One of Hong Kong’s exhibition stalwarts made its return to Hong Kong in September after online editions during the pandemic and a temporary relocation to Bangkok. Asia Fruit Logistica, one the world’s biggest fresh produce and perishables showcases, was held at Asia World Expo near Hong Kong International Airport for the first time since 2019, and it hosted a record-breaking number of exhibitors and visitors.

Among the 700 exhibitors, Cathay Cargo took a stand for the first time to demonstrate its cold chain capabilities, in particular the temperature-sensitive Cathay Fresh specialist solution and the next-generation tracking tool Ultra Track. The fuselage-shaped booth mimicked the interior of the main deck of Cathay Cargo’s Boeing 747 freighters. Screens showed details on Cathay Fresh and live multi-dimensional readings from shipments using the next-generation tracking solution to the show’s 13,000 buyers and trade visitors.

‘We even had Mobifresh mobile cold storage units from the Cathay Cargo Terminal at the stand,’ says Cargo Customer Solutions Manager Janice Kwan. The stand also had a meeting space for people to sit with existing and potential customers and fellow exhibitors from the produce world, while some of Cathay Cargo’s Regional Heads of Cargo attended to meet new and existing customers.

‘I know the sales teams were able to generate some leads with an online form that was filled in by visitors, and they were also able to bring agents and shippers together at the venue to discuss potential opportunities,’ adds Kwan.

In addition to a show presence, Cathay Cargo also hosted tours of the nearby Cathay Cargo Terminal, with more than 100 guests on the first day of the show, culminating in a drinks reception at Catalina’s in Cathay City’s Headland Hotel, which offers commanding top floor views over Hong Kong International Airport.

Director Cargo Tom Owen was on hand to welcome guests, while Kwan took visitors through Cathay Fresh and Cathay Cargo’s credentials before guests relaxed over spectacular sundowners.

Sadly, the weather was not so amenable on the show’s third day, with a ‘black’ rainstorm – the most severe category – bringing 60cm of rain in two hours, intense flooding and an early close to the event. Spirits were not dampened, however.

‘Traffic on the trade show floor in the first two days was remarkable,’ said David Axiotis, managing director of Global Produce Events, the show’s organiser. ‘The huge success of this year’s event only underlines our commitment to further grow and develop this high-quality, efficient and leading trade platform for Asia’s fresh produce business.’

Cathay Cargo was delighted to attend to demonstrate its capabilities and Hong Kong as a hub for perishables shipments. ‘Visitors were impressed by the design of the booth, and we were delighted to have been able to demonstrate our service features directly to the perishables industry,’ concludes Kwan.

Photo Copyright: Global Produce Events (HK) Co., Limited