The future begins today - in Hall 3.1
From AI-supported quality control to sustainable packaging: In Startup World, 18 young companies from eleven countries will present their forward-looking business ideas for the fresh produce sector.
Where visions become reality: In Startup World, founders, investors, producers and representatives from trade and logistics present their business ideas to trade visitors.
Nowhere is it easier to see how quickly visions can be turned into real applications than at FRUIT LOGISTICA: in Startup World in Hall 3.1, 18 founders from eleven countries will show trade visitors how they are mastering the challenges facing their industry today. Whether it's climate change or labour shortages, rising consumer demands or stricter legal requirements, the smart solutions developed by these young entrepreneurs help to optimise processes, increase productivity and conserve resources, thereby putting the concept of sustainability into practice in a holistic way, i.e. in an ecological, economic and social sense. Here are a few examples:
Compensating for labour shortages with AI and robots
When Tyler Niday saw that his neighbouring almond producers were unable to bring in their harvests due to a lack of labour, the Californian agricultural robotics specialist stood firm in his belief that automation was the only solution. And it had to be practical, reliable, affordable and tailored to the actual work processes on farms. Thus, Bonsai Robotics was born. The company's small, AI-controlled, autonomous machines independently perform tasks such as applying pesticides, weeding and harvesting in orchards, vineyards and vegetable beds.
Better quality = less food waste + happier customers
The possibilities of AI and machine learning also inspired the founders of Dutch start-up AgStacked. With their platform, which uses AI-powered forecasts based on weather, logistics and cold chain data, they identify quality risks early on along the entire supply chain. This helps their customers reduce food waste and avoid batch rejections due to quality defects.
Automated from purchasing to invoicing
The Swedish company Pifa AB offers importers, wholesalers and distributors with wholesale trade a software solution for optimising their business processes – from purchasing to invoicing. All that is needed is a mobile phone or tablet and an internet connection. The software can be used to record stock levels in real time and optimise freight flows, including order picking, complaints, inventory and goods receipt checks. Detailed reports, for example on the best-selling and most profitable items, can also be generated in a matter of minutes.
Seaweed packaging reduces the carbon footprint
From 2030, single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables will no longer be permitted under the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Swiss start-up noriware already offers an alternative with its seaweed-based films. The transparent, plastic-free films can be heat-sealed directly onto the cardboard tray and easily removed after use. They are completely biodegradable and have a CO2 footprint that is up to 89 per cent lower than polyethylene.
Small thing with a big impact
Renewable and biodegradable resources also form the basis for the innovation of the Italian company Agree Net. The small label it has developed, measuring around 2 centimetres in diameter, is placed in the packaging where it releases natural active ingredients based on plant extracts that extend the shelf life of the fruit. It is suitable for citrus fruits, cherries, berries and grapes.
Anyone who wants to experience the founders' passion for their innovative products and technologies first-hand should visit the Farming Forward / Startup Stage in Hall 3.1 on 4 and 5 February from 1 p.m. to 1.55 p.m. All 18 start-ups will present their innovations in five-minute sessions.