Central markets the centrepiece for Hort Connections Trade Show

Over 3,000 professionals from across the fresh produce industry converged on the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in June for Hort Connections 2022. Exploring the theme ‘Growing Together’, the 2022 Hort Connections conference program included over 40 expert speakers discussing the big issues facing the industry. Additionally, around 200 companies showcased their products at the popular Hort Connections Trade Show, of which the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) and Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) were the joint major sponsor, representing all of Australia’s central markets and chambers. The centrepiece of this year’s exhibition was once again the CMAA/FMA pavilion, which displayed produce sourced from central market wholesalers across Australia. The conference and trade show were run by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and Ausveg. IFPA A-NZ Chief Executive, Darren Keating, said the event celebrated the strength of the Australasian fresh produce industry. “The energy has been absolutely electric,” Keating said. “The trade show was pumping from the moment we opened the doors on Monday evening and our conference programme was packed with high-end insights and discussions. “This success of this year’s event highlights the value our industry places on forming quality connections; people have travelled here from across the country, not just because they can finally catch up with friends, colleagues and customers, but because they want to.”

Rosa Arcella (Archella Bananas), Nicole Gibbels, Hamish Montague (Montague Queensland) and Ian Gibbels (Arcella Bananas) at the Hort Connections Trade Show.

AUSVEG Chair, Bill Bulmer, and Senator Susan McDonald visit the Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets stand.

Fresh Markets Australia General Manager, Gail Woods, meets new Federal Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt, at the Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets stand. The Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets stand was a popular backdrop for media attending the Trade Show.