Organized by Messe Berlin GmbH in cooperation with the show’s official country partner, Egypt, Fruit Logistica 2016 (February 3 to 5) was attended by 70,000 high-level trade visitors from more than 135 countries, and 2,891 exhibitors from 84 countries presented a complete market overview of the fresh produce industry.
Numerous industry innovations that propel the industry forward were showcased. Ten candidates were nominated for the coveted Innovation Award. Here is a review of the winner and the contenders (listed alphabetically by company from FruitLogistica.com).
WINNER
World’s Coconut Trading in Spain – Genuine Coconut
The Genuine Coconut is an organic coconut with a special patented opening, so consumers can enjoy the milk straight from its natural container. It is supplied with its own straw and provides a refreshing drink. Genuine Coconut offers 100 percent organic coconut water from green coconuts. The coconuts grow naturally in the heart of Thailand and are harvested at the optimum point of ripeness when the coconut contains a large amount of water with important nutrients and minerals. Thai Nam Hom coconuts are considered the best choice for quality, taste and flavor.
2BFresh, Israel – Pearl Herbs
Pearl Herbs are just a centimeter long with very short stems. They are ideal for garnishing and serving with other dishes. These tiny fresh herbs are available in more than 10 different varieties including basil, amaranth, sunflower, parsley and pak choi. They are extremely delicate in taste and suitable for all occasions, for immediate consumption, as well as for garnishing other dishes.
Capespan, South Africa – Outspan Sam
The Outspan Sam campaign describes to children how fruit is grown. In four different videos, the path of the fruit is shown in all its different stages. The story is told by Outspan Sam, a figure specially developed for this campaign. The video clips can be accessed anywhere using the special QR code. The aim of the campaign is to promote knowledge and understanding on the part of young consumers and increase appreciation for healthy, fresh produce.
Hortiplan, Netherlands – Harvest Automation
Green salads can now not only be grown automatically with the Mobile Gully system, but also harvested and packed by this new machine. The lettuce is automatically lifted out of the seed rail and then cut. Depending on the degree of automation, the salad heads can also be packed immediately into crates. With this breakthrough technology, similar methods are now available for leafy vegetables.
HortKinetix, Germany – QualyCheck
QualyCheck is a smartphone app using standardized forms to create and transmit quality control reports by Internet to a central database or as emails to selected recipients. QualyCheck works with standard text blocks and terminology based on current official standards as well as the extensive practical experience of the product developers. Regular updates are provided automatically.
HZPC Holland, Netherlands – Wow! Colourful Perupas
WOW! Colourful Perupas are potatoes based on original varieties from the Andes. They offer a new and interesting product range as well as a diversity of taste, color and shape. Four varieties are currently available: Violet Queen – with dark purple flesh and the flavor of sweet beetroot; Double Fun – in two colors with violet and yellow flesh; Magenta Love – offering dark pink potatoes; Blue Star – with a striking marbled pattern and ideal for chips or mashed potatoes.
Northern Greens, Denmark – Kitchen Minis® Tomato
Kitchen Minis®-Tomato is a small, compact and visually attractive cherry tomato plant for the domestic windowsill. It can produce up to 150 fruit all year. Its special feature is the particularly small size of the plant — only 9 to 11 cm wide and 35 cm high. The tomatoes weigh 8 to 10 grams and have a Brix value between six and seven, tasting sweet and aromatic.
Parmentine, France – Parmentine’s Cup
Parmentine’s Cup is a plastic cup with 250 grams of baby potatoes for cooking in the microwave. They are packed together with a basil-tomato sauce. The potatoes are already washed and ready to eat. Six minutes in the microwave, and you have a healthy, tasty low-fat meal. The yellow-fleshed potatoes have barely 90 kcal per 100g, the basil-tomato sauce only 20 kcal, and the chive-quark sauce around 70 kcal.
Stoffels, Belgium – Automato
Automato is a POS “automat” with three boxes, which dispense different cherry tomato varieties into paper bags. Each box can be operated separately and has its own hopper. The consumer has the choice of one or more varieties. The Automato is a hygienic and playful idea for the youngest consumers, helping to interest them in new vegetable varieties.
Terra Natura IntL, Netherlands – Enjoya
Enjoya is a unique, yellow-striped red pepper. It is also distinguished by its very aromatic, tangy flavor and pleasantly crunchy bite. These peppers also have a very high vitamin C content. Enjoya works well as a highlight in salads or as a snack with an appropriate sauce.
