2023 Summit
On July 3-6, 2023, the global blueberry community will come together in Lublin, Poland, for the International Blueberry Organization Summit, the world’s top blueberry industry event.
This will be the first opportunity in four years to meet in person and explore what lies ahead for the global blueberry industry, as the last IBO Summit in Peru had to be on-line due to the pandemic.
PROGRAM
Two conference days will provide a broad range of forward-thinking sessions, panels and presentations dealing with every aspect of the blueberry industry, including genetics, production technology, sustainability, transport and logistics, consumer behavior, health research and more.
A panel involving key players from the largest blueberry production and distribution companies will discuss what the future holds for the industry. As highlighted by the Summit’s motto, “Making blueberries the world’s favorite superfruit”, the best marketing practices from around the world will be the focus of a special session on promotion.
SPECIAL GUEST: UKRAINE
Following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the IBO will also be expressing solidarity for the Ukrainian blueberry industry by way of showcasing the country during the Summit.
LOCATION
Lublin, a scenic city in south-eastern Poland with over 700 years of history, is situated at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. It is also the capital of Poland’s leading berry-growing region, which boasts a unique climate, with the highest number of sunny days per year in the country, making it a perfect place for soft fruit production.
Agenda
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
- IBO 2023 Report presentation and discussion
- The impact of disruptive growth regions – IBO country members panel
- Polish Blueberry industry
- Ukrainian Blueberry industry
- Turkey - a new player on the blueberry market
- Genetics
- Growing technology
- A review of innovation in machine harvesters and packhouse technology
- Post-harvest
- Transportation and logistics
The first conference day will be followed by Gala Dinner.
Farm tours
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Delegates will have a choice of 3 farm tours (subject to availability and including lunch) departing from Lublin on July 5th:
Ochoża Blueberry Farm
One of the biggest fully certified organic blueberry plantations in the world, and the largest one in Europe. The planted area is currently 110 ha, 30 ha of which is under tunnels.
The farm is located 1.5 hours by bus from venue. Upon return to Lublin, there will be a sightseeing tour of the Lublin Old Town with craft beer tasting.
more info: http://polanafruit.pl/en/ochoza-en/
Blueberry Factory in Karczmiska
A test soft fruit farm run by Pawel Krawiec, PhD. The 4-ha blueberry part of the farm contains test plots with a number of new northern highbush varieties in various production systems.
The farm is located 1 hour by bus from venue. Delegates travelling to this farm will have the opportunity to visit the scenic Renaissance town of Kazimierz Dolny.
Polskie Jagody
A Producers Organization seated in Olchowiec. The blueberry fields total 130 ha, partly under tunnels. The state-of-the-art packhouse is equipped with optical sorting.
Polskie Jagody is 2 hours by bus from venue. On the way back, we will have lunch in the beautiful town of Zamość, a UNESCO heritage site.
more info: https://www.polskiejagody.pl/en/
Optional farm tour departing on July 6th from Warsaw:
Wilczewscy Blueberry Farm
The largest blueberry farm in Europe. Out of the 600 ha of blueberries, 270 ha are grown under tunnels or rain sheds.
The farm is located 3 hours by bus from Warsaw. Return is scheduled around 6 p.m.
more info: https://blueberry.pl/en/
About IBO
The IBO is a global organization bringing together leaders from around the blueberry world in all segments of the industry, including blueberry producers and marketers, affiliated business, social groups, and governmental organizations worldwide.
We come together to learn, share, increase understanding, distribute information, address mutual challenges, coordinate potential solutions and explore opportunities. Ultimately, the organization exists to advance the health and sustainability of the blueberry industry.
Sponsors & Partners
Become a sponsor
Be a part of the top event of the global blueberry industry. Connect with blueberry growers and distributors from 6 continents. Bring your brand to the attention of senior executives in the blueberry business.
The 2 previous Summits attracted between 400+ (Vancouver) and 600+ (Peru, virtual Summit) participants coming from over 20 top blueberry producing countries.
Please send e-mail at: sponsors@ibosummit2023.com and our sponsorship team will assist you in finding the right package for your needs.
Honorary Partners
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Partners
Media Partners
Venue & Hotels
CENTRUM SPOTKANIA KULTUR W LUBLINIE
plac Teatralny 1
20-029 Lublin, Poland
HOW TO GET THERE:
The nearest airports are the Lublin Świdnik airport (LUZ) – served mostly by budget airlines and Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) with worldwide connections.
Transfers from (on July 2nd) and to the Warsaw airport (on July 5th and 6th) will be provided subject to sharing your flight number before the event.
Duration of transfer: approx. 2 hours.
Hotels
Accommodation of IBO SUMMIT 2023 delegates is NOT included in the cost of participation.
Bookings and payments for accommodation must be made on your own.
Below we present a few selected, recommended hotels which have prepared special offers.
