A sizable contingent of those working in the potato industry spent the last few days at this Interpom event, which broke all previous attendance records. Despite the numerous difficulties the sector is currently facing, the mood was fairly upbeat.

Nitrogen, crop protection, nitrogen policy, and nature restoration. All of these subjects were thoroughly covered throughout the fair’s aisles. However, the better contractual relationship between processors and producers helped to some extent allay future worries.

This demonstrates emphatically how the industry manages to hold together in trying circumstances and sends out a clear message that the potato business, the genuine flagship of the Flemish agri-food industry, has no intention of renouncing its distinctive position.

With 323 exhibitors from 15 different nations, the fair was completely packed from the exhibitor’s perspective. The highly topical theme of “Towards Healthy Growth” helped Interpom set a record for attendance, drawing 20,254 people (8,356 on Sunday, 7,007 on Monday – a hectic day – and 4,891 on Tuesday). After the special edition of last year, which took place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Interpom was once more able to host a large number of foreign visitors: 31.8% of all attendees were from abroad (54 countries), with the Netherlands and France recording exceptionally high attendance levels (15.5% and 12.4%, respectively).

“Once again, the unique concept of Interpom, where all the links in the potato chain are represented under one roof, was able to provide real added value. The innovative character of the trade fair also seems to gain importance with each new edition. The agricultural sector in general and potato cultivation, in particular, are currently facing a major shift toward sustainability. And in this context, Interpom is fulfilling its role as a business platform for the sector by offering many solutions and answers to this evolution,” according to a recent press release.

Interpom has again returned to its regular biennial schedule after two consecutive editions, with the event taking place around the end of November in even years. The tournament will be held in Kortrijk Xpo on November 24, 25, and 26 in 2024.