The 10th Freskon international trade fair for fresh produce is set to take place in Thessaloniki from 23 to 25 April at the facilities of TIF-Helexpo, bringing together trade visitors from 30 countries in more than 2,600 scheduled B2B meetings.
The event aims to strengthen the international presence of Greek fresh products, with 230 exhibitors from 10 countries and a strong interest reported from major importing companies. This year, particular emphasis is placed on the Balkans, with 50 trade visitors from Bulgaria and 100 from North Macedonia confirmed to attend.
"The event will host talks on the digital future of products, while a special discussion will also take place on the fresh produce supply chain based on international trade provisions," said TIF-Helexpo president Christos Tsentemeidis during a press briefing outlining the exhibition's programme. He added: "We have secured the presence of an important business delegation of Spanish companies from Madrid's central market," noting that the Spanish delegation will also visit Thessaloniki's central wholesale market to expand their local business networks.
According to TIF general director Alexis Tsaxirlis, Freskon forms part of a broader ecosystem of sector-focused exhibitions. He described it as an institution which, "combined with Agrotica, Zootechnia and Agrothessaly, creates a framework for the primary sector," while adding that this year's edition features the largest hosted buyers programme to date.
A key focus of commercial activity will be the FreshCon Market section, organised in collaboration with the trade publication Froutonea, which will bring together producers and representatives of organised retail. The exhibition will also spotlight dynamic Greek crops such as cherries and host specialised workshops for industry participants.
Export performance remains a central theme. According to Froutonea publisher Panagiotis Orfanos, Greek exports of fresh fruit and vegetables exceed 1 million tonnes annually, supported by more than 300 packing facilities nationwide. However, he stressed the need for a national body representing packhouses, noting that the sector faces "a serious lack of unified representation in international markets”. An initiative in this direction is expected to be discussed during the exhibition.
Freskon opens on Thursday at 10:00 and runs until 19:00 on both Thursday and Friday, with Saturday hours from 10:00 to 17:00.2
By Kostas Kechagias - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
