Fruit Attraction, the premier international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, will host its 16th edition from 8 to 10 October in Madrid, with the highest participation levels in its history. Organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, the event will feature Andalusia as its Guest Region and is set to attract more than 100,000 trade visitors from 145 countries.
With 2,146 exhibiting companies from 56 nations, Fruit Attraction 2024 has seen a 7% increase in participation compared to last year, spread over 70,000 square metres at the Madrid Trade Fair Centre. This year marks the first time the fair will span 10 halls, reflecting a 9% increase in floor space and reinforcing its status as the global hub for fresh produce marketing.
The Fresh Produce Area, covering nearly 70% of the exhibition, has expanded by 6%, while the Auxiliary Industry Area, representing 24%, has grown by 4%. The Fresh Food Logistics Area has seen an impressive 26% increase. A new feature this year is Hall 1, dedicated to Innova&Tech, which will showcase innovations in biotechnology and smart agriculture.
Spain continues to dominate the event, with 55% of exhibitors representing the country’s autonomous communities, reaffirming the nation’s leadership in the global fruit and vegetable market. International participation accounts for 45%, with a notable 18% growth in the number of foreign exhibitors, bolstered by 102 new companies.
Fruit Attraction continues to serve as a launchpad for international trade, with the International Buyers Programme bringing over 700 buyers from 70 countries, thanks to support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and ICEX. This year’s edition will also feature China and Saudi Arabia as the ‘Guest Importing Countries,’ highlighting the fair’s role in expanding trade relations.
The avocado, a popular superfood, will take centre stage as the star product, supported by initiatives promoting its growing importance in Spain’s cultivation and export markets. Within the fair’s programme, the Global Avocado Congress and the Walnut and Pecan Congress will focus on developments in these thriving industries.
Innovation will be a major theme at Fruit Attraction 2024. The Innovation Hub will feature nearly 40 new products, and the prestigious Innovation Hub Awards will support entrepreneurial initiatives within the sector. This year’s fair will also present the Award for Best Stand for the first time.
Additionally, the event will host several high-profile conferences, including the Biofruit Congress, Biotech Attraction, and the 5th Fresh Food Logistics Summit, further solidifying Fruit Attraction’s role as a key platform for industry development.
The opening ceremony will be presided over by Luis Planas, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, reflecting the government’s continued support for the event, which plays a vital role in fostering innovation and global trade in the agricultural sector.
