients, we had the opportunity to make new contacts. We will see in the next months how things develop, but the basis has been laid.”
Renzo Piraccini, President at Macfrut: “The positive feedback we received from the exhibitors reassures us and confirms that we are on the right track. Talk of internalisation is irrelevant unless it is backed by facts, and it is in this practical sense that Mac Fruit Attraction wants to support the industry. And the project is far from over: as a next step, we will be focussing on Asia and South America. Together with Fiera Madrid, we are heading in this direction.”
Macfrut Press Office
16 May
