The International Irrigated Tropical Fruit Fair – Expofruit will take place from August 20 to 22 in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, with the theme "Sustainability and Innovation: Responsible Tropical Fruit Growing." The fair is expected to draw around 40,000 visitors and generate about US$16 million in business.
According to organizers, this year's edition will host a record number of exhibitors. "This edition of Expofruit will be the largest ever, with a record number of exhibitors here in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, the city and state that are the largest fruit exporters in the country," said Fábio Queiroga, president of the Rio Grande do Norte Fruit Executive Committee (COEX/RN).
For Sebrae-RN, a partner in organizing the event, the fair strengthens the fruit sector and the local economy. João Hélio, technical director of Sebrae-RN, stated: "The fair also plays an important role in strengthening the region. Mossoró and the western region of the state gain visibility and boost not only the agricultural economy, but also sectors such as tourism, gastronomy, and services."
The rector of Ufersa, Rodrigo Codes, highlighted its academic role: "Expofruit is one of the greatest showcases for the state's economic development, and Ufersa is pleased to annually encourage and support the event, providing infrastructure support and, most valuable to our academic community, developing research and projects that contribute to the improvement of our fruit industry."
The International Business Roundtable – Fresh Fruits, part of the Exporta Mais Brasil program, will be held on August 20 and 21 at the Thermas Hotel. The initiative, promoted by ApexBrasil in partnership with Sebrae-RN, will bring international buyers from Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and South America to meet with Brazilian companies. Participating companies will receive matchmaking services, translation support, and exhibition opportunities through the Buy Brazil Platform.
Scientific programming will include a Business Panel, a Fruit Farming Forum, and a Cashew Farming Seminar, featuring institutions such as Abrafutas, ApexBrasil, Sebrae, Senar, Embrapa, and Coex. Research on fruit species adapted to the semi-arid region will also be presented by Ufersa.
On the final day, a Potiguar Cooperatives Meeting will take place, with presentations from Unicicafes Brasil and Cooperxique, along with a business meeting focused on public procurement opportunities with the federal government.
The fair will host more than 300 stands over 17,000 m², open to the public in central Mossoró. João Manoel, commercial director of Expofruit, commented: "We are very pleased with this edition, as we saw 15% growth compared to the last edition. This edition will have a very important differentiator: the international business roundtable, which will feature entrepreneurs from China and other countries."
Source: Abrafrutas