ONE of the world’s major fresh fruit and vegetable trade shows is at the centre of the sex scandal that’s claimed the scalp of disgraced “sugar daddy” MP Andrew Broad.

The Victorian federal Nationals MP will not contest the next election after reports emerged this week of him using a “sugar baby” dating website to meet at least one young woman during a visit to Hong Kong to attend the Asia Fruit Logistica convention.

The married conservative morals campaigner according to one of his dates likened himself to James Bond and lied about his age in a series of sexual text messages sent to her after he complained to her about the cost of their dinner. Questions have since been asked about whether the movie character James B0nd would complain to a companion about the cost of their meal. You be the judge.

The member for Mallee about the time of the ASIA Fruit Logistica convention in September issued a media release.

Mr Broad said in the statement: “The Mallee region and particularly Mildura was well represented at the Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week”.

He said local groups including the Mildura Fruit Company, Fresh Fruit Connection and V.E Siciliano & Sons also attended the global event with local produce on display to the world.

The demand for Australian horticulture products is growing rapidly with exports worth $412 million in 2017, Mr Broad said.

What happens on tour

Booking are now open for next year’s Asia Fruit Logistica convention.

It’s the place to meet top-quality buyers from across Asia, it’s the region’s premier information hub covering all the latest trends and technologies, and it’s back in Hong Kong next September, a convenor statement says.

Asia Fruit Logistica returns to Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo on 4-6 September 2019, and exhibitors can register now to secure their stand.

Applications are available to download from the official website.

Also in Australian Food News

• Coles CEO tells us what’s coming in 2019
• Ugly fruit finds love in for-purpose orange juice vending machines
• Kroger’s driverless grocery delivery program moves ahead

Asia Fruit Logistica underlined its position as the premier continental trade show for Asia’s fresh fruit and vegetable business in 2018, attracting more than 13,000 high-quality visitors from over 70 different countries on 5-7 September.

Asia Fruit Logistica 2018 drew high-quality buyers from some 20 different markets across the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in strong business outcomes for exhibitors.

Some 826 companies representing 46 different countries and all continents were exhibiting their products and services, further enhancing the global profile of the event.

Asia Fruit Logistica attracted more exhibitors from the logistics, machinery and technology sectors in 2018, reflecting the growing importance of such supply chain partners and service providers for the business moving forward.

Better logistics

Dutch ripening technology specialist Interko launched Optimo, a pre-assembled ripening room and “entry-level option” for operators looking to venture into the fruit ripening business for the first time.

Leading packaging company Stepac showcased its resealable modified humidity lidding film for high-end produce items, while French shipping giant CMA CGM launched Climactive, its new technology for the transportation of highly sensitive fruit and vegetables by active controlled atmosphere.

The innovations on show extended to consumer-facing systems, with Dole displaying its pineapple peeling machine, which uses Piñabar’s technology.

Asia Fruit Logistica visitors were also able to access valuable information and takeaways on the show-floor at the range of Hall Forums.
Asiafruit Business Forum featured daily sessions offering practical ideas and solutions for better fresh produce marketing and business management.

Cool Logistics Asia offered a programme of workshops on perishable logistics and cold chain management, while Smart Horticulture Asia explored the latest disruptive technology and digitilisation throughout the fresh produce supply chain.