Strong lineup for inaugural SMART Horticulture Asia on Sept 8

SMART Horticulture Asia is bringing together the top experts from around the globe and from the business sectors of cultivation, supply chain, technology, and information management to discuss, network, and share knowledge on cutting-edge data and horticulture topics.

The new one-day conference will take place next Thursday, September 8, in Hong Kong during Asia Fruit Logistica.

Disruptive technologies such as drones, robots and big data are among the topics in the conference programme that significant attention will be paid to. Attendees at targeted sessions will learn how modern business models driven by this kind of innovation are changing in Asia.

At the plenary session on SMART Information Exchange, CHIC Group CEO E. Zhu and Fruitday founder L. Zhao will share their views on the likely changes to Asian business models.

Zhu said his address will draw on a case illustrating how an agribusiness company can achieve sustainable development and globalisation by effectively applying open innovation in its technology and business model.

Meanwhile, speakers at the breakout session on SMART Information Exchange will cover issues such as how to convey the increasing amount of information collected at farm level to the rest of the supply chain, and which data sets are essential for managing farms as well as ensuring food safety.

GS1 Hong Kong’s C. Yin will share how to deliver food safety by using Global Standards harmonised with international retail requirements.

Issues such as how to align the digital world with traditional communication channels will be covered at the SMART Customer breakout session. There, B. van der Veen, managing director of Artic Solutions, Shanghai, will give his vision on how to serve the Asian customer with an omnichannel approach while keeping your brand up front.

Conference chairman H. Schmeitz said that, with speakers from three continents and various disciplines, the first SMART Horticulture Asia conference will be a unique event, looking forward to see not only what new but how the industry is seizing the opportunities this new technology offers.

SMART Horticulture Asia is owned by Global Produce Events GmbH, organiser of Asia Fruit Logistica, the only annual trade show for the fresh fruit and vegetable business in Asia, and is powered by Frug I Com, organiser of the EU Fresh Info Forum and Round Table, which takes place every year in the Netherlands.

For more information: www.smart-horticulture.asia