By MARIA KOUZOUFI
A dynamic return after four years is made from February 2 to 5 at the International Exhibition Center of Thessaloniki Zootechnia exhibitionthe great “rendezvous” of livestock and poultry products.
In the context of 12her Zootechnia, which is launching its exhibition program TEF-Helexpo for 2023, all modern technological innovations, machines, services and also important species of productive animals will be presented. In parallel events, the Pet Festival (February 3-5) with exhibitions of dog and cat morphology and special sections for aquariums and birds as well as the Horse Show, with more than 50 horses from all over Greece and a track where demonstrations and skill performances.
A platform will also be developed for conducting B2B and B2C meetings, while the Panhellenic Conference on meat and its derivatives and the event on egg-producing hen farming and the Greek egg will be organized.
As pointed out during today’s press conference for the presentation of the exhibition which is one of the largest in the primary sector in SE Europe and the only specialized organization in the field of productive animals in Greece and the Balkans, the exhibitions in this year’s organization which are 837 ( 307 direct from 13 countries and 530 indirect from 38 countries). 309 foreign trade visitors from 7 countries will participate, individual Hosted buyers, while there will also be group visits from Albania, Bulgaria and North Macedonia and with a business mission from Egypt. The Greek exhibitors come from all over the territory, while the exhibition occupies almost the entire exhibition space, a total of 14,115 sq.m. indoor and outdoor facilities.
Pet festival
The Pet Festival will take place in Pavilions 5 and 6 and will start one day after the exhibition, i.e. from 3 to 5 February 2023.
In particular, at Pavilion 5, from Friday to Sunday, the cities will have the opportunity to attend the 3rd exhibition of dog morphology organized by the Canine Club of Thessaloniki. They will also encounter the special sections for aquariums, terrariums and birds while learning and asking questions in the “Knowledge Auditorium” section about the training, nutrition and health of companion animals.
At Pavilion 6, which will be open on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February 2023, visitors will be able to watch the double exhibition of cat morphology, one of the few times it was held in Thessaloniki. The exhibitions are organized by the Hellenic Feline Federation.
In all areas of the Pet Festival, they will meet professionals who will recommend the most modern services and the best quality products. They will be informed about smart and educational accessories, care and grooming services, dog and cat hotels, and many others (See the program in detail HERE).
Horse salon
Zootechnia 2023 is hosting for the 8th consecutive year the now established “HORSE SHOW” (Pavilion 17) which is the great meeting of horse lovers and industry professionals from Greece and the wider Balkan region.
Organizations and private individuals participate with more than 50 horses from all over Greece, where on a 20×50 m shaped track, they will present skill shows, chariot races and various other events.
At the same time, Equestrian Clubs from various regions of the country will participate in landscaped areas around the track. Besides, the derived animals found in Stand 3 of the exhibition.
Important exhibitions are coming in the next period
Zootechnia will be the first series of important organizations that refer to the primary sector, followed by the exhibition Detrop –Oenos (18-20/2), Agrothessaly held in Larissa (2-5/3) and Frescon (23-25/ 4), with the management of TIF-Helexpo underlining once again the emphasis it places on supporting agricultural production and domestic agri-food products. He spoke of a real “orgasm” of exhibitions in the next period at the international exhibition center the president of TIF-Helexpo, Mr. Tasos Tzikas. “We are entering a period that will be quite similar to the period before 2020”, said the deputy general director of TIF-Helexpo, Mr. Alexis Tsaksirlis, while pointing out the positive sign that the exhibition events of the second semester had 2022.
He presented the individual data of Zootechnia the managing director Mr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis noting that in addition to machinery, it also presents technology and innovation while he said that it also has strong elements of internationalization. All the modern global aspects of the industry will be presented, as the responsible organization of Zootechnia, Mr. Vassilis Spyrou, said for his part.
He also gave the “present” at the press conference the deputy mayor of the municipality of Larissa, Mr. Panagiotis Dais who emphasized that the next stop of the agricultural world is in Larissa, in the heart of the Thessalian plain for Agrothessaly.
Decline in machine sales pending Improvement Plans
In the meantime, awaiting the Improvement Plans under Measure 4.1.5 that will return to farmers to make machinery purchases, is the relevant industry, which in 2022 saw sales that marked a significant decrease.
The president of the Association of Importers of Machinery Dealers (SEAM) pointed out Mr. The president of the Association Savvas Balouktsis pointed out, in 2022 there was a decrease of about 40% in machine sales, while in 2020-2021 there was a noticeable increase, as at the moment the market shows a waiting attitude for new Improvement Plans. He expressed the hope that their announcement will soon be made and the justification will begin. “We want to participate in the Agrothessaly exhibition by having some participating farmers-breeders who will have already submitted their applications,” he said characteristically. He spoke of long delays in general, noting that the process is currently in the consultation phase.
From his side and the president of the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association (EKAGEM), Mr. Panagiotis Fotiadis, noted that last year was a difficult year. As he said, due to energy prices, the prices of almost all machinery and animal feed have gone up. He estimated that the decrease in sales was in the order of 40-50%.
Discussion with Israel to be the Honored Country at this year’s TIF
In the context of today’s press conference, the president of TIF-Helexpo, Mr. Tasos Tzikas, also revealed that the exhibition organization is awaiting Israel’s response in order to be the Honored country at the upcoming TIF in September, while at the same time there is also a discussion with the Egypt in order not to be punished in any of the following years.
He himself, when asked about new exhibition events that TIF-Helexpo is launching, said that the goal is to put new exhibitions on the “map” and referred to the new exhibition and conference initiative on the topic of the circular economy that will take place from March 31-April 2 2023 at the International Exhibition Center of Thessaloniki. Honored country that is Bulgaria and in fact, as he said, the opening of the exhibition will probably be held by the president of Bulgaria.
Also, Mr. Tzikas pointed out that the exhibition organization that participates in the MWC exhibition in Barcelona (27/2-2/3), characterizes the exhibition as a “foreground” for its own organization, Beyond, which this year will take place in May .
useful
Zootechnia exhibition hours
Thursday, Friday & Sunday 10:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 10.00-20.00
Entrance ticket: 6 euros