Australia’s premier fresh produce event, Hort Connections 2024, held in Melbourne earlier this month, attracted over 4200 delegates, including numerous APPMA members showcasing their latest packaging innovations and solutions.
Organised by International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) and AUSVEG, the event marked the largest in its history, setting the tone for strategic industry growth and renewed grower confidence.
Propak's MAS500 wows at Hort Connections
Issac Sandercock, account manager at Propak Industries, says the company highlighted its MAS500 pallet wrapping machine. This machine features advancements such as a new remote for program changes from a forklift, internet connectivity options, and optimised programming to minimise film usage.
Sandercock reported a “really positive” response from visitors, noting significant interest. Propak Industries has been a regular exhibitor at Hort Connections for many years, with Sandercock affirming that the event always meets their expectations.
JBT introduces Proseal innovations
Proseal/ JBT showcased the Proseal range of semi-automatic and automatic tray sealers, packhouse assembly lines, and end-of-line case packing. Proseal demonstrated various packaging solutions meeting the latest recycling requirements.
The JBT range included fresh produce processing solutions, juice extraction systems, and various cooking and size reduction machinery. Gary Lee, sales manager at Proseal/ JBT noted “high engagement” from visitors interested in how JBT’s innovations could enhance packing line solutions and product displays.
JBT has been exhibiting at Hort since 2019, and Lee described the event as a “great networking event with a very captive audience”, acknowledging that while visitor numbers were lower than other exhibitions, the attendees were “genuinely interested” in the displays.
FPE introduces Syspal Equipment
Food Processing Equipment (FPE) brought Syspal mechanical handling equipment, including weight scales and the Dolav Lifter, which have applications in the horticultural sector. The stand displayed an image of the hygiene entry sanitisers at a tomato grower in the Netherlands, to show the local horticultural sector what is possible.
Tania Carey, managing director of FPE, reported that while visitors liked the equipment and were enthusiastic about its potential applications, price was a significant obstacle due to tight margins in the industry.
It was FPE’s first time exhibiting at Hort Connections, and Carey says that while their expectations were met, she remains uncertain about future participation.
Detpak launches paper grape bag
Mark Rohrlach, regional sales manager Australasia & South Asia at Detpak, says the company showcased sustainable paper-based packaging solutions, with a focus on the paper grape bag developed with Perfection Fresh. This bag, kerbside recyclable and a sustainable alternative to plastic, received an “extremely positive” response, reflecting growing interest from retailers, growers, and consumers in sustainable packaging.
Detpak has exhibited at Hort Connections for three years. “Interest and engagement with visitors at the Detpak exhibit is growing year on year, with Hort Connections 2024 representing a 40 per cent increase in visitor activity on the previous year,” said Rohrlach, indicating strong engagement and opportunities for further development and scaling of sustainable packaging solutions.
Filton Packaging unveils sustainable Flexible Films
Filton Packaging presented its latest advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. A standout product was its new line of flexible films with 30 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and options that reduce plastic usage by 20 per cent. The company says these films contribute to sustainability efforts by utilising recycled materials while maintaining high durability and enhancing freshness preservation.
Filton Packaging CEO Ryan Worthington reported an enthusiastic response from visitors, who were impressed by the innovative design and sustainability features of the flexible films.
Filton Packaging has participated in Hort Connections several times. Worthington says,“Hort Connections exceeded our expectations this year in terms of engagement, networking opportunities, and business outcomes. The event provided an excellent platform for us to not only showcase our products but also to engage with key decision-makers, industry influencers, and potential customers.”
Result Group highlights ECOMARK
Ecomark Natural Branding technology was the centrepiece on the Result Group stand. This laser-based produce labelling method eliminates small, wasteful labels, ensuring safety for consumers and the environment. Result Group also showcased its traceability and authenticity platforms, and the Leibinger IQ Jet coding and marking system integrated with the Herma 500 labelling machine.
Valentyna Skyba, marketing manager at Result Group, reports an “overwhelmingly positive” response, especially from major brands, who were interested in the reduction of consumable solvents in inkjets and the extended service intervals. This is Result Group's fifth time exhibiting at Hort Connections, with Skyba confirming that the event met their expectations.
“We look forward to continuing our participation and contributing to the advancement of sustainable and efficient product labelling and traceability solutions,” she says.
Hort Connections 2024 set a new tone for industry growth, strategic discussions, and showcased innovations aimed at boosting the horticultural sector. IFPA managing director A-NZ, Ben Hoodless, highlighted a 20 per cent increase in attendance from the previous year, emphasising the event’s success in engaging delegates and presenting significant industry announcements, such as Hort Innovation’s Hort Frontiers Fund and the IFPA Future Trends Report 2024.
“We were proud to be supporting Hort Connections again in 2024 as a partner association,” says Michael Moran, CEO of APPMA. “It was great to see so many APPMA members supporting the horticultural industry through way of exhibiting at the show, or visiting the conference.”
Moran notes that More than 15 APPMA members were exhibiting at the show, which is one of the highest turnouts from APPMA members, with first-time exhibitors and returning companies making their mark in the horticultural industry.
The three show days, that saw a record turnout, culminated in a celebration of success at the annual gala and awards night, recognising the achievements of leaders within the industry.
Hort Connections 2025 will return at Brisbane from 4-6 June, with plans to evolve the event’s strategic direction and further enhance its role as a major drawcard for the fresh produce and floral sector in the southern hemisphere.
