The 30th anniversary AGROTICA Agricultural Machinery, Equipment & Supplies International Trade Fair reached its past glory, marking an impressive return, attracting 153,623 visitors from 1 to 4 February, an increase of 34.9% compared to the 2022 exhibition. This volume confirmed its momentum and why it is the largest sectoral event in Greece and the Balkans.

The images of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, which was absolutely packed, and of the visitors queuing up outside the gates from early in the morning, were indicative of the atmosphere of the four-day event. In fact, this year’s exhibition was the most international of recent years, as, in addition to the 49 countries represented at the exhibitor level, it welcomed more than 20,000 international visitors.

There was great satisfaction on the side of exhibitors with regard to the contacts they made and from the international character of the event. In fact, their feeling was that it was the best AGROTICA of recent years, both because of the large number of visitors, and, mainly, because of the deals made on the spot. After all, as was mentioned, the visitors received were targeted, prospective buyers.

At the same time, the people who visited AGROTICA had the opportunity to come into contact with new technology from around the world from the entire spectrum of rural entrepreneurship, and to select the solutions and equipment that interested them.

The 30th AGROTICA attracted 1804 exhibitors (direct and indirect) from 49 countries and covered more than 40,500 square meters of exhibition space. It also welcomed a total of 500 international trade visitors from 17 countries (individual Hosted Buyers and four groups from North Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria), as part of the hosted buyers programme.

Meanwhile, dozens of sold-out events enriched AGROTICA’s exhibition section, raising important issues related to the primary sector, especially the agricultural sector. Among them stood out AGROTICA’s 10th Panhellenic Conference, organised by the Department of Agriculture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in partnership with TIF-HELEXPO on systemic approaches to the regeneration of agriculture and the countryside, the workshop on the cultivation of cannabis by TIF-HELEXPO and Alegre Growshop, and the event on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Agriculture 2.0 in collaboration with CERTH.

AGROTICA was held under the auspices of the Ministries of Rural Development & Food and the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace), and the Region of Central Macedonia, with the support of the Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery (EKAGEM), the Machinery Importers’ – Representatives’ Association (SEAM), and the Association of Fertiliser Producers and Traders (SPEL).

The Zero Waste Expo AGROTICA initiative was also implemented during the event.

06/02/2024 – 13:44

Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, honoured at 20the Thessaloniki International Book Fair

A delegation of the Sharjah Book Authority of the Emirate of Sharjah (Sharjah-UAE) had a meeting with TIF-HELEXPO management today. The Emirate of Sharjah will be honoured at 20th Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIF) from 16 to 19 May 2024.

The visit to the offices of the exhibition agency’s management followed the recent signing of the cooperation agreement between the Hellenic Foundation for Culture (HFC) and the Sharjah Book Authority. The participation at the TIF of the Emirate of Sharjah, which is considered the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be hosted in pavilion 13 of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.

“It is a great honour for us that you are here and that the Emirate of Sharjah will be honoured at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Book Fair,” stated the president of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr Tasos Tzikas, addressing the members of the delegation. In turn, the chief executive of the Sharjah Book Authority and Sharjah Book Fair, Mr Ahmed Al Ameri, said that culture is the best way to build bridges. On her part, the coordinator of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, Ms Nopi Hatzigeorgiou, noted that this participation is a great opportunity to start a new dialogue between the two countries focused around culture.

Lastly, TIF-HELEXPO’s CEO, Dr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, underlined the very positive experience that the exhibition body had from the

participation of the United Arab Emirates as the Honoured Country at the 86th TIF.

The meeting was also attended by Mansour al Hassan (Director of Publishing Services), Karima El Azizi (Head of International Affairs), Asma Akram (Lead Officer – Special Projects), and the General Director of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr Alexis Tsakirlis.

The agreement on the participation of the Emirate in the International Book Fair of Thessaloniki came after discussions that began in November 2021, when H.E. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi visited the event as president of the International Publishers Association, at the invitation of the HFC. The discussions on cooperation between the two international book fairs, those of Sharjah and Thessaloniki, continued at the Cairo International Book Fair 2022, where Greece was an Honoured Country, and were concluded in Sharjah, with the signing of the agreement, outlining the development of a broader programme of cultural exchange that includes books and other aspects of the cultural heritage and contemporary identity of the two countries.

02/02/2024 – 12:13

1804 exhibitors from 49 countries and more than 40,500 sq.m. of exhibition space

The great celebration of the agricultural sector is starting in Thessaloniki

 

The 30th anniversary edition of the ‘AGROTICA’ International Fair for Agricultural Machinery, Equipment & Supplies, with 1804 exhibitors (direct and indirect) from 49 countries, and over 40,500 square meters of exhibition space, is kicking off with the best omens.

This year’s AGROTICA, which is being inaugurated at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre on 1 February and will last until the 4 February, is one of the most important events in the history of the institution and is significantly larger than the corresponding exhibition of 2022, when there were 1677 exhibitors and 38,500 sq.m. of exhibition space. Its size — taking into account current traffic difficulties in Thessaloniki — made necessary the implementation of a special plan that included the provision of four free parking areas on the periphery of the city centre.

This year’s exhibition is an anniversary edition, which will turn into a special event after the opening.

Global new technology from the entire spectrum of agricultural entrepreneurship will be present at its stands, with all sectors of agriculture, products, services, and all productive and commercial machinery, equipment and supplies enterprises represented.

Tens of thousands of visitors from all over Greece and abroad are expected to cross the Fair’s gates, while numerous trade delegations groups are expected from the Balkans and South-eastern Europe.

In particular, this year’s event will welcome 500 Full Hosted Buyers and commercial visitors with group delegations from Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Of the 500 commercial visitors, 37 are individual Full Hosted Buyers from 16 countries (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Armenia, Egypt, Georgia, Estonia, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, North Macedonia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Lithuania) and the rest are group delegations.

The 30th AGROTICA will take place under the auspices of the Ministries of Rural Development & Food and the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace), and the Region of Central Macedonia, with the support of the Association of Manufacturers of Agricultural Machinery (EKAGEM), the Machinery Importers’ – Representatives’ Association (SEAM), and the Association of Fertiliser Producers and Traders (SPEL).

The Fair has attracted the full presence of businesses from the entire spectrum of agricultural production and technology from all over Greece, while participations include the largest companies in the trade and sale of supplies and agricultural machinery, as well as all tractor firms. Participants also include a number of associations, organisations, and institutions, as well as educational institutions, banks, agricultural product control and certification organisations, rural development consulting companies, etc.

This year’s AGROTICA side events programme is also very diverse. The 10th Panhellenic Conference is of great importance, it will be held on 3-4 February at the ‘N. Germanos’ Congress Centre, and it is being organised by the Department of Agriculture of AUTh in partnership with TIF-HELEXPO, highlighting the latest systemic approaches to the rebirth of agriculture and rural areas. TIF-HELEXPO is also co-organising with the Alegre Growshop a colloquium on the cultivation of cannabis on 3 February (Emilios Riadis Hall), while alongside CERTH it will hold an event on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Farming 2.0 on 1 February (pavilion 11, stand 1).

The exhibition’s opening will be held on Thursday, 1 February, at 19:30, at the ‘N. Germanos’ Congress Centre by Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr Eleftherios Avgenakis.

Today’s Press conference

It is an honour for TIF-HELEXPO to be organising the largest exhibition in Greece and one of the most important exhibitions in Europe, noted the President of the exhibition body, Mr Tasos Tzikas, at today’s press conference ahead of the opening of the 30th AGROTICA. Referring to the plan being implemented by the company for the smooth transportation of visitors and exhibitors during the exhibition, he stressed that it is a major wager that must be won.

Farmers will have the opportunity to see an AGROTICA with great variety, with full kiosks and a complete range of exhibits and services, according to TIF-HELEXPO CEO Dr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, who also stressed that the ‘I.Vellidis’ Congress Centre has been transformed into the Fair’s southern gate. He also underlined the significant benefit for the city, both in economic terms and in terms of quality.

EKAGEM is participating in this year’s AGROTICA with 91 member-companies (528 indirect exhibitors) and coverage of 8000 sq.m., according to EKAGEM president, Mr Panagiotis Fotiadis, who noted that he doesn’t even need to wish the organisers good luck, as he is certain it will all go as planned.

In turn, the president of SEAM, Mr Savvas Balouktsis, announced that the Association will participate dynamically this year with 43 members, covering an area of 16,000 square metres, namely, more than a third of the available exhibition space. He also stressed that SEAM is contributing both to the number of exhibitors and to footfall by mobilising its customers.

SPEL, which has always supported AGROTICA, will also make its presence felt, as mentioned by its Vice-President, Mr Panagiotis Kontos, who stressed that the Association is bringing proposals, solutions, and innovative products to support farmers to this year’s exhibition.

General Director of TIF-HELEXPO Alexis Tsaxirlis described AGROTICA as the most internationalised exhibition in Greece and in the broader region, while he presented in detail the company’s plan to relieve traffic congestion in the city during the event, inviting guests to make use of the four free parking areas.

The event’s project manager, Mr Vassilis Spyrou, mentioned the very high demand which unfortunately left some prospective exhibitors out of AGROTICA this year, and he called it one of the most important exhibitions of recent years.

The opening hours of the exhibition on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00.

The plan for smooth traffic

TIF-HELEXPO in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate, has implemented a coordinated plan for the smooth transportation of visitors and exhibitors of the 30th AGROTICA, in an effort to prevent congestion on the city’s main roads during this major event.

To this end, it will provide exhibition visitors with four free temporary parking areas at different points at the city entrances, which will be open during the four-day duration of AGROTICA (1-4 February), from 09:30 to 21:30, and will operate as transit stations to the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre.

These four areas are located in the Thessaloniki Port Authority (entrance-exit from Gate 11 on 26is Oktovriou Street), at the junction of I. Koletti Street and Palaiou Stathmou Street (opposite the discount shopping centre), in former Karatasiou Military Camp of the municipality Pavlos Melas, and at the Technopolis Incubator in Thermi. Buses leased by TIF-HELEXPO will travel to and from the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre every 30 minutes. The bus reception area will be in front of the TIF-HELEXPO Management Building on Egnatia Street.

Furthermore, special parking areas for exhibitors’ cars have been created in the area around the Exhibition Centre.

TIF-HELEXPO collaborated with the Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate in devising this plan, while it also received the invaluable help of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Municipality of Pavlos Melas, the Police Directorate of Thessaloniki, the Coast Guard, the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, TPA SA, Technopolis Thessaloniki, Egnatia Odos

SA, Electra Hotels, as well as the parking businesses around the Exhibition Centre, the YMCA and Thessaloniki City Hall.

01/02/2024 – 15:55

With a 35% increase in the exhibition spaces, the 11th ARTOZYMA, which will be held on 24-26 February 2024 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, is the meeting point of the baking and confectionery industry.

This year’s ARTOZYMA, which is being held for the first time since 2016 without Detrop Boutique, has recorded an increase in the number of exhibitors with ready-made bakery and confectionery products, which are addressed to distribution networks, supermarket chains, cafés, etc., while it is attracting, after an absence in the most recent events, some of the largest industries in frozen dough products.

The gastronomy and dynamism of the bakery and confectionery sector are reflected in the number of exhibitors at ARTOZYMA, who come from the sectors of confectionery, baking, and ice cream raw materials, and machinery, equipment, tools, and finished and semi-finished products, coffee-drinks, and manufacturing and packaging machines.

ARTOZYMA will be focused around its side events, with the Bakery Lab and the programme of presentations of the National Baking Team, as well as the seminars by Italian master baker and confectioner, Matteo Manuini, who will be presenting new techniques for bakery and confectionery doughs.

The 6th Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship will also be held, as well as the Pastry Lab creative workshop, where distinguished and acclaimed pastry chefs will create inspired desserts using new techniques and original materials.

Visitors to the Exhibition will also have the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops on new industry trends and food technology.

All ARTOZYMA side events and all information on the Exhibition is available at: https://www.artozyma-expo.gr

28/01/2024 – 18:21

Agrotica is justifying why it is one of the five largest agriculture sector trade fairs in Europe, with its 30th anniversary event being held on 1-4 February 2024 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, attracting more than 1800 exhibitors from 49 countries, making it the leading meeting place for agriculture. With complete coverage of all available indoor and outdoor spaces of the Exhibition Centre, Agrotica 2024 will be an exhibition event worthy of the largest corresponding fairs of recent years, both as regards quality and quantity.

Global new technology from the entire spectrum of agricultural entrepreneurship will be present at Agrotica, with all sectors of agriculture, products, services, and all machine, equipment and supply production and trade companies. The dynamism of the primary sector, Improvement Plans that will change the face of agriculture, and the latest innovations in agriculture will be the focus of Agrotica, which will host dozens of side events by bodies and exhibitors on all developments in agricultural tech.

The 10th Agrotica Panhellenic Conference will be held on 3-4 February at the ‘N. Germanos’ Congress Centre and will be organised by the Department of Agriculture of AUTh in partnership with TIF-HELEXPO, which will highlight the latest systemic approaches to the rebirth of agriculture and rural areas. Tens of thousands of visitors from all over Greece and abroad are expected to cross Agrotica’s gates this year, while numerous group trade delegations are expected from the Balkans, Europe, and the Middle East.

19/01/2024 – 12:54