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Last updated: 20 April 2007

Keynote Presentation
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Where next for the global banana industry?

Recent years have seen radical developments in the production, export, marketing and consumption of bananas. How did we get to where we are today and what does the future hold?

Keynote speaker:
Martin Zuñiga, Procomer (Costa Rica)

Session 1
Global Markets: win some, lose some?

Are traditional markets in the US and Europe past their sell by date? Can newly-emerging markets be the engines of growth? Or will they just provide temporary relief to a global industry in crisis?

Speakers include:
Erich Hinrichs, Consultant (Germany)
Grigori N Nikolaev, Analysts (Russia)
Paul Smits, NEH Philippines (Philippines)

Session 2
Central and South America: where next for producers and exporters?

It has often been said in the fresh produce business that you grow what you can sell and not sell what you can grow. This session looks at how Latin American producers and banana marketers are meeting the challenges of the 21st Century.

Speakers include:
Jesús Correa Pérez, Uniban S.A. (Colombia)
Jorge Sauma, Corbana (Costa Rica)
Roberto Hoyos, Augura (Colombia)

Session 3
Corporate Social Responsibility: the new challenges

For decades the banana industry in Central and South America has been an uneasy partnership of competing stakeholders. How have local labour, producers and multinationals moved forward to address new environmental and labour issues?

Speakers include:
George Jaksch, Chiquita Brands International (USA)
Gabriel Márquez Vélez, Fundauniban (Colombia)
AEBE (Ecuador)
Rainforest Alliance (Costa Rica)

Session 4
Adding Value to Bananas: How to getting more from your bananas

Whether it’s organic or convenience, consumers are prepared to pay a premium for the banana they want. Case studies on what works and what does not.

Speakers include:
Tomas Arregui, Smurfit Kappa (Uruguay)
Bob Kistinger, Chiquita Fresh Group (USA)
Assaf Shachnai, StePac LA Ltd (Israel)

Session 5
Logistics: innovation for the future

The latest developments and innovations in getting your banana to the supermarket shelf in perfect condition.

Speakers include:
Antonio Aloe, Sopisco News (Ecuador)
Richard Bright, Reefer Trends (UK)
Johan Claes, Sea-Invest N.V. (Belgium)
Ton van Santen, Interko Koeltechniek B.V. (Holland)

Session 6
Science: new technologies and scientific developments

Leading industry academics and scientists report on how the latest technological and scientific advances are helping to shape the banana trade of tomorrow.

Speakers include:
Miguel Gortari F, Inspectorate (Uruguay)
Walter Melendez, Trilex (Costa Rica)
Sergio Seminário V, BioPlantas (Ecuador)

Session 7
Forum – Part 1: Panel Discussion

Key Industry Leaders provide insight and opinion on the state of the global banana industry today.

Speakers include:
Jelger de Vriend, Ahold (Holland)
Bob Kistinger, Chiquita Fresh Group (USA)

Session 8
Forum – Part 2: Panel Discussion

Continued discussion by industry leaders on the global banana industry.

Speakers include:
Roberto Hoyos, Augura (Colombia)
Manuel Rodríguez, Chiquita Brands International (USA)
Jorge Sauma, Corbana (Costa Rica)
Leroy J. Sheffer, Ministerio de Comercio e Industria (Panamá)

Closing Remarks and End of Conference