Asian horticulture industry commits to knowledge and innovation
“The optimal timing of any exhibition is of crucial importance, and the biannual timing for Horti ASIA has been made to meet the needs of demanding growers in Asia, where smart horticulture is occurring at one of the fastest rates in the world,” said Jens-Martin Kremer, Member of the Executive Board and Director of Business Development of DLG Service GmbH. DLG is the co-organizer of Horti ASIA.
Rapid development
The market for food in Asia is developing quickly thanks to the high economic growth being experienced in the region’s economies, and this will have an impact on both the composition and the amount of food consumption. Booming economies in countries such as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia suggest the region’s ascendancy in the global economy is likely to continue, while in Thailand itself the government is promoting the ‘Thailand 4.0’ economic development model to transform the country into a value-based economy with the aim of becoming a high-income nation.
These factors mean the timing is right for Asia to transform its fresh produce systems to keep up with the world’s fast-changing business and technological landscapes. Thus, it is hardly surprising that Asia’s horticultural businesses are experiencing such a fast rate of the use of horticultural technology.
“VNU and DLG are firm believers that knowledge and innovation are vital to help meet the urgent need for horticulture technology that supports the development of modern crop production techniques. The horticulture market highlighted by Horti ASIA and the successful premiere of AGRITECHNICA ASIA shows a clear need for a high-quality, international business platform for agricultural experts.“ said Nino Gruettke, Managing Director of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific.
Innovation hub and top investors
Asian growers are investing in technology that enables them to meet the fast growing demands of the highly populated Asian region. The fast growing middle class and the focus on fresh produce consumption and floriculture makes investors optimistic.
“The mindset of investors and growers is changing rapidly. With an increased demand for agricultural products and exports to new markets, the market outlook is very bright. Growers and investors today want to implement technology that allows them to stay ahead of the new market trends. This is contradictory to what suppliers often think. One of the highlights at Horti ASIA 2018 will be special innovations that accelerate Southeast Asia’s Horti produce. This is all about leading by the best example,” said Manuel Madani of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific.
Growing agricultural products in Asia-Pacific has specific technology requirements and Horti ASIA targets these needs by presenting solutions that are immediately available to address a range of problems,” said Mr. Madani. ”And a highlight at Horti ASIA 2018 will be special innovations that will accelerate Southeast Asia fresh produce by meeting local growing needs in an innovative way,” added Madani.
Top international decision-makers
The merging of Horti ASIA and AGRITECHNICA ASIA, which premiered in 2017, proved to be an immediate success, with 219 exhibitors presenting a broad range of solutions to some 8,200 high-quality growers and professionals. The event gave international agricultural experts the opportunity to meet up with top decision-makers across Asia. This was achieved through the exhibition’s hosted-buyer program, which covered the travel expenses of key farm buyers in the region to ensure a high quality of decision-makers and purchasing decisions at the event.
This initiative resulted in 50 percent of the visitors at Horti ASIA 2017 holding a managerial position and 89 percent being directly involved in purchasing and procurement decisions. In 2018, the hosted-buyer program will be expanded to further establish a central forum for decision-makers and experts in the fields of fresh produce and agricultural technology.
New entrants to the Asian market, as well as companies already established in the region, will have the opportunity to meet growers, farmers and potential partners from all over the Asia-Pacific region. Bangkok is recognized as the international hub in Southeast Asia due to its smooth entry regulations and good international accessibility. Horti ASIA 2017 saw 32 percent of the visitors come from countries outside Thailand, including Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and Myanmar.
For more information:
www.horti-asia.com