FIRST EDITION OF “SICILIAN FRESH”, THE AWARDS CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE SECTOR

From 27 to 29 November 2025, the SiciliaFiera Exhibition Center in Misterbianco (Catania) will host the second edition of Frutech – Mediterranean Fruit & Vegetables Expo, the event dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and internationalization in the Mediterranean fruit and vegetable industry.

With an increasing number of exhibitors and professionals, Frutech 2025 confirms its role as a key reference point for the agri-food supply chain, bringing together producers, consortia, technology companies, and international buyers.

Three intensive days focused on agriculture, innovation, organic production, and processed products will once again establish Frutech as the leading event for all Sicilian and Mediterranean agri-food sectors.

“Frutech is a meeting platform for operators and buyers,” explains Nino Di Cavolo, President of SiciliaFiera, “designed to promote exports and innovation in a supply chain that is increasingly sustainable and competitive. At the same time, it represents an important space for dialogue with institutions and associations committed to the protection and certification of an ever-evolving production chain.
One of the pillars of the event is technology, showcased by companies active in agricultural mechanization, research on new crops and grafts, and the development of advanced tools for phytosanitary prevention.
Furthermore, a rich program of specialized conferences will address key topics related to production and value enhancement, supporting ongoing product and process innovations, and conveying the values that make Sicily and the Mediterranean the heart of the national and European production system.”

This year’s edition stands out for the participation of numerous foreign delegations, including operators specializing in European production and distribution, as well as importers and buyers from various international markets.

Sicilian Fresh: The Evening Celebrating Excellence

On 27 November at 7:00 PM, SiciliaFiera, in collaboration with SGMARKETING, will host “Sicilian Fresh”, an event dedicated to celebrating excellence in the fruit and vegetable industry.

“The Sicilian supply chain represents a highly relevant production reality within the national fruit and vegetable sector — from citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, and vegetables to certain exotic crops,” says Salvo Garipoli, Business Director of the Bologna-based company.
“Creating a strong moment of discussion — sharing experiences, needs, and areas of work — will help raise awareness of what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. The sector must overcome physical distances and create strong opportunities for direct exchange.”

During the evening, Elisa Macchi, Director of CSO Italy (Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli), will present updated statistical insights illustrating the current state of Sicilian fruit and vegetable production in relation to national trends.

Duccio Caccioni, agronomist and agri-food expert, will follow with an inspiring talk on the importance and value of communication in understanding emerging consumer needs.

The conference session will conclude with the TRADE Round Table, coordinated by SGMARKETING, featuring a panel of representatives from national and local large-scale retail (GDO) and normal trade sectors, discussing “The value of Sicilian fruit and vegetable supply chains in supporting an evolving market.”

The Sicilian Fresh & Vegetables Awards

The Gala Evening, supported by numerous sponsors, will not only feature specialized content but will also celebrate the production chains that have best met market expectations over the past year.

A jury of experts — including journalists, marketing managers, quality specialists, and university professors — will select five outstanding companies among Sicilian producers and service providers that have excelled in the sector.

Saro Sallemi, Frutech Commercial Director, comments:
“Frutech continues to be a strategic opportunity to connect the world of production with that of distribution, creating concrete growth prospects for companies in the fruit and vegetable industry.
The increasing participation of exhibitors and professionals shows the strong demand for specialized events that combine commercial exhibition, professional development, and access to international markets.
Frutech is the stage where industry stakeholders meet — and the Sicilian Fresh Gala will be the moment to celebrate those who truly believe in their territory.”

From 27 to 29 November, Sicily will once again take center stage in the Mediterranean, confirming its role as a laboratory of excellence in agriculture, research, and Made in Italy innovation.