Amsterdam Produce Show about to debut

The Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) is set to take place November 2-4, with the trade exhibition set in the unique surroundings of the Gashouder at the iconic Westergasfabriek.

This boutique trade show brings the international fresh produce and flower communities together in Holland – at the very heart of the global produce industry.

Organised and hosted by the creators of the award-winning London Produce Show and Conference and The New York Produce Show and Conference, the Amsterdam event boasts a unique concentration of Dutch and international trade buyers from the retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors, who all exhibitors will have direct access to.

A series of networking events, Holland-focused seminars and chef demonstrations with some of the Netherlands’ top culinary minds will run around and alongside the exhibition.

Four themes infuse the event

The Amsterdam event will have four core themes running throughout – Innovation, Sustainability, Education and Health – with feature zones on the show floor looking at the ways in which both Dutch and international companies are addressing the challenges and opportunities in these areas, in order to sell more fresh produce to consumers in an ever-changing marketplace.

The main seminar stage will focus on Dutch leadership and some of the innovators and influencers who are helping the country maintain its position at the industry’s top table.

Look out for innovative touches from an event perspective, too – the food and drink is being provided free to visitors by entrepreneurial young specialist chefs from Holland and chef demonstrations and pop-up seminars will also bring something new to the show floor.

The event begins on November 2 with a networking event like no other, a fabulous opening cocktail reception that is open to everyone. It ends on November 4 with a series of educational and inspirational tours taking in retail, logistics, production and food service in and around Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Jim Prevor, editor in chief of Produce Business, the magazine behind the shows, said Amsterdam is a logical choice, “given the fact that Holland has long been a market leader in fresh produce and flower circles, whether that be its incredible research and development programs, top-class production operations, expert scientific institutions, its world-renowned trading model or its innovative and wide-reaching logistics models.”

“We think our action-packed show will give the Dutch industry the opportunity to reaffirm its position at the top table of the global produce industry – and we’re inviting the rest of the world to Amsterdam to meet, share, learn and, perhaps most importantly, do more business with their Dutch colleagues and partners, as well as buyers from all corners of the globe.

“In New York and London, we have already proved that our distinctive model allows people the time to make real connections, to build true partnerships and to improve both themselves and their businesses. For more than a century, this wonderful industry of ours has relied heavily on its Dutch partners for access to Europe and beyond – our event will provide everyone involved with a commercial and cultural experience like no other. Our company’s raison d’être is to Initiate Industry Improvement – that objective lies at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Raise your profile, increase your profits at a unique fresh produce event

APS16 managing director Tommy Leighton said the event will offer numerous tailored packages and opportunities for companies to showcase their brands and services, launch new products and meet, share and learn from their counterparts from around the world of produce.

“You can raise your brand awareness in the presence of many of the most influential figures in the international produce industry, including Dutch and international retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers, before, during and after the event. Be an integral part of something truly unique in your sector and take advantage of their massive social media and promotional output before, during and after the show to get your messages heard.

“We believe that the value of face-to-face interaction is still massive in any trading relationship. All of us continue to learn every single day and my experience tells me the more you know, the more you are likely to grow, both as an individual within this great industry, and as a company with aspirations to progress in a profitable and sustainable manner,” he said.

For more information: www.amsterdamproduceshow.com. (Note: attendance is free for all buyers of fresh produce.)