The 4th ‘Freskon’ International Trade Show for Fruit & Vegetables opens tomorrow, featuring 210 exhibitors (as compared to 191 in 2017) from 22 countries, 11,000 sq.m. of exhibition space covered, some of the largest European supermarket chains attending, 250 pre-arranged business meetings between representatives of Greek enterprises and producers and foreign trade visitors and 150 hosted buyers from 31 countries.

Freskon will serve as a meeting point for producers, international retail groups, as well as domestic and international transporters of fresh fruit and vegetables, turning Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre into a reference point for the sector in South-Eastern Europe from 26 to 28 April.

This year’s trade show features the 1st International Grape Congress, to be held on 26 April, with the participation of acclaimed speakers from Greece and abroad. All the latest trends concerning the cultivation and post-harvest behaviour of grapes will be presented at the grape congress. In fact, at the Digital Farming section, there will be extensive discussion of technological developments that affect grape cultivation and an announcement of all new grape cultivars currently being grown at the global level.

FreshCon Market will be held once more, in cooperation with ‘Froutonea’ magazine, focusing on the connection between production and retail sales. The main goal of FreshCon Market is to bring large supermarket chains into direct contact with professionals of the agricultural sector, creating ideal conditions for direct agreements.

Participants include the Masoutis, Kritikos, Metro, Chalkiadakis and Discount Markt supermarket chains from Greece, the Fantastico and T-Market retail networks from Bulgaria, ATB Market, Brusnichka, Tavria V and Velyka Kyshenya supermarkets from Ukraine, Mega Image from Romania and Dionis from Belarus. T

he central fresh fruit and vegetable procurement unit of the Metro group seated in Valencia, Spain and serving 18 countries in Europe and Asia will also be participating in FreshCon Market.

“Freskon is a major multi-event, expanding beyond the country’s borders thanks to its internationalisation. It has no equivalent in the broader region of South-Eastern Europe”, noted the Deputy General Director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, during today’s Press Conference held in view of the opening of the trade show tomorrow. He stressed that, being held for the fourth time, Freskon boasts all the features of an institution.

In turn, Mrs Tonia Nikolaidou, the Director of Freskon, noted that Greek companies participating in Freskon can increase the number of their suppliers and boost their sales, adding that the trade show concentrates the highest percentage of distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables in the country.

In turn, Mr Panayiotis Orfanos, the publisher and director of ‘Froutonea’ magazine, stressed that Freskon is gradually becoming an established institution and is being embraced by Greek fruit and vegetable distributors. He noted that Greece is becoming a centre for the supply of fruit and vegetables to all the Balkan countries. “All of Europe is turning towards Greek fruit”, he stated characteristically.

The 4th Freskon will be inaugurated tomorrow at 18:30 by the Alternate Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr Ioannis Tsironis.

It is noted that when Freskon ends, fruit and vegetables from the trade show will be collected and delivered to the charity organisation “The Smile of the Child”.

27/04/2018 – 13:48

The “American Dream” will come to life in Thessaloniki at this year’s 83rd TIF – where the United States of America will be the honoured country – if one takes into account both the calibre of the companies that will be participating in the US pavilion – Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Coca Cola and Lockheed Martin – as well as the number of events that will frame the participation. As underlined by the TIF-Helexpo administration at a presentation today for the diplomatic corps regarding the upcoming event, the engines of the national exhibition body are at full throttle in preparation of the September Fair.

“Our goal is for the 83rd TIF to be the best one yet, both as regards the numbers of visitors and exhibitors, as well as regards cultural events”, noted TIF-Helexpo President, Mr Tassos Tzikas. At the same time he underlined that the two main strategic wagers of the company, internationalisation – which is what led to the participation of the USA in the 83rd TIF – and the renovation of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.

On his side the Governor of Central Macedonia Apostolos Tzitzikostas characterised the 83rd TIF as a landmark-exhibition, noting that the participation of the USA as the honoured country is the most important event in the institution’s modern history. He also stressed that through the Fair Greek and American companies will have the opportunity to become well acquainted and reach good levels of cooperation, while at the same time it will send a clear message regarding the country and the region: that it remains dedicated to its traditional relationship with the USA.

On his side the Mayor of Thessaloniki Mr Yiannis Boutaris underlined the close and effective cooperation of the Municipality with the TIF-Helexpo administration on all levels, while he stressed that the presence of the USA at the 83rd TIF is important because it restores balance. “We may be a member of the European Union, but we have traditional ties to the USA”, he explained, providing reassurance that the Municipality will do everything it can to support this year’s event and provide a festive atmosphere.

The US government is aiming at highlighting its commitment to Northern Greece with its participation in the 83rd TIF, stressed US Consul General in Thessaloniki, Rebecca Fong, who pointed out that the US side considers its relationship with Greece important. In this framework the 83rd TIF will be visited by a high-ranking US delegation, which will include the US Secretary of Commerce, Mr Wilbur Ross. She also noted that in view of the 83rd TIF a series of precursor event is being planned, such as a visit by US astronaut Marsha Ives, who was on the International Space Station for 55 days, and who will talk about her experience at an event in Thessaloniki next month. “I hope that everyone will see this TIF as something exceptional, a truly regional event. I invite you all to visit the US pavilion”, she mentioned.

His hopes that the US pavilion will remain in upcoming Fairs and that the US participation will not just be passing through, was expressed by the representative of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Greece, Mr Athanasios Kouimtzis, who stressed that we must seize the opportunity of the US presence at the 83rd TIF.

“We are very proud of the 83rd TIF. This year we will all experience the “American Dream” in Thessaloniki”, stressed TIF-Helexpo CEO Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, making a brief presentation of the upcoming event. In fact, he noted that apart from major US companies, many smaller companies that do not have a presence in Europe will be participating at the 83rd TIF, while there will also be many surprises in the framework of the honoured country events.

21/03/2018 – 16:35

Business giants with a leading role in the global market, such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Google and Cisco, were drawn by the 83rd TIF, in the framework of this year’s participation of the USA as the Honoured Country.

The 83rd TIF will be held from 8 to 16 September 2018 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre. It was presented today in Athens to the representatives of the diplomatic corps to Greece.

As underlined by President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, “our national exhibition organisation is moving at an intense pace in preparation of September’s 2018 TIF, at which the USA will be this year’s Honoured Country. The 83rd TIF will be characterised by the extroversion that TIF-Helexpo has been systematically investing in over the last few years, through networking in the international exhibition industry”.

Mr Tzikas addressed the foreign diplomats and asked for their support, “so that our actions can take on a truly international character that would benefit the Greek economy and domestic businesses that have been coping with the entire spectrum of the crisis in recent years. Through cooperation, synergies, and the identification on your side of the needs of foreign markets, we can progress towards a better result, beneficial to both sides”.

The 83rd TIF was characterised as a landmark in Hellenic-American relations by US Ambassador Mr Geoffrey Pyatt, who noted that there are two strategic goals that are served by the US participation in this year’s TIF.

 

One goal, as he said, is “for us to celebrate the achievements of US technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship”, while at the

same time send the international message that Greece is back, it is open to investments and the economy is recovering.

The US Ambassador stressed that Greece is a critical pillar for stability in the region, while the US pavilion at the 83rd TIF will highlight technology, innovation, and activities of the new economy. In fact, he pointed out that the US will utilise the TIF in order to deepen their financial relations with the region of Northern Greece.

Ambassador Maria Diamantopoulou, Director of the Diplomatic Bureau of Alternate Foreign Minister Mr Georgios Katrougalos, conveyed the Minister’s greeting and stressed that economic diplomacy is a foundation in the materialisation of Greece’s foreign policy goals.

Greece’s economic policy, as she put it, follows the main axes of promoting Greek financial interests, supporting investment and entrepreneurial activity, strengthening exported products and services, as well as empowering and highlighting Greece’s strategic role as a hub in transports and energy pipelines.

US companies at the 83nd TIF

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The arrival of business giants with a leading presence in the global market at the 83d TIF, led by companies such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Google, and Cisco, was announced by the President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Mr Simos Anastasopoulos. He noted that other powerful industrial groups, such as Lockheed Martin, as well as major Greek businesses, such as Intralot, have responded to the invitation to participate in the 83rd TIF, in the framework of the Honoured Country, while more exhibition participations are expected in the sectors of technology, food, pharmaceuticals, etc. Mr Anastasopoulos reflected on the recovery of the Chamber’s participation in the TIF after years of absence, and he underlined that an effort is being made to attract bilateral American Chambers from neighbouring Balkan countries to the Fair.

In turn, the CEO of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, stated that the US businesses to participate in the 83rd TIF will come from the high tech, health, education and energy sectors. The US participation will be framed by a series of side events, which will include investment forums, as well as cultural and other events.

Lastly, Mr Pozrikidis estimated that the 83rd TIF will host more than 1400 exhibitors and he raised the bar as far as the number of visitors to the Fair is concerned to 290,000 people.

13/03/2018 – 11:24

The home and office furniture market expresses all its current trends and prospects at the Furnidec Business exhibition, which will be held at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre from 9 to 11 March.

Furnidec Business is a landmark for furniture, decoration, and interior and industrial design, while it has become established as a specialised exhibition event in furniture and it is the longest standing exhibition of the sector.

The exhibition will host professionals from various fields, such as those trading in furniture and decoration products, architects, decorators, designers and hoteliers.

Furnidec Business draws Greek and international trade visitors who represent some of the largest stores in the furniture and furniture upholstery sector.

This year’s event will host 150 trade visitors from all over Greece (the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, Athens, Peloponnese, etc.) and Cyprus.

Furnidec Business places great focus on the targeted and integrated promotion of “made in Greece” furniture, as well as smart and flexible proposals that respond to the specifications of each project.

Where the exhibition stands out and the main characteristic of its identity, is the variety in the categories and styles of the products and services presented.

07/03/2018 – 13:36

Crowds of people rushed to get a taste of Detrop Boutique and Artozyma during the three days on which they were held (24-26 February) at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, where food and beverage businesses, confectioners and bakers from all over Greece made their presence felt with their products and concoctions, impressing audiences. At the same time, the number of trade visitors at ‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’, which was organised from 23 to 26 February at Metropolitan Expo Athens, doubled in relation to last year, with more than 6000 visitors. The three exhibitions seem to have “levelled-up” as far as quality is concerned, a fact noticed by both exhibitors and visitors.

Detrop Boutique, Artozyma and ‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’ provided a forum for 654 business in the food and beverage, confectionery and baking, and jewellery sectors. Detrop Boutique and Artozyma covered more than 20,000 sq.m. at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre and welcomed 190 hosted buyers from 27 countries and group participations from 3 countries).

Specifically, 230 exhibitors participated in Detrop Boutique, which is a 30% increase in relation to the number of exhibitors of the previous event, while nine Regions of Greece were also present, namely Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Thessaly, the Northern Aegean, the Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese, the South Aegean, Central Greece and Crete. The Pairing Experience event was held in the framework of Detrop Boutique with great success, and it helped highlight and promote producers through gastronomy. In fact, during the event the Municipality of Thessaloniki presented the Thessaloniki Food Basket – with local products – and the three new ambassador chefs of Thessaloniki.

At the 8th Artozyma 172 businesses were promoted, while the exhibition space it used increased by 55% in relation to the previous event. In the framework of Artozyma and the 3rd Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship, the new National Baking Team was formed, with four members from Team Peloponnese, three from Team Macedonia and two from Team Crete. During the Championship the previous National Team created gluten-free pies, breads and cakes in an event that drew great interest. The 3rd Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship was organised by GruppoFL in cooperation with the Bakers’ Union of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Hellenic Federation of Bakers and with the aid of TIF-Helexpo. The creation of an enormous cake shaped like the White Tower with the Vergina Sun at the top made by the Hellas Pastry Chef Club was a special moment for Artozyma.

Artozyma also hosted the 24th Pan-Hellenic Confectionery Conference, the top event for confectioners in Greece, which was held with large numbers of attendees under the organisational responsibility of the Guild of Confectioner Shopkeepers of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Federation of Confectioner Craftspersons of Greece, and with the support of TIF-Helexpo.

After the completion of Detrop Boutique and Artozyma, all the food from the participating businesses and unions was turned over to ‘The Smile of the Child’.

‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’ in Athens hosted 252 Greek and international exhibitors, and was once again a meeting point for the sector in view of the tourist season. International exhibitors came from Sweden, Cyprus, Italy, Germany, the USA and Turkey, while this year’s event brought together all the latest trends and designs for jewellery and watches, the latest developments in the jewellery-making sector, as well as new ideas for displaying jewellery.

28/02/2018 – 11:35

Three important exhibitions, Detrop Boutique, Artozyma and ‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’ will drop the curtain on February at TIF-Helexpo, which – over the next four days – will be in Thessaloniki and Athens simultaneously, providing a forum for 654 businesses in the three sectors.

Detrop Boutique and Artozyma, organised from 24 to 26 February at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, will cover an exhibition area this year of more than 20,000 square metres, while it will welcome 190 hosted buyers from 27 countries and group participations from 3 countries.

Specifically, Detrop Boutique has drawn 230 exhibitors (food businesses and industries from all over Greece), which is a 30% increase in relation to the previous event and is being held in four pavilions (8,9,10 and 12). There will be nine Regions of Greece participating in the exhibition, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Thessaly, the North Aegean, the Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese, the South Aegean, Central Greece and Crete.

Detrop Boutique’s side events titled ‘Pairing Experience’ consist of four separate events, of which the first – and largest – is ‘Food Bars’ in pavilion 9. The second event is the Cheese & Wine unit at pavilion 8, which this year also features accompanying products (condiments, etc.). The third event is the ‘Exhibitors’ Corner’, an “index” at the entrance of pavilion 10 featuring all participating products and producers in a physical catalogue.

The fourth event will include speeches and presentations by chefs and specialists on gastronomy and food current news.

On its side, the 8th Artozyma has attracted 86 direct exhibitors (an increase of 37% in relation to the previous event) and 86 indirect exhibitors, international participations (from Romania and Bulgaria), while the exhibition space has been increased by 55%.

This year’s Artozyma is hosting a major thematic exhibition for gluten-, lactose-, sugar-free and vegan products, namely all the ‘Free From…’ range. The Greek gluten-free product unit is the result of cooperation between TIF-Helexpo and the Hellenic Coeliac Association.

Artozyma is also host to some of the most important events in the baking sector, which are the following:

-The 3rd Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship, which will last three days and will produce – for the second year – the National Baking Team, whose mission will be to promote traditional Greek bakery products beyond the borders of Greece. The 3rd Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship is being organised by GruppoFL in cooperation with the Bakers’ Union of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Hellenic Federation of Bakers and with the aid of TIF-Helexpo. The gluten-free event of the National Baking Team should also be noted.

-The 24th Pan-Hellenic Confectionery Conference, the top confectioner’s event in Greece, which is being hosted by Artozyma for the first time. The conference is being organised by the Guild of Confectioner Shopkeepers of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Federation of Confectioner Craftspersons of Greece, and with the support of TIF-Helexpo, while it will also host the general meeting of the Federation.

-The day-meeting of the Hellenic Association of Food Technologists on: ‘Baking – Confectionery – Ice Cream, Modern Trends and Prospects’.

-Seminars on many current matters, such as leaven as a functional factor in baking and its role in forming organoleptic properties, alternative sweeteners in flour baking and confectionery, sugar-free desserts and ice creams, etc.

Apart from the two exhibitions in Thessaloniki, ‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’, the largest jewellery and timepiece fair in Greece, will be held at Metropolitan Expo exhibition centre in Athens from 23 to 26 February, in cooperation with the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Silver- and Goldsmiths, Jewellers and Watchmakers (POVAKO).

With the participation of the most dynamic brands on the market, the Fair will cover 12,000 sq.m. and will host over 252 Greek and international exhibitors. International exhibitors will be visiting from Sweden, Cyprus, Italy, Germany, the USA and Turkey, while this year’s event will bring together all the latest trends and designs for jewellery and timepieces, the latest developments in the jewellery-making sector, as well as new ideas for displaying jewellery.

The Press Conference

The constant enrichment of the events of the national exhibition body was underlined by the President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, during his press conference today in view of the opening of the three exhibitions. He also stressed that the company is becoming increasingly attractive, which has resulted in it being approached by anyone who wants it to organise or promote their exhibition.

On his side, TIF-Helexpo CEO, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, pointed out the gravity of the three events, the plethora of side events, as well as the company’s close cooperation with the organising agencies towards their success.

The significant increase in the number of exhibitors at ‘Hellenic Jewellery Fair’ over the last five years – following the cooperation of TIF-Helexpo and POVAKO – was noted by the representative of the Federation, Mrs Eleni Tezapsidou, who also underlined that it is imperative for Greek jewellery to find its way abroad.

The constant increase in the numbers of visitors and exhibitors of Artozyma was highlighted by First Vice-President of the Hellenic Federation of Bakers, Mrs Elisavet Koukoumeria, who stressed that it was the only option, since the event concerns fresh bread, the trademark of bakers. “Bread is culture. That is what we have come to show”, she noted.

His belief that desserts are the best ambassador of Thessaloniki was expressed by the President of the Guild of Confectioner Shopkeepers of Thessaloniki, Mr Marios Papadopoulos. He also mentioned the event of the Pan-Hellenic Confectionery Conference, which is being held in the framework of Artozyma for the first time, with the participation of 270 confectioners from all over Greece.

The high number of events this February was highlighted in turn by the deputy general director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, who characterised this month as the strongest regarding exhibitions, with six events which are expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors. He also noted that the dynamism of the exhibitions is due, to a great extent, to the cooperation with the agencies.

26/02/2018 – 14:16

The curtain fell on Infacoma & Aquatherm Athens 2018 with 24,500 trade visitors from 18 countries, 630 business meetings between Greek exhibitors and representatives from nine countries, as well as 230 exhibitors, thus exceeding all targets that had been set.

For the second consecutive year the sectors of construction, renovation, heating, energy conservation, pools and spas for homes, professional spaces and hotel units, etc., were the focus of attention via two exhibitions, which met the high standards of the participants and thousands of trade visitors who attended the events at Mediterranean Exhibition Centre in Peania from 9 to 12 February, thus confirming the dynamic commercial character of the exhibition duo.

Infacoma & Aquatherm Athens 2018 highlighted in the best possible way the most important trends surrounding renovation and construction, green buildings, cutting edge products and the solutions they provide, as well as affordable applications, proper energy and water resource management and other energy upgrade possibilities in a variety of structures etc. The pool sector was very well represented. However there were also side events which provided their own separate and specialised interest, such as informational day meetings organised by the National Federation of Glass Handling and Glazing Merchants and Craftsmen of Greece, regarding the sector’s most recent technological innovations.

The significant exhibition duo, which was co-organised by TIF-Helexpo and ‘Be Best’, extends an invitation to the entire sector for

next year’s event, keeping the satisfaction of exhibitors and the high numbers of trade visitors as part of its legacy.

20/02/2018 – 10:52

The international “exhibition duo” Infacoma-Aquatherm Athens 2018 is ready to throw open its gates. It is the greatest event in building, construction, renovation, insulation, heating, air conditioning, energy and water technologies. Infacoma and Aquatherm will be held from 9 to 12 February in an exhibition space covering an area of 12,000 square metres at the Paiania MEC, organised by TIF-Helexpo and Be Best.

The renowned “exhibition duo” that was held last year for the first time in Attica and which met with great success, is returning this year, larger and with a significantly increased number of participations that have reached 220 (direct and indirect exhibitors).

Aquatherm is a world renowned exhibition brand of Reed Exhibitions, with an exclusive presence in the Balkans and Turkey, while Infacoma has been an established exhibition for the sector in Greece and internationally for the last 34 years. These factors strengthen the international character of the two exhibitions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to be informed as regards the new products and techniques in the sectors of construction, renovation, heating, insulation materials and window & door frames, air conditioning, water management, energy conservation, swimming pools and spas for homes, professional spaces and hotel units. Trends surrounding renovation and construction, green buildings, cutting edge products and the solutions they provide, as well as affordable applications, proper energy and water resource

management and other energy upgrade possibilities in a variety of structures, will be the highlights of the two exhibitions.

The largest companies in aluminium product and window & door frame manufacturing, as well as in glass handling and glazing will be in attendance, among others.

Special focus has been placed on the sector of swimming pool, spa and sauna equipment and facility construction. Infacoma-Aquatherm Athens 2018 are also standing alongside the tourism market and have invited hotel complex, medium hotel and rented apartment, and smaller accommodation owners from all of Greece to visit the exhibitions and be updated in full regarding the latest and most innovative construction and design trends, the most technologically advanced applications and the most effective and affordable ways to save energy in their units. Informational seminars and day meetings will be held in the framework of the two exhibitions.

To accommodate our visitors, there is free transportation to and from Paiania MEC by event shuttle bus from ‘Doukissis Plakentias’ Metro station and ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ airport. Specifically, throughout the duration of the exhibitions visitors can travel to and from ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ airport every 60 minutes, and to and from ‘Doukissis Plakentias’ station every 30 minutes.

The exhibition working hours are the following: Friday9/2 16:00-21:00, Saturday and Sunday (10/2 and 11/2) 10:00-21:00 and Monday 12/2 10:00-20:00.

12/02/2018 – 12:09

The 27th Agrotica, which welcomed 143,754 visitors during its four days of operation, a 16.2% increase over the 2016 event, exceeded every expectation. Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre of Thessaloniki was innundated with visitors who started arriving early in the morning and continued to do so until late in the evening, in order to explore the Agrotica stands and learn about the latest developments in the field. It should be noted that at this year’s event there was a 100% increase in the number of hosted buyers over the 2016 event, which proved that Agrotica has become more international. In fact, exhibitor satisfaction was at especially high levels, as everyone agreed that the quality of the exhibition had improved substantially.

This flood of people increased even more so over the weekend, with impressive numbers both on the grounds of Agrotica as well as in the area surrounding the International Exhibition Centre.

The side events also attracted a lot of interest, with the 7th Agrotica Pan-Hellenic Conference on ‘Innovative Approaches to Production and Growth in Greek Agriculture’ being the “star of the show”, held over the weekend, organised by TIF-HELEXPO and the Faculty of Agriculture of AUTh.

The 27th Agrotica was the largest to date. It covered an area of 29,000 square metres of indoor exhibition facilities, an increase of 15% over the previous event, while there were 1950 direct and indirect exhibitors from 45 countries, as compared to 1503 in 2016 and 1349 in 2015. Businesses from the entire spectrum of agricultural production and technology from the whole of Greece participated in this year’s event, along with leaders in trade and

commerce of agricultural supplies and machinery, as well as all tractor dealerships.

The 27th Agrotica welcomed numerous trade delegations from the Balkans and Southeastern Europe, as well approximately 500 hosted buyers from 20 countries in the Balkans, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

This year’s event was supported by the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturer’s Association (EKAGEM) and the Machinery Importer Representatives’ Association, and was held under the auspices of the Ministries of Agriculture & Food and the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace).

TIF-HELEXPO looks forward to its next meeting with the agricultural sector in 2019 with Zootechnia (31/1-3/2) in Thessaloniki and Agrothessaly (28/2-3/3) in Larissa

12/02/2018 – 11:55

This year’s Agrotica, which opens on 1 February and will last until 4 February, seems to be turning into a record-breaking fair. The fair is a truly sold-out event, as the entirety of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre is being utilised for its needs. It is indicative that the 27th Agrotica will cover a total of more than 39,000 sq.m. of indoor exhibition facilities, which is a 15% increase in relation to the previous event, a unique success. There will be 1950 exhibitors from 45 countries (direct and indirect), in contrast to 1503 exhibitors in 2016 and 1349 in 2014. As was announced in today’s Press Conference in view of the opening of the fair, never before, since 1985 when Agrotica began, have such numbers been achieved. This fact makes this year’s event the greatest in its history, while also setting new records as an exhibition on a trade fair level for TIF-Helexpo.

The 27th Agrotica presents the innovation and future of agricultural production, as well as the effort for agriculture to function as a key driver both for the growth of the Greek economy, as well as for Greece’s rural areas. In fact, there are companies present from the entire range of agricultural production and technology, from all over the country, while participants also include the largest commerce and sale of supplies and agricultural machinery companies, with the presence of all major tractor brand representatives. Attending are also a number of associations, organisations and bodies, among which – apart from the relevant Ministry of Rural Development & Food – are the Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery (EKAGEM) and the Machinery Importers’-Representatives’ Association (SEAM), which are supporters of the fair.

Tens of thousands of visitors from all over Greece and abroad will cross Agrotica’s “threshold” this year, while numerous group delegations are expected from the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Approximately 500 hosted buyers from 20 Balkan, European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries will also be attending. They include hosted buyer groups that will attend Agrotica en masse. Large organised groups of delegates will make up the many thousands of visitors expected from all over Greece, as significant interest was expressed in the fair from agricultural cooperatives, groups of producers, etc.

There is also a rich schedule of side events. One of the stars of the show will be the 7th Agrotica Pan-Hellenic Conference on: ‘Innovative approaches to the production and growth of Greek agriculture’, which is jointly organised by TIF-Helexpo and the Faculty of Agriculture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Also, TIF-Helexpo and the Institute of Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO) / National Centre for Research and Technology (CERTH) are co-organising an event titled: ‘From conventional to “smart” agriculture through the use of robotics technologies’. There will also be a Test Drive of a commercial agricultural vehicle on a specially designed course.

Agrotica, a celebration of the agricultural world

TIF-Helexpo’s great responsibility in supporting Agrotica – so that it may continue to play its important role in agricultural economy – was underlined by the President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tasos Tzikas, who referred to its constantly increasing size. He also invited the agricultural world to embrace and respect the event, which, as he said, is its celebration, too.

TIF-Helexpo CEO Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis made mention of complete coverage of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, noting that even the ‘I. Vellidis’ Conference Centre has been turned into an exhibition space. In fact, he stressed that Agrotica is now a member of the powerful players’ club of Europe’s agricultural sector.

In turn, the new President of the Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery, Mrs Dimitra Emmanouilidou, stressed that during Agrotica’s 4-day duration, visitors can carry out thorough market research of the agricultural sector, while she raised the matter of increasing the duration of the fair by one day. She also underlined that this year the event coincides with the submission of applications for the new plans for the improvement of the agricultural development programme, and thus farmers will have the opportunity to be informed on this via Agrotica.

The Machinery Importers’-Manufacturers’ Association is participating in this year’s event with 39 members and 13,000 sq.m., as was announced by its President, Mr Savvas Balouktsis. He also noted that Agrotica has always been a forum of expression for the sector’s problems, while he referred to how old the fleet of agricultural machinery is in Greece, as well as the collapse of the tractor market, which in 2017 recorded just 839 sales.

Many companies in the agricultural sector were left out of Agrotica due to the high demand that exhausted all available exhibition space, according to the event’s organiser, Mr Vassilis Spyrou. He also underlined that this year there was significant interest from companies that work in precision agriculture and the application of modern methods in agriculture.

The operational needs of this year’s Agrotica are very demanding according to Deputy General Director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, who estimated that 100,000 will pass through the fair’s gates in four days.

The 27th Agrotica is being carried out under the auspices of the Ministries of Rural Development & Food and the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace). It should be noted that the southern entrance of the exhibition centre is being moved to the ‘I.Vellidis’ Conference Centre for the needs of the fair. Visitors can enter there (instead of the YMCA Arch entrance)

31/01/2018 – 10:59