A delegation of Australian vegetable growers has come away with a greater understanding of international horticulture and what it takes to be globally competitive following a study tour to Europe.

As part of the AUSVEG-led tour, the group of growers visited Berlin Fruit Logistica, one of the world’s leading trade shows covering the fresh produce sector. The days that the delegation spent at the Logistica gave the participants a great opportunity to network with existing customers and clients in a new setting, and with over 3,000 exhibitors and over 76,000 delegates attending the event, it was also a valuable chance to make new contacts in the international horticulture industry.

The tour also visited key industry sites in Europe, like Koppert Cress in Holland, where they heard first-hand the success story that the company has enjoyed through its expansion since 2002. In a highly competitive market filled with great product, Koppert Cress is a great example of how to leverage networking and marketing to tell a company’s story to set it above and beyond the rest, and growers valued the chance to learn about Koppert Cress’ customer engagement work.

The rest of the packed itinerary for the group included a visit to leading vegetable seed company Rijk Zwaan, an early-morning visit to Berlin Wholesale Market, and an educational experience at the world-famous Wageningen University. These visits provided some valuable insights into where Australian horticulture sits compared to our international competitors.

More information on the lessons learned from this study tour will be published soon, so keep an eye on AUSVEG communications to learn more!

This leadership and development mission to Berlin Fruit Logistica was made possible by a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 20 February 2018.