FRUIT LOGISTICA will introduce a new Innovation Zone at its 2027 edition, bringing several of the trade show’s existing innovation formats together in Hall 3.2 at the Berlin exhibition grounds.

The event, scheduled for February 3-5, 2027, will use the new area to showcase products, services and technologies at different stages of commercial development, ranging from recent market launches to solutions that have already demonstrated their value in commercial use.

The Innovation Zone will combine the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA), the newly expanded FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Showcases (FLIS) and a dedicated Innovation Stage.

Under the new format, FLIA will remain focused on recent developments. Eligible innovations must have been on the market for no more than 12 months by the time of the 2027 exhibition. The award covers both fresh produce and technology, with the latter category including technical processes, services and systems for the industry.

The Innovation Showcases, meanwhile, will feature solutions that have been commercially available for between one and three years. They replace and expand the event’s previous New Product Showcases, giving exhibitors a platform for technologies and products that have progressed beyond their initial market launch.

The Innovation Stage will host presentations from FLIA nominees and FLIS participants alongside discussions covering subjects including technology, automation, sustainability and future industry trends.

“Innovations have always been a central part of FRUIT LOGISTICA. With the new Innovation Zone, we are bringing them together in one place for the first time,” said Christina Freier, project director for FRUIT LOGISTICA.

“This creates a central platform where innovative companies can present their developments to an international audience of industry professionals, establish valuable contacts, and increase their visibility in the market in a sustainable way.”

Applications for the 2027 FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award are currently open, with the new Innovation Zone making its debut when the trade show returns to Berlin in February.