The 20th edition of INTERPOM, the trade fair for the entire potato chain, was finally held a year later on 28, 29 and 30 November 2021 in Kortrijk Xpo. The circumstances were unusual, to say the least, because of the stricter health and safety measures imposed by the government right in the final phase of the set-up of INTERPOM. But the trade fairs were still subject to the trade protocol, which allowed INTERPOM to go ahead in accordance with the guidelines set by the government: compulsory wearing of face masks, STC checks and ventilated halls. Fortunately, Kortrijk Xpo was fully prepared for this eventuality and had already taken all the necessary measures. The potato community was relieved to be able to meet in a safe environment in order to be able to focus on the past season, which has been quite exceptional, as well as on the issues related to climate change and potato storage, but above all on the preparation for the 2022-2023 season. In short, almost business as usual, because despite the virus, the world keeps turning and potatoes must therefore be grown, processed and marketed.
Targeted professional audience
INTERPOM welcomed 11,768 visitors during the three days of the trade fair. This means that the number of visitors was lower than in the previous edition, but this was to be expected given the numerous measures, quarantines and complications in international traffic. This also affected the attendance of foreign guests, with fewer visitors from the Netherlands, Germany and other non-European countries. This time, France was just as well represented as the Netherlands, which is of course connected with the reinforcement of the measures taken to combat COVID-19 in each country. The visitors present at the trade fair were mainly targeted professionals who had come to INTERPOM with clear objectives, investment plans and the desire to learn about the latest market developments in the potato chain. This is also the main objective of a trade fair like INTERPOM. In the age of COVID-19, where digital technology is everywhere, the importance of physical contact in the business world was once again highlighted. INTERPOM was an opportunity to enjoy a very pleasant reunion with all the players in the sector. Both exhibitors and visitors were well aware of the importance of health and safety measures and therefore followed them to the letter. The organisers of INTERPOM would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who followed the ground rules, thus contributing to the safety of all participants and/or visitors at the event.
Seminars: rewatch over 20 different presentations about potatoes
This year’s seminar programme was truly impressive, with an uninterrupted flow of presentations in 20-minute segments, covering topical issues as well as innovative and fascinating projects. All of these presentations will be available for rewatching starting 6 December on the website www.interpom.be.
INTERPOM 2022 – SAVE THE DATE
After this 20th edition, which was exceptionally postponed, INTERPOM will already be back at the end of next year, in 2022. From then on, INTERPOM will revert to a biennial schedule (in even years). Make sure to save the date of INTERPOM 2022 in your diary: the trade fair will be held on 27, 28 and 29 November 2022 in Kortrijk Xpo. We are already looking forward to seeing you all next year!
INTERPOM is an initiative of Belgapom, the official trade association for the Belgian potato trade, growers and processors. The practical organization is in the capable hands of Kortrijk Xpo.
Info & contact: Kortrijk Xpo – Annick Pycarelle – T. +32 (0)56 24 11 11 – interpom@kortrijkxpo.com – www.interpom.be
