The first business forum ‘EAEU–Greece: A New Bridge for Cooperation and Development’, which was held as part of the TIF-Helexpo 2017 exhibition, has concluded in Thessaloniki (Greece).

“The current mutual trade volume of USD 4.6 billion between EAEU countries and Greece is clearly not consistent with the scale of our close economic ties over many years. It can and should be more”, Greek Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Katrougalos said opening the forum’s plenary session.

More than 200 people took part in the event: representatives of major business associations, leading companies from EAEU countries as well as delegations from the governments of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The participants shared ideas for cooperation in such sectors of the economy as transport, agriculture, and trade.

“I think this is a very timely forum, when both Greece and the economies of our five countries are entering a phase of economic growth. We are confident that a meeting between the representatives of business and business associations from not just two but six countries can give a boost to integration and the creation of standards for business processes and economic cooperation between them”, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Collegium Tigran Sargsyan said.

Turnover between EAEU member states and Greece amounted to roughly USD 4.6 billion in 2016. However, growth has already been seen in mutual trade in the first half of 2017 (46.6% compared with the same period last year). The participants spoke confidently about how there is currently enormous potential for increasing trade and building trade and economic ties between the EAEU and Greece.

Developing cooperation and building intercountry cooperative chains with the subsequent implementation of joint cooperative projects is a key strategic area for realizing this potential today.

Member of the Collegium (Minister) for Industry and the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Eurasian Economic Commission Sergei Sidorsky said: “There are already some 200 companies with Greek capital working on the territory of the Eurasian

Economic Union. Of course, such numbers could be increased several times over thanks to the efforts and existing potential for developing cooperation. We view high-tech sectors of industry and agribusiness among the most promising areas for the development of cooperation with Greece above all else, he said. We invite Greek companies to take part in joint projects in the engineering, shipbuilding, light, food, and other industries”, he said.

The Forum in Thessaloniki is the first step towards realizing the provisions of the Joint Declaration on Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Government of the Hellenic Republic dated 24 June 2017 with the aim of developing a dialogue between EAEU countries and Greece in the economic sector. The participants believe these events will help take the dialogue between Greece and the EAEU to a fundamentally new, higher level and to achieve results in expanding economic cooperation and trade relations.

“I am very pleased that the discussion on issues concerning European and Eurasian integration that began on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg was continued during the Business Forum ‘EAEU–Greece: A New Bridge for Cooperation and Development’ in Thessaloniki. The agreement between the Roscongress Foundation and the Greek company TIF-Helexpo signed at SPIEF 2017 contributed to the high level of today’s event. We hope that our Greek partners will take advantage of the Foundation’s invitation and that we will be able to welcome officials and representatives from the Greek business community again at SPIEF 2018”, Roscongress Foundation Director Alexander Stuglev said.

Following the event, Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov and Adviser to the Greek Prime Minister Dimitrios Velanis discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation and further developing the dialogue between the EU and the EAEU. They also outlined plans for Greek business representatives to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on 24–26 May 2018.

The Forum in Thessaloniki was organized by the Eurasian Economic Commission, the Roscongress Foundation, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Enterprise Greece, and Helexpo. The event was held with the support of the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development.

The Roscongress Foundation is a major organizer of convention and exhibition events.

The Roscongress Foundation was founded in 2007 to develop Russia’s economic potential and strengthen the country’s image by organizing congresses and exhibitions with an economic and social focus. The Foundation develops the substantive content for these events, and provides companies with advice, information, and expert guidance, as well as offering comprehensive evaluation, analysis, and coverage of the Russian and global economic agenda.

Today, its annual programme includes events held from Montevideo to Vladivostok, offering an opportunity to bring together global business leaders, experts, the media, and government officials in one place, creating favourable conditions for dialogue and the promotion of new ideas and projects, and assisting in the creation of social enterprise and charity projects.

www.roscongress.org

29/09/2017 – 12:53

Over 260,000 visitors graced the 82nd TIF, which ended yesterday, renewing its appointment for September 2018.

The 82nd TIF ended in the most impressive way, as the concert given by Sakis Rouvas, dedicated to the ‘ORAMA ELPIDAS’ Association and the Volunteer Bone Marrow Donors, brought together thousands of people of all ages, achieving a record attendance number.

More specifically, 263,724 individuals (as compared to 210,081 last year) went through the gates of the Fair from 9 to 17 September and visited the largest TIF of the last decade.

The enormous number of visitors were met by 1,500 exhibitors and the highly successful participation of China, which set the bar high for the institution of the Honoured Country with 167 exhibition participations and over 400 individuals as part of the official delegation.

An intensely business-oriented character and increased internationalisation were the dominant elements of the ‘personality’ of the 82nd TIF.

The individual sections of the Fair covered a broad range of interests, from education, vehicles and energy to beauty, gastronomy and e-gaming, with numerous actions and events.

This year, the 82nd TIF demonstrably supported the ‘ORAMA ELPIDAS’ Association, boosting its work so that no person and no child is at risk, unable to find a compatible transplant.

The Honoured Country at the 83rd TIF of 2018 will be the USA, with the requirements for a highly successful participation already set.

The administration and employees of TIF-Helexpo extend their warmest thanks to the people for their love for the Fair, which is improving every year and laying a solid foundation for the growth of the national exhibition agency.

A host of sponsors and associates supported the 82nd TIF:

QATAR, the Official Air Carrier of the 82nd TIF, the Public Power Corporation (DEI), the National Bank of Greece, Gianniris S.A., with Peugeot being the Official Car of the 82nd TIF, Nestle Hellas, Malamatina, the concert sponsor, the ‘Limousines-Greece VIP Service’ company, the concert Transport Sponsor, the ‘Mediterranean’ & ‘Grand Hotel Palace’ hotels of the Luxury Hotels Group, the Official Hotels of the concerts, the Samiotakis company, the catering sponsor of the concerts, Singular Logic, MLS and Icap and the Communication Sponsors.

19/09/2017 – 11:26

Intensely business-oriented and fully international, with China as the Honoured Country, and 1,500 exhibitors as opposed to 1,015 at last year’s event, with its exhibition premises filled to capacity and with a festive atmosphere, the 82nd TIF event opens on 9 September 2017 and will last until the 17th of the same month. This year’s event is to be the largest in the last decade, with its qualitative and quantitative scale significantly enhanced.

There are a total of 18 international country participants, namely: China, Cyprus, Slovakia, Poland, Luxembourg, South Africa, Armena, Indonesia, FYR of Macedonia, Bulgaria, India, Ukraine, Serbia, Rusia, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Iran.

There are 167 participating businesses from China, of which seven are globally active, namely: China Cosco Shipping Corporation, China Development Bank, Shehua Group Corporation Limited, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Zhongxing Tele-communication Equipment Corporation, State Grid Corporation of China and Air China. Among Chinese participants, ZTE stands out in the Telecommunication sector, as well as 23 high tech companies from the region of Shanghai. In the context of the Chinese participation, special events are to be hosted, such as the Greek-Chinese Cooperation Forum, titled: “Investment Opportunities in South-eastern Europe: Trends and Challenges in the Energy Sector”, co-organised by PPC SA Hellas (Public Power Corporation – DEI) and ΙΕΝΕ (The Institute of Energy for South-East Europe) and the day-meeting organised by the Greek-Chinese Cooperation Forum titled: “New Silk Road”, jointly organised by the Athenian-Macedonian Press Agency (APE-MPE), under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos. Another forum titled: “A New Bridge for Cooperation & Development” is co-organised by the ‘Enterprise Greece’

Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Roscongress Foundation.

Beyond international participants, the 82nd TIF will be dynamically attended by 43 Chambers from around Greece, with 360 enterprises. Special participants at this year’s TIF are going to be the Professional Chambers of Thessaloniki, of Serres and – for the first time – the Chamber of Kozani. Special sections of the 82nd TIF event cover a wide range of interests, from education and automobiles to energy and beauty, gastronomy, innovation, e-gaming, etc., with numerous actions and events.

A multi-faceted event that combines recreational, cultural and political aspects is how TIF was characterised at today’s Press Conference by the President of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr Tassos Tzikas, who underlined that the 82nd event will be the best of the last ten years, with exhibitors’ numbers increased by 50%, exhibition premises full to capacity and China as the Honoured Country. “China might be the Honoured Country, but the honour is ours”, Mr Tzikas said, expressing the vision of the exhibition agency that wants Thessaloniki to become an exhibition hub for Chinese products in Europe. “The 82nd TIF will be a landmark, signifying the beginning of a new era, which will make the September Fair what it used to be in the past,” as the president underlined.

A message of help for Greece is sent by the significant participation of China in the 82nd TIF event, according to the Deputy Minister for the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace), Ms Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha. She also stressed that his year’s event marks the starting point towards prosperity and growth.

Chinese-Greek relations are entering a new phase, according to the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Greece, Mr. Gao Wenqi, who also expressed his satisfaction for the reception to be extended to the Chinese by TIF-HELEXPO, with the city being decorated with thousands of Chinese lanterns around its streets. According to Mr Wenqi, the exhibition is going to be a major meeting with entrepreneurial, economic and cultural activities and will provide the ultimate promotion to the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, stated that the official state participant from

China comprises more than 400 persons, representing 167 businesses, organisations, regions and agencies that represent significant sectors of the Chinese economy. Indeed, Mr Pozrikidis expressed the wish that the Chinese lanterns already decorating the central streets of the city, which, according to Chinese tradition symbolise good luck and prosperity, may bring good luck to the 82nd TIF.

Thessalonians are invited to become informed and register as volunteer bone marrow donors by the Scientific Director of the ‘Orama Elpidos’ Association, Mr Stelios Grafakos, who estimated that volunteers will be far exceed the 900 who registered at last year’s event. Mr Grafakos thanked TIF-HELEXPO for the support it extends to the Association’s aims.

Peugeot cars are the official cars of the 82nd TIF event, as underlined by the CEO of the auto dealer Gianniris SA, Mr Michalis Gianniris, who stressed that it is not a coincidence that Jeep chose to present the new Jeep Compass model for the first time in Greece at this year’s TIF event.

In turn, Nestle Hellas Corporate Affairs Head, Ms Angeliki Papadopoulou, underlined that TIF unites people, businesses, and cultures and referred to the “Frappé Museum powered by Nestle”, which is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the invention of frappé coffee on TIF premises.

“The city is celebrating and this is the message”, according to the Deputy General Director of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, who confirmed that everything will be ready in time and the exhibition result will reflect the efforts made by the company.

Finally, the Messenger of the ‘Elpida’ Association of Friends of Children with Cancer and the ‘Orama Elpidas’ Association, Mr Sakis Rouvas, said in his statement that he is moved to be at a TIF event 26 years after he first met its audience at the Song Festival, stressing that this time, the link connecting him with the Fair and Thessaloniki is the mission of the ‘Orama Elpidas’ Association. “I am asking you to send an invitation, all together, a strong message of hope, to become, all of us, messengers of life”, he said, thanking TIF-HELEXPO for supporting the aims of the association. “Let us break one more record at this TIF event”, Mr Rouvas added.

A major celebration

As far as recreation and entertainment is concerned, the 82nd TIF event will be hosting daily concerts by top singers of Greek music and cultural happenings, while it will also host the thematic park titled ‘The Secret Worlds of Evgenios Trivizas’, the ‘Frappé Museum’, in cooperation with Nestle, Cheapart and the reconstruction of the major city fire of 1917. In the context of this year’s event, the Automobile Club of Thessaloniki is organising an anniversary event, namely the 50th TIF Rally.

This year, TIF-HELEXPO joins forces witht the Bone Marrow Bank of ‘Orama Elpidas’ Volunteer Donors of Bone Marrow, sending a social solidarity message. Indeed, the Messenger of the ‘Elpida’ Association of Friends of Children with Cancer and the ‘Orama Elpidas’ Association, Mr. Sakis Rouvas, will be performing at the culminating music event of 17 September, a concert dedicated to volunteer donors of bone marrow.

General Admission tickets to the Fair will be 5 Euros, tickets for families with many children and the Disabled will be 3 Euros (children under 3 years of age will be admitted free of charge), a 4-member family ticket will cost 15 Euros, while people with motor disabilities will be admitted free of charge. The Opening Hours of the 82nd TIF are as follows: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00 and weekdays from 16:00 to 22:00.

The 82nd TIF event is supported by numerous sponsors and associates:

The ‘Orama Elpidas’ Association; QATAR Airlines, the official air transporter for the 82nd TIF event; PPC (DEI), the National Bank,Gianniris SA; Peugeot, its cars being the official cars of the 82nd TIF event; Nestle Hellas; Malamatina, the concert sponsor; the “Limo Greece Vips” Company, Sponsor for concert transportation; Μediterranean Hotel & Grand Hotel Palace of the Luxury Hotels Group, Official Hotels of the concerts; Samiotakis Company, sponsor of concert catering; Singular Logic, MLS and Icap, Μοngo Chinese restaurant, Mr Li Feng Ping, the President of the Association of Chinese in Greece and the Communications Sponsors.

08/09/2017 – 12:06

The preparation of the 8th ARTOZYMA International Exhibition for Bakery, Confectionery, Machinery, Equipment & Ready-made Products has begun, with registration having been open for the last few days. Following its successful revival in 2016 – together with Detrop Boutique, the event attracted over 31,000 sector professionals – interest is even higher in the next event, to be held from 24 to 26 February 2018 at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, with the support of the Hellenic Federation of Bakers.

The market had missed the exhibition and, taking account of the positive results of its return, it will be even richer when it is next held. ARTOZYMA will also feature the 3rd Pan-Hellenic Bread Championship, held in cooperation with ‘Profitis Ilias’ Bakers’ Union of Thessaloniki, as well as the top confectionery event of the country, the 24th Pan-Hellenic Confectionery Conference, held with the support and dynamic participation of the Thessaloniki Guild of Shop Owners and Confectioners. Side events will include actions and colloquiums held in cooperation with the Hellenic Federation of Bakers, the Hellas Pastry Chef Club and the Hellenic Association of Food Technologists, while new confectionery techniques will also be presented.

The 8th ARTOZYMA will also feature the Healthy Food Area ‘Free From…’, a special area for the promotion of exhibitors’ products intended for a healthy or a special diet (gluten-free, sugar-free, etc.), with the possibility of presentations on their use in bakery or confectionery.

Additionally, all the latest trends and issues facing the sector will be presented at the next event, which will once again serve as the meeting place of the professionals of the bakery and confectionery sectors. For the first time, the 8th ARTOZYMA will have a duration of three days, aiming at providing better and more targeted services to exhibitors.

07/07/2017 – 16:36

TIF-Helexpo has signed a cooperation agreement with the Roscongress Foundation, one of the largest congress and financial & social event organisers in Russia. In fact, the agreement was signed by the President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, and the CEO of the Roscongress Foundation, Mr Alexander Stuglev, during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is organised by the Russian organisation and was held this year from 1 to 3 June. TIF-Helexpo was the guest of honour at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is held under the auspices of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the occasion of the signing of the agreement, the two sides discussed the possibility of TIF-Helexpo organising a national participation at the 2018 St Petersburg International Economic Forum, with the participation of Greek businesses interested in the Russian market. They also explored the possibility of holding a joint economic forum in Thessaloniki on Eurasian cooperation, while they also discussed how the Roscongress Foundation could act as a ‘bridge’ for the participation of Russian businesses in TIF-Helexpo trade exhibitions.

Through this agreement, both sides aim at developing a mutually beneficial long term cooperation, which will bring the two countries’ business communities closer, contribute to the dialogue on investment, commerce, tourism and culture issues, and promote the events organised by TIF-Helexpo and Roscongress. Cooperation between the two sides will take the following forms:

Mutual exchange of information, consultation and support on issues relating to their economic and social agendas, organisation of joint congresses and events, including fora, round-tables, business meetings, exhibitions, presentations with financial and social content, and mutual promotion of joint actions in Russia, Greece and at the international level.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the Consul General of Greece to St Petersburg, Mr Panagiotis Beglitis, and the Chairman of the Hellenic Russian Chamber of Commerce, Mr Dimitris Bakolas.

The Roscongress Foundation was created in 2007 in order to contribute to the development of Russia’s economic prospects and to empower its profile by organising congresses and exhibitions with economic and social aims. Every year it organises the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event with international appeal. Its annual ‘portfolio’ includes over 400 events held in Russia and internationally. In fact, beyond Russia, the Foundation it is active in China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and other countries.

12/06/2017 – 13:42

Over 270 exhibitors from Greece and abroad, with the participation of 21 countries, 30 foreign authors, including acclaimed artists, and over 400 events featuring 700 Greek and foreign speakers will breathe life into the 14th Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIBF), which will be held at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre starting on 11 May and ending on 14 May. For four days, Thessaloniki will beat to the pulse of this great celebration of books, attracting the interest of the sector to the city.

At the heart of this year’s TIBF, which is being organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, TIF-Helexpo and the City of Thessaloniki, with the support of Greek publishers and under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, lies the thematic tribute ‘In Search of the South’. At this central event, distinguished authors from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and other neighbouring countries from the broader Mediterranean basin, such as Turkey and Israel, will converse with writers, journalists, artists, intellectuals and the reading public on issues concerning European affairs and Mediterranean Europe.

The fair will be inaugurated on Thursday, 11 May at 20:00 by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Ms Lydia Koniordou.

The Press Conference

During today’s Press Conference in view of the opening of TIBF, the President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, stated that Thessaloniki International Book Fair is entering a new era, stressing that the problems of previous years have been resolved.

In turn, Mr Giorgos Papanastassiou, a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, stressed that books are a pretext for a number of cultural events held as part of

the 14th TIBF and encompassing numerous themes and geographical areas.

The Deputy Mayor for Culture, Ms Elli Chryssidou, characterised TIBF as an institution for the city, but also highlighted the new beginning marked by its content, underlining that the City of Thessaloniki believes that major events must be held in the city in order to make it more extroverted.

In turn, Mr Manolis Piblis, the head of design and implementation of the 14th TIBF, stressed that this year’s event aims at taking several steps forward, highlighting its international character, the development of various themes and the joining of Greek and international participations. He also spoke about the determination of the people of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the invaluable contribution of TIF-Helexpo, the support of the City of Thessaloniki, the confidence shown by the Ministry of Culture, the decisive participation of Greek publishers and the role of the reading public of Thessaloniki.

The President of Attiko Metro, Mr Yiannis Mylopoulos, spoke about the meeting of a major transit project, the Thessaloniki Metro, and technology in particular with culture, a symbolic expression that the company wishes to transfer to TIBF. Attiko Metro, along with Aktor and Hellenic Petroleum, are the sponsors of this year’s Fair.

The Deputy General Director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, spoke about addressing difficulties that emerged in the past and creating prospects for the further growth of TIBF in the coming years. He added that from Thursday to Sunday, over 70,000 individuals will visit TIF, as four other exhibitions-events will be held concurrently with TIBF.

Events

This year, the 14th Thessaloniki International Book Fair will be hosting the fourth Young Writers’ Festival on 12 and 13 May, aiming at showcasing the dynamic new generation of Greek writers. Twenty young poets and authors will be present at the 14th TIBF, presenting the new generation of Greek literature through their work. At the same time, TIBF will be hosting the Translation Festival for a second year, addressed to both

professionals and the wider public interested in translated literature.

Another important part of the Fair is the Children’s Corner, which will include over 100 events – including the impressive illustration exhibition titled ‘Suns’ – such as book presentations, experiential workshops, speeches and discussions on issues that concern parents, children and teachers. These events will feature 156 authors, illustrators, speakers, artists, promoters and teachers.

The schedule of TIBF also consists of four major thematic axes: The work of the great Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis, the hundredth anniversary of the October Revolution, the Refugee Issue, and the Greece-China 2017 Cultural Year.

10/05/2017 – 16:31

The third Freskon left its ‘seal’ on the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, serving as a point of reference and meeting place for producers, international retail groups, as well as domestic and international transporters of fresh fruit and vegetables. The considerable sway of the trade show was demonstrated by its increased visitor numbers, translated into approximately 4,000 individuals during the period of 27-29 April, marking a 10% increase over last year’s event. This year’s Freskon proved that, each year, it is edging ever closer to its initial goal: the development of exports, the extroversion of Greek enterprises and the promotion of Greek fruit.

The 3rd Freskon, deployed over 12,500 sq.m., had an intensely international character at the level of both exhibitors and trade visitors. More specifically, there were 191 direct and indirect exhibitors from Argentina, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Iraq, Albania, Belgium, Germany, Denmark United Kingdom, the USA, Japan and Canada.

At the same time, a Hosted Buyers Programme was implemented, with the participation of 120 enterprises from 20 countries who attended over 2,500 B2B meetings with representatives of Greek enterprises and producers. The trade show also welcomed group delegations of hosted buyers from FYROM , Bulgaria and Hungary.

The FreshCon Market, held in the context of Freskon in cooperation with ‘Froutonea’ magazine, was a resounding success, bringing major supermarket chains into direct contact with professionals of the agricultural sector and paving the way for commercial agreements.

There was also high attendance at the International Kiwi Congress, where acclaimed Greek and international speakers analysed the present and future of kiwifruit, which is of particular importance for our country. The other side events of Freskon also attracted the interest of visitors.

03/05/2017 – 00:00

There is a ‘fresh breeze’ blowing thorugh the fruit and vegetable sector at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, where Freskon began and will remain open until 29 April.

The 3rd International Trade Show for Fruit & Vegetables is gradually maturing, having established its international appeal as a meeting place for producers, traders and international retailer groups.

Freskon will be inaugurated this afternoon at 17:30 by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr Evangelos Apostolou.

This year, Freskon features 191 direct and indirect exhibitors from Argentina, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Iraq, Albania, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the USA, Japan and Canada.

The event is deployed over 12,500 sq.m. and a Hosted Buyers Programme is being implemented with the participation of 120 enterprises from 28 countries. In fact, over 2,500 B2B meetings between representatives of Greek enterprises and producers and international hosted buyers have been scheduled.

Apart from the exhibition aspect of Freskon, important side events are also being held, such as the International Kiwi Congress, which began this morning at Pavilion 13.

Projections concerning global production and consumption in the coming years, new technologies in kiwi cultivation, new cultivars and consumption trends, plant protection and nutrition topics, ways to combat diseases, as well as marketing and new markets will be just a few of the topics to be discussed at the International Kiwi Congress, which will feature acclaimed speakers.

Freskon will also host the FreshCon Market, held in cooperation with ‘Froutonea’ magazine, mainly aiming at bringing large supermarket chains into direct contact with professionals of the agricultural sector, creating ideal conditions for direct agreements. Participants in this year’s FreshCon Market include the British group ‘Tesco’ and the German group ‘Metro’, both global players in the retail market, the ‘Fantastico’ and ‘T-Market’ chains from Buglaria, ‘ATB Market’ from Ukraine, ‘Velyka Kyshenya’ and ‘Tavria V’ from Romania, the French group ‘Carrefour’ and ‘Mega Image’, ‘Maxi’, ‘Univerexport’, ‘Mercator’ and ‘Super Vero’ from Serbia, as well as the ‘AB Vasilopoulos’, ‘Masoutis’, ‘Kritikos’, ‘Halkiadakis’, ‘My Market-Metro Cash & Carry’ and ‘Discount Markt’ from Greece.

The working hours of Freskon are from 11:00 to 19:00 today, from 10:00 to 19:00 tomorrow and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, 29 April. Parking is free for all exhibitors and visitors.

28/04/2017 – 11:31

Freskon, the International Trade Show for Fruit & Vegetables to be held from 27 to 29 April at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, will serve as a meeting point for international retail groups, as well as domestic and international transporters of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The 191 direct and indirect exhibitors participating in this year’s 3rd Freskon will come from Argentina, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Iraq, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the USA, Japan and Canada, and will have the opportunity to come into contact with representatives of major international supermarket chains, commercial enterprises and distribution companies-networks.

As announced during today’s Press Conference, during Freskon, which is deployed over 12,500 sq.m. this year, a Hosted Buyers Programme will be implemented, with the participation of 120 enterprises from 28 countries. In fact, over 2,500 B2B meetings between representatives of Greek enterprises and producers and international hosted buyers have been scheduled.

International hosted buyers are active throughout the entire sector of sale and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable around the world. The trade show will also be welcoming group delegations of hosted buyers from FYROM (100 individuals) and Bulgaria (15 individuals).

Once again, Freskon will host FreshCon Market, which will focus on linking production to retail sales. FreshCon Market, held in cooperation with ‘Froutonea’ magazine, mainly aims at bringing large supermarket chains into direct contact with professionals of the agricultural sector, creating ideal conditions for direct agreements. In this context, participants in this year’s FreshCon Market include the British group ‘Tesco’ and the German group ‘Metro’, both global players in the retail market, the ‘Fantastico’ and ‘T-Market’ chains from Bulgaria, ‘ATB Market’ from Ukraine, ‘Velyka Kyshenya’ and ‘Tavria V’ from Romania, the French group ‘Carrefour’ and ‘Mega Image’, ‘Maxi’, ‘Univerexport’, ‘Mercator’ and ‘Super Vero’ from Serbia, as well as the ‘AB Vasilopoulos’, ‘Masoutis’, ‘Kritikos’, ‘Halkiadakis’, ‘My Market-Metro Cash & Carry’ and ‘Discount Markt’ from Greece.

This year’s trade show will also feature the International Kiwi Congress, to be held on 27 April, while the overall schedule of Freskon side events is particularly broad and rich.

Freskon: An international exhibition

The President of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Tassos Tzikas, referred to the international prospects of Freskon, which were clear from the first moment, stressing that this trade show covers a gap identified in the market by the national exhibition agency.

In turn, the CEO of the company, Mr Kyriakos Pozrikidis, characterised Freskon as the fifth piece of the exhibition ‘puzzle’ created by TIF-Helexpo for the primary sector, noting that this trade show is one of the company’s most international events.

In turn, Mr Christos Katsanos, an associate of the ‘Froutonea’ magazine, stressed that Freskon is a unique exhibition, placing emphasis on small crops of high added value that had no exposure until recently. Mr Katsanos also spoke about the International Kiwi Congress and the acclaimed speakers from the most important kiwi producing countries participating in the event.

Thessaloniki can play a crucial role in the logistics chain of fresh fruit and vegetables, from producers to international markets, as noted by the deputy general director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr Alexis Tsaxirlis, who characterised Freskon as a very important brand for the Fair.

Finally, the Director of Freskon, Ms Tonia Nikolaidou, stated that the goal of this international event is the growth of exports, the extroversion of enterprises and the showcasing of Greek fruit.

Freskon will begin on Thursday, 27 April, and its opening hours will be 11:00 to 19:00. The event will be inaugurated at 17:30 on the same day by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr Evangelos Apostolou. The working hours on Friday, 28 April will be 10:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday, 29 April from 10:00 to 18:00. Parking is free for all exhibitors and visitors.

27/04/2017 – 13:46

Furniture, decoration, interior and industrial design will meet at Furnidec Business, the first exhibition of the year for the sector, as well as its longest-running event, which will be held at Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre from 17 to 19 March.

Furnidec Business, the most specialised event in the furniture sector, will cover 12,500 sq.m. of exhibition space over 4 Pavilions, featuring 70 exhibitors covering the entire spectrum of domestic and professional furniture, decoration and design.

The exhibition will welcome 155 hosted buyers from Greece and Cyprus, representing the largest stores in the field of furniture and upholstery.

The exhibition, organised by TIF-Helexpo, will host professionals from various fields, such as traders of furniture and decoration products, architects, decorators, designers and hoteliers.

Apart from domestic and professional furniture, the exhibition will also present comprehensive proposals from the creative world of modern design and interior decoration.

The dynamism of Furnidec Business is proven by the fact that it continues to attract major agencies of the field, which will present their activities. In this context and on the occasion of Furnidec

Business 2017, the Thessaloniki Architects’ Association (SATH) will inaugurate its presence at trade fairs. The SATH pavilion will consist of three sections and will be set up in cooperation with professional Thessaloniki architects and the School of Architecture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The central exhibit of the pavilion will be creations by Thessaloniki architects active in the field of industrial design – object design.

Furthermore, the results of the synthetic/design exercise ‘Fabrication Protocols / Modulated Surfaces’ will be exhibited and over 30 models and plans will be presented.

16/03/2017 – 14:55