TARANTO, 13 APRIL 2022 - The Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea attended the Fruit Logistica trade show (Berlin, 5-7 April 2022), a prestigious event dedicated to the fruit and vegetable market which brings together the most important international players.
After a two-year hiatus, the show returned to Berlin from the 5th to the 7th of April for its 29th edition under the banner “meet on site again”, welcoming more than 2,000 exhibitors from 87 countries across the world for a packed schedule of conferences and in-person networking events.
The participation of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea represented a unique opportunity to promote the Ionian seaport as a hub for cold chain logistics in the Mediterranean as it allows for the implementation of a completely intermodal transport system as a result of its range of key assets. The Logistics Platform, which covers 200,000m² and is directly connected to the national railway network, offers strategic services for the transport and storage of perishable goods with its two warehouses providing refrigeration (5,376m²) and controlled temperatures (4,836m²). Further assets for attracting investments include the Ionian Special Economic Zone with its set of financial incentives for businesses and the Customs Free Zone, which offers significant advantages to businesses interested in handling and processing goods.
The results of the trade fair were very positive. There were many meetings with international operators in the logistics and transport sector interested in establishing new partnerships involving the Port of Taranto as a driving force for development.
 |
 |
For the first time, the Authority planned its attendance this year at the show jointly with the terminal operator Yilport Taranto - San Cataldo Container Terminal, the company that manages the Port of Taranto’s Multipurpose Pier. Yilport Taranto is owned by Yilport Holding, one of the top 11 independent terminal operators in the world.
This coordinated effort allowed the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea to showcase the seamless integration of the system of port infrastructure. This is equipped to serve the international fresh produce supply chain, and the terminal - with its 900 reefer container sockets - is an additional element of competitiveness.
As part of the show, the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea also joined the proposal of collective participation launched by the national ports association Assoporti which, in collaboration with ICE (the Italian Trade Agency)/Invitalia, reinforced the Italian presence with a stand dedicated to the national logistics network of ports and terminals.
On 5 April, Luigi di Maio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke during the opening of the Fruit Logistica trade fair, confirming, with his official appearance, the Italian Government’s continued support for the internationalisation of businesses in the agri-food industry, the star performer of the country’s economy. After greeting the players of the Italian cluster, Minister Di Maio also visited the Port of Taranto stand, expressing his interest in the objectives of the ongoing projects at the Ionian seaport.