The high-quality content programme is curated by Asiafruit Magazine, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA’s Knowledge Partner, and it explores emerging trade and consumer trends in South-East Asia, China’s growing influence as a supplier to the region, and the future of Asia’s booming durian business.

Carlo Magni, global consumer insights director at consultancy firm Forward Insight & Strategy, unpacks the latest consumer trends across South-East Asia’s diverse and dynamic fresh produce markets. Magni provides invaluable analysis of shopper behaviour in fresh produce and explains how marketers can maximise the opportunities.

Andy Suh, senior director (Rest of Asia) at Driscoll’s, and Vincent Yeh, CEO of Xingyeyuan Group’s international business arm, Xingyeyuan Supply Chain, share their insights on China’s expanding role as a supplier to South-East Asia.

Suh explains how China’s rise as an exporter of high-quality berries and diversification beyond blueberries is helping to grow the berry category in key regional markets. Yeh also unpacks the premiumisation trend in Chinese production and the emergence of high-value products. He details how this is bringing renewed impetus to exports and driving brand development.

A session spotlighting Asia’s durian boom hears from John Cao, project manager for Joy Wing Mau’s flagship durian brand, Joyvio Durian, on key trends in the China market from a buyer’s perspective. Representatives of leading South-East Asian durian supplying countries also discuss the shifting trade landscape and market outlook. Speakers include Natakrit Eamskul, chief executive of major Thai exporter Platinum Fruits, and Dr Tan Sue Yee, chief executive of top Malaysian durian exporter Top Fruits.

Elsewhere on the programme, Edgar Alastrué, Thailand sales director for key Asia-based distributor Fresh Fruit-X, shares his first-hand insights into retail and trade trends in a session on Thailand’s fresh produce market landscape.