Italy–IBO Contact Group
A direct channel between Italian operators and the global network of the International Blueberry Organization.
On the occasion of Macfrut, the President of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) will be in Italy for an invitation-only working session with entrepreneurs and operators from the berries supply chain. Objective: to launch an informal contact group that facilitates information exchange, an international perspective, and access to opportunities within the IBO circuit.
Note: this group is not an association. It is a practical, lightweight, and pragmatic operational contact, designed to create an ongoing dialogue with IBO without bureaucracy.
Key details
- When
- 22 April 2026 at 14:00
- Where
- Meeting room at Macfrut (Rimini)
- Duration
- 60 minutes (strict)
- Participants
- 20–30 selected operators + sector open call
- Expected outcome
- List of interested participants + potential operational core (2–3)
Why an Italian Contact Group
Today, Italy does not have a supply-chain representation toward IBO. An informal contact group enables Italian operators to plug into an international circuit that provides context, benchmarking, and opportunities.
- Global perspective: access to scenarios, competitive dynamics, and priorities that are reshaping the sector internationally.
- Information exchange: structured sharing of insights: markets, standards, challenges, and best practices between Italy and the IBO network.
- Relationships and opportunities: connection to IBO events and initiatives: world congress, missions, technical visits, targeted networking.
Meeting format
One hour, “working session” style: a few opening remarks and a moderated roundtable to surface priorities, needs, and operational availability.
Agenda (60 minutes)
- Opening and ground rules (5’) – founding objective, closed-door session, active participation.
- IBO input (15’) – global trends, what matters today, benefits of dialogue with IBO.
- Moderated roundtable (25’) – 1 minute per participant: priorities, expectations, contribution.
- Operational proposal (10’) – Contact Group: scope, first steps, minimum commitment.
- Wrap-up and next steps (5’) – collect interest, timing, follow-up.
The meeting is designed to produce an output: a list of interested participants and a potential operational core (2–3).
Table rules
- Off the record: no external communication, no attributable quotes.
- Not a conference: each invitee is expected to speak and contribute.
- No “association”: informal group, no bureaucratic structure.
- Focus: useful, concrete content oriented to decisions and opportunities.
- Informal recognition: IBO is available to recognize the group as an Italian point of contact.
Benefits for participants
Practical value: context, relationships, access to initiatives. No formal membership—only usefulness.
- Shared priorities: align critical topics: markets, quality, costs, labor, water, regulations, varietal protection, information.
- Strategic orientation: benchmarking effective strategies (premiumization, sustainability, logistics, varietal planning).
- IBO opportunities: facilitated access to IBO events and activities: biennial world congress, missions, technical visits.
How to join
The meeting is invitation-only (direct selection) and will be complemented by a sector open call. Priority will be given to profiles that can actively contribute.
- Express interest
Fill in the form or write to the secretariat stating your role, company, and motivation. - Selection confirmation
You will receive confirmation and a short pre-meeting brief (1 page) to arrive prepared. - Operational follow-up
After the meeting: list of interested participants + a short call to define an operational core (2–3).
Would you like to be involved or suggest a suitable profile? Fill in the form: it helps us understand interest, scope, and willingness to contribute.
FAQ
Is it an association or an official body?
No. It is an informal contact group between Italian operators and IBO, with no bureaucratic structure.
Is it a public event or a conference?
No. It is a closed-door working session, with active participation and brief interventions.
Will there be external communication?
No. Off the record: no attributable quotes, no press release, no mandatory photos.
What is the minimum output?
A list of interested participants and, if willingness emerges, an operational core (2–3) to continue.
