Fruit Logistica Podcast

What does the shift to reefer containers mean for supply chains? Why does fresh cargo need dedicated facilities? And how can data, inland shipping, and rail support sustainable logistics? Anne Saris explains how Rotterdam is shaping the future of fresh produce transport.

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As global food demand continues to rise, the pressure to make every harvest count has never been greater. Around one-third of all food is still lost before it reaches consumers, but that’s starting to change.

🎧 In this episode, discover how technology, data, and process innovation can help growers, packers, and retailers cut waste and boost efficiency across the supply chain. From smarter sorting systems to real-time data connections, small improvements can add up to big results.

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Latin America has been at the heart of the global fruit trade for decades, supplying grapes, apples, bananas, pineapples, avocados and more to European supermarkets. But as Asia’s appetite booms and North America remains dominant, Europe’s role is under question.

🎧 Tune in to discover how Chile and Costa Rica plan to keep Europe on their radar, and what lessons the global industry can learn from their strategies.

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Daniel Diaz, Procomer Europe

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Peru’s success spans a wide variety of crops – from blueberries, mangoes, and grapes to asparagus and pomegranates. With exports worth US$12bn in 2024, the country’s produce is now available in markets across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Guest Piero Razeto, Senior Economist, AGAP Peru

Moderator Chris White, managing director at Fruitnet Media International

They reveal how Poland became a leader in berry and apple exports, thanks to favourable growing conditions, deep farming know-how and bold investments in infrastructure and technology. As global trade routes shift and climate pressures grow, Polish producers are embracing innovation – from varietal development and digital logistics to collaborative research clusters like the Horticulture of the Future.

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Clemens reveals how one of the world’s leading carriers is navigating global disruption, adapting to climate goals, and transforming fresh produce logistics. From rerouted ships and reduced reliability to new green tech and remote container tracking, he outlines the biggest reefer challenges – and the bold strategies to overcome them.

Are shipping lines ready for what’s next?

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Jo Lambrecht, Commercial Director at BelOrta, shares how one of Europe’s largest cooperatives streamlines logistics for over 1,000 growers while staying agile and consumer-focused. Meanwhile, Christelle Bertin, Marketing Director at Blue Whale, explains why emotional branding and bold innovation are the keys to capturing modern consumers.

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Moderator Chris White, managing director at Fruitnet Media International

FRUIT LOGISTICA Podcast host Tom Joyce speaks live from Berlin with Nguyen Dang Phuc, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association, about one of the most exciting export stories in the fresh produce world.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports have skyrocketed – from $3.2 billion in 2020 to a projected $7.1 billion in 2024. Learn how the country bounced back post-Covid and which market lifted the lid on explosive growth.

With China now open to Vietnamese durian, exports to the country have surged, making up 65% of Vietnam’s produce turnover. But what about Europe? Nguyen shares which fruits – from mango to pomelo – are starting to tempt European taste buds.

Discover how global logistics, especially the Red Sea crisis, have limited Vietnam’s reach to Europe – and why air freight might be the unexpected solution for expanding exports of shelf-stable tropical produce.

But here’s the real twist: Could Vietnam hit $10 billion in exports by 2030? Nguyen thinks it’s possible. But with climate challenges, market fluctuations, and shifting consumer tastes, what will it take to get there?

And just when you think Vietnam’s export story couldn’t get any more surprising, Nguyen drops a hint about a brand-new product Vietnam is preparing to launch in Europe… one that could change everything.

Listen now to find out what’s next – and why Europe might not be ready for it.

Guests:

Moderator Tom Joyce, features editor at Fruitnet Europe

In this episode of the FRUIT LOGISTICA podcast, recorded live at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 in Berlin, host Mike Knowles explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising quality control in the fresh produce industry. AI-powered technology is making inspections more efficient, reducing waste and improving sustainability across the supply chain.

Mike is joined by Elad Mardix, CEO and co-founder of Clarifresh, an AI-powered software platform that standardises and automates quality assessment from the field to the retail shelf. Elad shares insights on how AI is transforming the way companies measure and ensure produce quality, helping major brands like Dole, Zespri and Sunkist optimise their operations.

Moderator Mike Knowles, Managing Director of Fruitnet Europe

Egypt is experiencing impressive growth in the fruit trade and has become one of the world's most dynamic exporters. In recent years, the country has greatly expanded its fruit and vegetable exports – faster than many other countries with long-established export traditions. But what are the reasons for this success? Which fruits and markets are being targeted? And what challenges do Egyptian producers face in order to continue growing internationally?

This is what Tom Joyce, editor at Fruitnet Europe, talks about in the first ever FRUIT LOGISTICA Podcast episode. His guest is Muhammad Fayed, regional sales manager at Pico Modern Agriculture, one of Egypt's leading growers. Together, they take a look at the strategies behind Egypt's rise, and the opportunities that lie ahead for the country in the coming years.

Guests:

Moderator Tom Joyce, features editor at Fruitnet Europe