Asparagus and soft fruit sector back on track

Photo report: expoSE/expoDirekt in Karlsruhe

After several challenging years, the asparagus and soft fruit sector is recovering. This became evident during expoSE in Karlsruhe, a two-day trade fair dedicated entirely to asparagus and soft fruit. With approximately 440 exhibitors representing all aspects of the supply chain and various European countries, both the organizers and participants regarded the event as a success.

Excessive rainfall across much of Europe took a visible toll on the sector. Many growers in the Benelux region and German-speaking countries reported a tough year in terms of cultivation. Despite these challenges, optimism is returning to the sector, according to crop and trade representatives and suppliers. There is a renewed willingness to innovate and invest, particularly in the asparagus and soft fruit industries. Even the traditionally conservative German market appears increasingly receptive to automation and digitalization, with artificial intelligence now making significant inroads.

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Notable Dutch exhibitors included Ronnie Kersten of Fresh Forward alongside two German colleagues, Jasper Slaghekke of Sismatec with partner Massimo Bellotti of Cartonpack, and Chris Engels presenting the EcoSpader. The Teboza team also attended, although director Will Teeuwen had to leave early due to illness.

Strawberries: Growth of ever-bearers and protected cultivation
In the strawberry sector, German growers are increasingly favoring ever-bearer varieties, a trend expected to persist in the coming years. Protected cultivation, particularly using racks and tunnels, continues to grow annually, gradually replacing conventional outdoor cultivation. The risks posed by climate change have made traditional methods less viable for many growers.

Asparagus: Fewer growers but larger farms
The asparagus sector has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including difficult harvests, inflation, and reduced consumer purchasing power. In Germany, the number of asparagus farms is steadily declining. However, cooperatives and suppliers view this trend as manageable, as larger, more robust farms are scaling up to compensate. Mechanization, such as advancements in foil management and harvesting technology, is becoming the norm. For instance, Christiaens celebrated the sale of its 25th harvester, “Chris,” during the fair. Additionally, Bejo officially launched its new white, medium-early variety, Genius.

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A broader focus at expoSE
ExpoSE has expanded beyond its original focus on asparagus and strawberries to include other soft fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries, as well as stone fruits and a variety of vegetables. This year’s event also highlighted pumpkins, sweet potatoes, leeks, and fruiting vegetables. Seminars complemented the exhibition, with the first-ever stone fruit forum drawing a new audience and receiving positive feedback.

In conclusion, the 2024 expoSE demonstrated a sector ready to embrace innovation and adapt to changing conditions, signaling a brighter future for asparagus and soft fruit cultivation.

For more information:
www.expo-se.de