Macfrut 2025 strengthens global access through Emirates partnership
ITALY – Macfrut 2025, a leading international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry, is enhancing its global accessibility through a renewed partnership with Emirates.
The event, set to take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from May 6 to May 8, will offer discounted travel options to international attendees.
“Thanks to this recently renewed agreement, visitors can benefit from special fares when flying to Bologna Airport, which is connected to Rimini by local transfers operated by Macfrut,” event organizers confirmed.
The offer applies to departures between May 1 and May 13, with return flights available until May 23. Attendees can access the promotion by entering the code EVE6MC2 on the Emirates website.
Macfrut is also offering combined flight and hotel packages for those traveling to Rimini Airport from select European cities.
Other travel options include train services stopping at the Expo Centre, special discounts on train tickets, and shuttle services from Bologna and Rimini airports.
Strengthening Egypt-Europe agricultural trade
Macfrut 2025 will also focus on Egypt’s growing significance in the global fruit and vegetable trade. As the event’s official partner country, Egypt will take center stage in discussions about agricultural exports, particularly citrus, table grapes, and strawberries.
Italian Ambassador Michele Quaroni emphasized Egypt’s strategic importance in linking European and African markets during a presentation on this partnership.
“Egypt is a gateway for Europe and Africa, and this partnership will foster greater trade opportunities, especially through new initiatives such as the maritime connection between Damietta and Trieste, which will enhance trade flows,” he stated.
Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, noted the role of Italy’s Mattei Plan in fostering agricultural cooperation with Africa.
“The Mattei Plan seeks to strengthen Italy’s ties with Africa, with a particular focus on agriculture, water conservation, and energy. Egypt, as a priority country in this strategy, plays a key role in developing these sectors,” Zoppas said.
Khaled Emara, representing Egypt’s Ministry of International Affairs, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Egypt and the European Union, which has been reinforced by the EU-Egypt Association Agreement since 2004.
“We believe there is significant room for expanding our trade, particularly in processed agricultural products,” he said.
Expanding agricultural support in Africa
Macfrut’s efforts extend beyond Egypt, playing a critical role in agricultural projects across Africa, one notable initiative being its support for Mali’s mango export sector.
The project, which is backed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and managed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), aims to help Malian producers expand their reach in international markets.
Mali, Africa’s largest mango producer, grows approximately 800,000 tonnes annually. However, only 11,000 tonnes are exported due to challenges such as the long distance to ports in Abidjan and Dakar and the lack of a reliable cold chain.
“The mission, which included one of the most significant European importers of tropical fruit, focused on assessing the readiness of Malian companies to begin exporting mangoes as early as this season,” said Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, after visiting Mali.
Macfrut 2025 brings global agricultural stakeholders together to discuss trade, innovation, and international cooperation.
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