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ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA SE ASIA Meet Up 2026 Brings Global Fresh Produce Industry to BangkokHong Kong, 22 May 2026 – ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA (AFL), Asia’s leading fresh produce trade show, today announced the successful conclusion of its SE ASIA Meet Up 2026, held on 18-19 May in Bangkok.The exclusive conference and networking event brought together around 250 senior decision-makers from more than 30 different countries, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s growing importance as a hub for the global fresh produce industry. The SE ASIA Meet Up was co-organised with Fruitnet, AFL’s Knowledge Partner and in collaboration with the Myanmar Avocado Producer and Exporter Association (MAVO), Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association (MFVP), Thai Agricultural Wholesale Market Association (TAWMA) and The Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT). Building on this success, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA is thrilled to announce that the SE ASIA Meet Up will return in 2027 on 10-11 May, Thailand with further details to be released in due course. Dynamic Consumer Markets Drive Fresh Produce GrowthThe conference programme – curated by Asiafruit Magazine – opened with a welcome address from Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Agriculture, who underscored the region’s significance in global fresh produce trade. “Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions for fresh produce production, trade logistics and innovations,” said Chandarasrivongs. Research from Forward Insight & Strategy highlighted the region’s 700 million population and its younger demographic profile, with millennials and Gen Z driving category growth through health, wellness, and premium purchasing behaviour. Brands were encouraged to engage early with younger consumers and build long-term relationships through targeted marketing and education. Digital Commerce Reshaping the Fresh Produce LandscapeSpeakers noted that three in five Southeast Asians now shop online, with over 60 per cent of all transactions in the region now digital. Content commerce is generating an estimated US$49.7 billion – 32 per cent of platform gross merchandise value – driven by TikTok Shop and Shopee’s ongoing investment in livestreaming. While e-commerce penetration for fresh produce remains below 5 per cent, the retailer-led shift online is accelerating rapidly across the region. Tropical Fruit Trade and New Origins in FocusThe afternoon sessions explored Asia’s booming tropical fruit trade, with China’s banana and durian imports growing by 15 per cent and 20 per cent respectively in 2025. Speakers also highlighted Latin American suppliers’ growing push into Southeast Asian markets, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing Philippine banana exporters amid ongoing geopolitical pressures and disease concerns. Berries: Southeast Asia’s Next FrontierThe final session examined the fast-emerging berry category, with China’s blueberry exports growing at an average of 160 per cent over the past three years. New production operations in Laos – including Costa’s pioneering growing project at altitudes above 1,000 metres – were highlighted as a key development positioning the region as a strategic export hub for Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving berry market. AFL DP World Fresh Produce Golf CupThe Meet Up was preceded by the AFL DP World Fresh Produce Golf Cup on 17 May, welcoming delegates from over 20 countries for networking and connection ahead of the main conference. Industry Study Tour Offers First-Hand Market InsightsThe event concluded on 19 May with an Industry Study Tour of Thailand’s fresh produce supply chain. Around 80 participants visited Talaad Thai Market – Southeast Asia’s largest wholesale market – alongside leading retail formats including Makro, Lotus’s, and Tops Food Hall, gaining first-hand insights into Thailand’s sophisticated consumer market and engaging directly with senior retail buyers. SE ASIA Meet Up Set to Return in 2027“Southeast Asia continues to present enormous opportunities for the fresh produce industry,” said David Axiotis, Managing Director of Global Produce Events, organiser of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. “The energy and quality of engagement at this year’s SE ASIA Meet Up reflects the region’s growing appetite for knowledge, connection, and collaboration.” ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA SE ASIA Meet Up will return in 2027 on 10-11 May with further details to be announced in due course. About ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICAASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading international trade show for Asia’s fresh produce business. The 19th edition takes place on 2-4 September 2026 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. The event features the Asiafruit Knowledge Centre, a content hub powered by Asiafruit Magazine, headlined by Asiafruit Congress, together with Asiafruit Business Forum and Asiafruit Showcase. About FRUIT LOGISTICAFRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business, covering the entire supply chain from producer to consumer. Around 2,600 exhibitors from approximately 90 countries presented their products, services and technical solutions at Fruit Logistica 2026. The event was visited by around 90,000 participants from 151 countries. |
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Media contact: Management: David Axiotis Further information:
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