Key Takeaways
- During Fruit Logistica, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) discussions focused on integration between vertical farming and greenhouses, with industry leaders debating whether the two can work together effectively.
- Propagation is becoming a major focus, with experts highlighting the importance of young plant production and vertical integration for future operations.
- Strawberries dominated industry discussions, indicating a strong market focus on controlled-environment berry production.
- Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards recognised the Onix Orange for its outstanding color, flavor, and shelf life, and Croptimus for its AI-driven image analysis for early pest and disease detection in greenhouses.
- A highly attended event featuring over 2,600 exhibitors from 90+ countries, with key participation from Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, China, and Turkey.
Fruit Logistica 2025 Overview
- Name: Fruit Logistica 2025
- Date & Location: February 5-7, 2025 | Berlin, Germany
- Organizer: Messe Berlin
- Theme: “Fruitful Connections”—highlighting partnerships and collaboration across the fresh produce value chain.
- Audience: Growers, seed breeders, tech companies, wholesalers, retailers, and logistics providers.
Key Discussions & Themes During Fruit Logistica
Integration of Greenhouses & Vertical Farming
The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector saw active discussions about how vertical farms and greenhouses could be integrated to optimize efficiency.
Key Insights:
- Jack Farmer, CSO LettUs Grow: “In the future you will see greenhouses and vertical farms connected to each other.”
- Andrew Lloyd, CEO IGS: “Propagation will play a major role in young plant production, making it a central part of the industry.”
- Katia Kouloumprouka Zacharaki, TCEA Soft Fruit Specialist at NIAB: “Propagation is a key process that can be addressed through VF technologies. But we need to move beyond just calling it ‘vertical farming’—growers should define their needs first, then select the right technology.”
Emerging Trends: Strawberry Production in CEA
Strawberries were a hot topic, with multiple exhibitors and panels discussing advancements and ongoing projects in indoor berry farming. Companies showcased automation, climate control, and LED technology tailored for strawberries, reinforcing the fruit’s growing potential in greenhouse and vertical farming systems.
Major Debates: Compatibility of Greenhouses & Vertical Farms
Experts debated whether greenhouses and vertical farms can operate complementary, particularly for seed propagation and early-stage plant production. Some industry leaders believe vertical farms are best suited for propagation, while others see potential synergies in a hybrid production model.
Innovation & Technology Highlights at Fruit Logistica
Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards
🏆 Onix Orange (AMFRESH) – Winner of Fruit Logistica Innovation Award
A visually striking citrus fruit with a deep orange-to-burgundy color gradient, long shelf life, and high antioxidant content. Marketed as a premium citrus option with enhanced sustainability credentials.
🏆 Croptimus (Fermata) – Winner of Fruit Logistica Innovation Award Technology
AI-driven image analysis tool that helps detect pests and diseases early in greenhouse crops. It requires no additional hardware and works with existing camera setups or smartphones. Promised efficiency gains: 50% less scouting effort, 30% less crop loss, and 25% lower input consumption.
Industry Impact & Future Opportunities
🔹 Event Environment:
The atmosphere was bustling and highly collaborative, with many industry leaders engaging in discussions on market trends, sustainability, and supply chain innovations. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies, ranging from robotics and AI-driven monitoring systems to advanced breeding techniques.
🔹 Key Market Growth:
According to Fruit Logistica’s organizers, China’s presence increased by 33%, Turkey by 12%, and Israel’s Machinery & Tech sector expanded by 20%, demonstrating global investment in agricultural innovation and supply chain efficiency.
🔹 Future Opportunities Highlighted:
- Modular and hybrid growing systems that combine greenhouse and vertical farming strategies.
- More resilient supply chains, with innovations in cold chain logistics, smart packaging, and automation.
- The rising demand for strawberries in controlled environments could drive new automation and AI adoption for berry cultivation.
