Developing countries, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, account for about 98 percent of tropical and subtropical fruit production. In the last decade, international trade of these fruits has expanded dramatically as developing countries recognize the benefits of diversifying products. Initially, tropical and subtropical fruits command premium prices for being exotic. As the market matures, consumers care less about novelty and demand high quality fruits that can provide beneficial effects to health and well-being. Certain high-end consumer groups are also open to new kinds of indulgence, instigating the research and development of “superfruit” products. While the term is still contentious among scientists and nutritionists, it has been proved as an effective marketing strategy.
International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), established under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), plays a major role in promoting the health benefits of tropical fruits and facilitates cooperation among countries, institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders. TFNet conducts activities that will improve and sustain the global tropical fruit industry. Some selected temperate fruits and berries have recently been labelled as ‘superfruits’, which are fruits with high antioxidant content and other health enhancing properties.
A TFNet / FAO / Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, symposium on Superfruits held in Vietnam in 2013, concluded that some tropical and subtropical fruits can be labelled as ‘superfruits’ because they are rich in nutrients, micronutrients, dietary fiber as well as non-nutrient bioactive compounds. Studies have shown that some tropical fruits do actually contribute the improved health and wellbeing. Considerations should be given to tropical fruits such as avocadoes, pineapple, pitaya, mangosteens, guava, passionfruit and banana, so that they can be elevated to the superfruit category.
Similar to other horticultural crops, sustainable production and marketability of superfruits, face challenges, including the increasing costs of farm inputs, availability of good quality planting materials, emergence of new and resilient pest and diseases, food safety regulations, postharvest losses and the effects of climate change. In the clinical and marketing aspect, the challenge lies in identifying the bioactive compounds that are present in tropical and subtropical fruits and providing scientific substantiation of the corresponding health benefits.
Cognizant of the market potential and the increasing demand of tropical ‘superfruits’, TFNet and the Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, with the support of FAO and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), are organizing a symposium on Sustainable Production and Marketing of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, with focus on potential superfruits, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Objectives
1. Discuss consumer demand, marketing, and trade and provide strategies to promote and market tropical and subtropical fruits as potential superfruits
2. Highlight and share experiences on the latest research and development advances in production and postharvest technologies of potential tropical superfruits
3. Deliberate on policies that can enhance research, production, and marketing
Abstracts
Abstract contributions are welcome and should be submitted, by 20 July 2015 , to Mr. Christian Cangao at christian@itfnet.org.
Presenters are requested to submit an abstract of not more than 300 words (Arial font size 11, single spacing). Paper title, authors’ names, addresses and emails should be on top of the page.
Full papers
The text of the full papers should be in Arial font size 11, single spacing and justified. Title of presentation is in Arial font size 14, centrally placed in document with name of Author, affiliations, address and email below the title in Ariel font size 12, also centrally placed.
Presenters are expected to submit their full papers before 31 July 2015.
Symposium themes
1. Genetic resources, Breeding, and Biotechnology
2. Production, postharvest technology and processed products
3. Nutritional Benefits of Potential Tropical Superfruits
4. Marketing and Trade of Tropical Superfruits
Language
The symposium will be conducted in English.
Speakers will be given 20 minutes each to deliver their presentation.
Participation fees
TFNet member : USD 100
Non TFNet member: USD 150
Students : USD 50
Venue
Mount Lavinia Hotel, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka |
