Fruit Attraction started today in Madrid. The problems in Dutch tomato cultivation are the talk of the trade fair. Turkish tomato traders, for example, indicate that they see many opportunities in the Netherlands in the winter and Spain is also looking keenly at how the winter cultivation of tomatoes in the Netherlands will go.
How much lower is tomato cultivation in the Netherlands really and is the consumer willing to pay a higher price? These questions echo through the corridors of the exhibition complex, where a lot of crowds are expected in the coming days.
It is also striking that, despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine is strongly represented at Fruit Attraction. The Ukrainians are seeing quite a bit of traffic. Most people naturally start talking about the war, and they are proud to still be fighting back. "Our people will never back down" said one of the representatives at the stands.
There are a lot less Egyptians stands than usual, but the stands are very busy and lots of meetings are going on. The combined stands of Turkey and Egypt would normally be filled by Egyptians alone.
Many exhibitors are saying that they have seen more clients this morning than in total last year. Despite being happy to be at the event conversation quickly turns to the rising production costs, knowing that they are all in the same boat with their worries.