While the Belgian government recently announced the imposition of reinforced Covid-19 measures to counter the latest spike in coronavirus pandemic cases (SARS-CoV-2), trade fairs held in safe environments are not being curtailed. Hence the November 28-30 Interpom 2021 show will proceed as scheduled at the Kortrijk Xpo, with a number of extra protections in place along with the deployment of a Covid-safe ticket system.
“The government has decided to keep all sectors operational with the aim of revitalizing the economy and promoting business activities as much as possible. Trade fairs obviously act as a catalyst in this respect and can be organized safely thanks to tightened measures,” according to a statement released by the organizer.
Promoted as the “most specialized indoor trade fair for the potato sector in Europe,” Interpom attracts multiple segments of the industry – from the growing and processing segment to transport and marketing channels. The last edition of the semi-annual event attracted 326 exhibitors from 15 countries and 19,508 visitors from Europe and beyond.
Packers of frozen french fries and other value-added potato products slated to exhibit in the West Flanders venue Sunday through Tuesday are Agristo, Aviko, Clarebout, Lamb-Weston, McCain and Mydibel. Among equipment manufacturers who will show machinery and systems are BluePrint Automation, FAM Stumabo, Key Technology, Kiremko, Tomra, Tummers and Urschel.
Kiremko Will Not Attend
Montfoort, Netherlands-headquartered Kiremko had been scheduled to exhibit at the fair, but canceled on November 24 and issued the following statement:
“Due to the current situation that is unfolding in the Netherlands, Belgium and the rest of the world, we have taken the decision to limit the travel movements and contact situations of our employees as much as possible. We do this with the safety of you and our employees in mind.
“What we cannot tell you physically, we are happy to tell you digitally. Our team is ready to tell you everything about our new fryer, the Corda Invicta (pictured below), a unique example of innovation suitable for frying all kinds of potato products.”
Kortrijk Xpo Maximizes Hygiene Measures
The health of visitors, exhibitors and staff is of paramount importance to Kortrijk Xpo. As such the focus will be on maximizing hygiene measures to ensure a safe place to conduct business. Steps taken in this regard include:
•Sufficient sanitation facilities on the premises
•Continuous ventilation in the spacious exhibition buildings, combined with CO2 meters
•Regular disinfection of sanitary facilities
Visitors and exhibitors are asked to observe the following health and safety guidelines:
•Submit to a Covid-safe Ticket / EU Digital Covid Certificate and ID check at the entrance
•Wear face masks at all times when walking around
•Masks may be removed only when eating and drinking while seated at fixed stand locations.
•Regularly sanitize hands
More information about the show is available by contacting the Belgapom trade association at www.interpom.be.
