March 2, 2010 Press Center BVV - This year’s International Fairs SALIMA, MBK, INTECO, VINEX and EMBAX show the way of the Czech food industry and how the development continues in this perspective and important branch. An integral part of the project is also a presentation of new technologies. The participation of more than a thousand of exhibitors in this year’s run proves a good name and importance of the project. These were the words of Minister of Agriculture CZ Jakub Šebesta at the opening of the fairs.
He informed that a number of important events should be held, for instance the international conference Food Forum at which professionals will discuss on the future of European food industry. „I would be pleased if the conference could indicate the ways which the European and Czech food industry should take. In the future we can expect a number of appeals, e.g. a liberalization of the world market and the Czech Republic must be perfectly prepared for them,“ said the minister. Based on him, the presentation of the awards Klasa is a significant part of the fair. Within six years, this prestigious award has been granted to 1325 products by 229 producers. According to surveys, products with Klasa indication have been three times more sold than the others. And this is also the reason, why the awards will be granted in the next years again.
Food industry belongs to our traditional branch which employs a high quantity of people and offers the citizens a quality food. Ministry of Agriculture has an independent stand at this year’s fair on which it tries to help the branch and coherent branches. It also mediates important department information to both non-professional and trade public. „The role of the food industry has been ever more difficult at the present crisis. Consumers are more demanding for quality and safety of food and require reasonable prices. It is a difficult situation , but I believe that this intention can be achieved thanks to innovation approaches and new technologies. At the fair also our producers can be inspired and acquire experience by both Czech and foreign colleagues,“ stated Šebesta. He added that the Czech Republic has been attracting great attention to food safety which distinctly differentiates our foodstuffs from the others, which is a great advantage on competition world markets. An emphasized branch of the food fairs is the promotion of regional products.
The ceremonial opening in Hall P was also attended by the Administrator of the South-Moravian region and Chairman of the Association of Regions Michal Hašek, Lord Mayor of the City of Brno Roman Onderka, President of the Food Chamber Miroslav Toman, President of the Agricultural Chamber CZ Jan Veleba, senators and members of the Czech Parlament, members of branch-related associations and unions, representatives of the diplomatic corps and colleges. Not even foreign delegations at the head with Ministers of Agriculture from Lithuania, Serbia, Slovenia and Romania were missing.