Asia Fruit Logistica announces industry leaders to speak at AFL Southeast Asia Meet Up

Asia Fruit Logistica has announced the first round of speakers for its Southeast Asia Meet Up, taking place between 18 and 19 May 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

The conference and networking event brings together senior decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and beyond for an information-packed day of talks and discussions on the region’s dynamic fresh produce markets.  

The high-quality program curated by Knowledge Partner Asiafruit Magazine opens with a deep-dive into Southeast Asia’s shifting consumer landscape.

Meet Asia Fruit Logistica SE Asia keynote speakers

Carlo Magni, Global Consumer Insights Director at Forward Insight & Strategy, sets the scene with expert analysis of consumer drivers and attitudes across key markets. He’ll explain how innovation and branding can drive growth. A panel of senior retail executives and leading suppliers will then discuss the key shopper trends, market opportunities, and category strategies.

Speakers include Gunn Vitidphapatumrong, Commercial Associate Director for Imported Fruits and Vegetables at Thai food retail giant CP AXTRA; Sam White, Thailand Country Manager at T&G South East Asia; and Jose Vottero, Managing Director of Fresh Fruit-X.

While China continues to blaze a trail in digital marketing, online channels are rapidly gaining momentum across Southeast Asia. 

So how can fresh produce marketers harness digital tools to build their brands? Ryan Molloy, CEO of Redfern Digital, provides a strategic overview of the digital and retail landscape for fresh produce in the region, highlighting the key growth opportunities driven by changing consumer behavior and the rise of e-commerce and social commerce. 

“I’m excited to bring a practical, market-best-practice perspective on how fresh produce brands can win in the increasingly competitive and digital-first markets across Southeast Asia,” said Molloy.

The program also looks at how Latin American suppliers are stepping up their efforts to expand into Southeast Asian markets. Powerhouse exporting countries such as Chile and Peru are pushing to diversify their presence beyond China, aided by faster shipping times and strategic logistics investments. 

Erick Aponte, Trade Commissioner/Director of the Peruvian Trade Commission (PromPerú) for ASEAN, and Gonzalo Matamala Ortiz, General Manager of Asia for major Americas supplier Frutura, discuss the latest developments—and they explain how the shift in trade flows could reshape the region’s import markets.

Other sessions on the program at the SE ASIA Meet Up explore Asia’s tropical fruit boom and Southeast Asia’s emergence as a new frontier for the global berry industry. 

The Asia Fruit Logistica SE ASIA Meet Up combines a compact conference program with extended networking breaks and a business lunch, ensuring meaningful opportunities for connection and deal-making.

With places limited to maintain a high-quality networking environment, early registration is recommended.

Networking and special activities

The Asia Fruit Logistica SE ASIA Meet Up offers plenty of opportunities for attendees to connect with industry peers. 

Ahead of the conference, the Asia Fruit Logistica Fresh Produce Golf Cup 2026 on May 17 provides a relaxed setting for senior leaders to network.

A standout feature of the Meet Up program, the industry Study Tour on May 19, offers delegates an immersive, first-hand perspective on Thailand's fresh produce supply chain. Confirmed visits include Talaad Thai, Southeast Asia’s largest wholesale market; Makro, a leader in the cash & carry channel; and leading retail chains Tops and Lotus's. 

This carefully curated tour provides a comprehensive view of the fresh produce journey, from wholesale distribution to retail shelves, delivering practical operational insights and valuable market intelligence.

To secure your place at the Asia Fruit Logistica SE ASIA Meet Up 2026, visit the official website and register today.

*All images courtesy of Asia Fruit Logistica

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