United Fresh LIVE 2020

This year, United Fresh live was an online event, providing the unique opportunity of attendingan international trade fair from the comfort of your living room. The participation of avocado exporters from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzaniato this online trade fair was organised and coordinated by the International Trade Centre under MARKUP in collaboration with ITC She Trades. Trade fairs provide exporters the opportunity to meet new buyers, sign off deals and showcase their products.

Although online activities cannot replace in-person contacts, they do provide a great opportunity to build connections.

The experience of United Fresh 2020 shows that companies well versed with social media were the most successful in getting in touch with potential buyers and other sector representatives. A Rwandan exporter reported that they successfully met new European buyers from France through the virtual trade fair.

A Kenyan company, which met with five new potential buyers from Ukraine and the United States, said: “It was great participating in an online trade fair. This was a game changer, it showed how trade fairs can happen without travelling.”

ITC Programme Officer on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Ms. FrederineDerlot, shared that some companies had already improved their digital presence, which was opening opportunities for them to reach a broader audience.