The event held at the Italian stand in Berlin’s Fruit Logistica revealed great consensus over the need for joint action on the part of Institutions, trade associations and professionals of the sector in order to promote Italy around the world.
“Italy is Germany’s leading partner in the agro-food sector and its presence at Fruit Logistica with more than 500 exhibitors is proof of this. We are Europe’s major fruit and vegetable producers and our production is characterised for its quality and wholesomeness and, above all, we are world leaders in terms of sustainability,” said Italian Ambassador Pietro Benassi.
“The great effort made by CSO – said President Paolo Bruni – which for years has been keeping its member companies together in a common exhibition space at Fruit Logistica, is rewarded by the great visibility that this collective presence offers, not only to the farms but also to the Country’s entire economic system. This result was made possible by the active cooperation between CSO Italy, Fruitimprese, Italia Ortofrutta and ICE, which all individually involved their members to optimise the showcasing of their products.” Paolo Bruni added: “The businesses and organizers of the Berlin stand all agreed on supporting CSO Italy as an operating instrument at the service of the Ministry and of the Regional Authorities in the light of the very important support it gives towards the removal of phytosanitary barriers.”
The other speakers included Marco Salvi, President of Fruitimprese, Gennaro Velardo, President of Italia Ortofrutta, Fabio Massimo Pallottini, President of Italmercati, Massimiliano Giansanti, President of Nazionale Confagricoltura, Gianni Cantele, President of Coldiretti Puglia, Giuseppe Pan, Regional Councillor for Agriculture, Hunting and Fishing of the Veneto Region, Simona Caselli, Regional Councillor for Agriculture, Hunting and Fishing of the Emilia Romagna Region.
In her address Councillor Caselli, in her capacity as President of Areflh, highlighted the strategic importance of all of CSO’s services, including those aimed at opening new market outlets.