The 13th International Trade Fair for Food and Agriculture, AgroBalt 2004, is held at the Lithuanian Exhibition Centre Litexpo on 6-9 May 2004
On 6-9 May 2004 the 13th International Trade Fair for Food and Agriculture, AgroBalt '2004, is held at the Lithuanian Exhibition Centre LITEXPO venue. For this time, AgroBalt '2004 is the first exhibition held after Lithuania's accession in the enlarged EU and, according to AgroBalt commercial manager Mrs Rita Hepfner, its motto is "Trade Without borders". The organizers are well aware of the fact that the enlargement of the EU market also brings new challenges. In practical terms, some 500 companies from 15 countries, including nearby Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast are exhibiting their products in five pavillions as well as in the open air (or some 11 thousand sq m).
During its extensive history, which dates back to 1992, the AgroBalt 2004 Exhibition has undergone a few stages. Launched as the display of agricultural and food products of Western Europe, it later became a mirror reflecting the fast technological development of the Baltic states, and now it turns into an arena of harsh competition prevailing in the huge market of the EU and neighbouring countries. The survival in this arena will depend on the consumer’s taste and technologies catering for this taste.
As in the previous years, the successive agricultural products were awarded AgroBalt medals. Still, this year the contest was open not only to the Baltic producers - but to all companies. The gold medals went to Latvia's Rigas piensaimnieks dairy plant, Lithuania's Vilniaus mesa, Daivida and Arvi kalakutai meat plants, Kepejele, Balta naktis and Lasu duona bakeries, Italiana Int'l and Lietuviskas midus distillers, Ruta confectionery as well as to the Belarussian Gomel state liquor plant. Also several Lithuanian, Latvian and Belarussian agricultural products were awarded with AgroBalt diplomas.
With regard to the said trends, AgroBalt '2004 aims at two target audiences: one of the professionals and the other of the consumers. Therefore, the AgroBalt conditionally could be said to have two sections: “AgroBalt '2004 Exhibition for Professionals” (or “Fair of Technologies”) and “AgroBalt '2004 Exhibition for Consumers” (or “Fair for Consumers”). “AgroBalt '2004 Exhibition for Professionals” (or “Fair of Technologies”) includes the display of equipment, technologies and materials for the industries of agriculture, food and beverages, and packing. The hottest novelties will be highlighted in this section. Concurrently, numerous specialized seminars and conferences are held there. This section of AgroBalt '2004 in Hall # 5 may be visited by professional technologists and common visitors alike.
The goal of “AgroBalt '2004 Exhibition for Consumers” (or “Fair for Consumers”) is to introduce the market novelties to the consumers and to identify their needs. This section also includes the industries of agriculture, food and beverages, however, is going to be oriented towards ordinary farmers and regular shoppers. Special attention is given to alternative activities in agriculture, natural and ecological products. The exhibitors of this section may seek both momentary and long-term commercial benefit as most of the companies sell their products there.
The program for the general public includes presentations of products, food and drinks tasting, seminars on topical issues for consumers, funfairs for children and other entertainments. Opening hours of the fair: May 6-8 (Thursday-Saturday) 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; May 9 (Sunday) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.