Due to the current developments in regard to the coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) in the Netherlands and the associated lack of official approval from Dutch authorities to hold the event, PotatoEurope 2021, scheduled for September 1-2 in Lelystad, Flavorland, has been cancelled. Planned as a largely outdoor activity on 25 hectares in the heart of one of country’s most important potato production areas, the exhibition was also to have featured five indoor pavilions.
The decision to not go forward with the B2B trade show, which takes place in the Netherlands every four years, was made following discussions between the organizer, DLG Benelux, and exhibitors. More than 16,000 visitors from 15 countries were expected to attend the event, which was to feature 275 exhibitors with equipment and services supporting the potato business from harvesting to processing.
“We very much regret that it cannot take place as planned, despite thorough professional preparation as well as strong support on the part of the industry. In view of the ongoing uncertainty in the Netherlands surrounding the overall situation of the pandemic and the resulting lack of official approval, the required conditions for holding PotatoEurope 2021 have, unfortunately, not been met,” said Kuno Jacobs, managing director of DLG Benelux.
He added: “in June, several positive signals indicated that the situation in the Netherlands seemed to be progressing well, which resulted in the lifting of various restrictions associated with the pandemic. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as hoped.”
The next edition of PotatoEurope is slated for September 7-8, 2022 in Bockerode, Germany. For more information, contact the organizer by telephone (+31 85 401 73 97) or via e-mail (info@dlg-benelux.com).
