With an astounding 23,998 visitors, InterPom has shattered all previous records. In the last three days, the potato industry has converged to Kortrijk Xpo from all over the world. The potato industry is undoubtedly seeing success despite several obstacles, including climate change, more stringent regulations, rising disease strain, and worries about the quality of the soil and water.

For everyone getting ready for the impending sustainability transition, the theme “Energizing a Potato Industry in Transition” struck a chord. InterPom once again demonstrated its worth as the primary trading platform for the potato sector by providing a wide range of answers and solutions to the present demands of a fully evolving business.

With 330 exhibitors from 15 countries and a record-breaking 23,998 visitors—an 18% increase over the previous edition—InterPom had an incredible year. 8,378 people came on Monday (+20%), 6,150 on Tuesday (+26%), and 9,471 on Sunday (+13%) during the three days. Internationalization was a major theme of the event, as 31.5% of attendees were from 59 different countries.

“Particularly noticeable were the increases from the Netherlands (+14%) and France (+15.6%), while the number of visitors from more distant countries rose impressively by 20%. Visitors from Canada, India, Australia, the United States, Japan, South Africa, and Northern Europe: potato professionals from all continents are finding their way to this unique trade fair in Belgium, the heart of Western Europe’s potato-growing region,” according to a recent press release.

“InterPom has never received so many visitors, and never before has the audience been so diverse and international. This proves that the consistent effort and commitment to a proven concept continue to bear fruit. At the fair and in the press, I was often asked: what is the secret behind InterPom’s success? I usually sum it up in three words: integration, professionalism, and innovation. Integration, because there is no other trade fair in the world that covers every aspect of the potato industry, from the grower to the plate. Professionalism, because the organizing duo, Xpo Group (Kortrijk Xpo) and Belgapom, demonstrate tremendous expertise and organizational flexibility, ensuring the best possible outcome from the fair. And lastly, innovation. We are at the heart of the global potato industry, and this position means that the largest innovations are tested here in practice. We owe it to ourselves to maintain this leadership position. This is why this fair is considered the place to find unique expertise that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This attracts a growing number of international visitors – the key driver of the fair’s growth. For this reason, we are actively attracting new exhibitors who make a difference with their innovative solutions. The potato year 2024, like many others, had its ups and downs, especially with a very difficult start due to the wet spring. But we are ending the year on a positive note with InterPom. This is something that, for the first time, has also caught the attention of the national press here in Belgium. I hope our policymakers have seen that we have gold in our hands with our vibrant potato industry and trade and that they will help us maintain and strengthen this unique position in the future,” Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom, mentioned.

Belgapom focused strongly on knowledge sharing through keynotes and panel discussions. Three crucial topics were addressed: the potato industry in an accelerated transition, how to integrate new technologies into agriculture, and how to manage water as a source of new solutions. These engaging and interactive sessions were recorded and will be available for review starting December 6.