Career
Since its launch in 2017, the International Berry Congress has established itself as the leading annual event for the sector in the province. Created with the aim of providing a space for networking, analysis and reflection for a rapidly growing industry, the Congress has evolved over its last ten editions to become an essential forum at both national and international level.
Since its inception, the venue for this professional event has been Casa Colón, an iconic location that has witnessed the growth and consolidation of the event. Furthermore, the Congress has enjoyed the steadfast support of the Caja Rural del Sur Foundation from the outset, as well as that of the main public institutions: Huelva City Council, Huelva Provincial Council and the Regional Government of Andalusia through its Department of Agriculture.
Over the years, the event has successfully combined a large exhibition area with commercial stands (where leading companies showcase innovations, products, services and specialised machinery) with a comprehensive programme of technical and scientific content. This balance has enabled the event to cater to both agricultural and commercial interests, whilst also fostering networking and the creation of business opportunities.
The conference is organised across various concurrent sessions hosting lectures, panel discussions, presentations and debates, addressing the sector’s key challenges and trends.
Over the years, it has undergone a clear evolution towards the professionalisation of all its organisational areas, whilst driving the progressive internationalisation of its scientific panel, incorporating experts and leading voices from different countries. Thanks to this dynamic and specialised format, the event has experienced steady growth, reaching record figures in recent editions with over 1,700 participants.
The event has also featured prominent, top-level speakers from diverse fields such as nutrition, economics and business analysis. These include figures such as Carlos Ríos, Pablo Ojeda, José María O’Kean, Emilio Duró, Marc Vidal, Manuel Pimentel and Toni Nadal, amongst others.
The Congress also brings together the highest-level institutional representatives, who, from various levels of government, support and engage with the reality of a thriving sector such as Huelva’s soft fruit industry, reinforcing its strategic importance in economic and social terms.
Similarly, in recent years the Congress has hosted the presentation of the Golden Strawberry, the Association’s highest honour awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the sector. As a special feature, the 10th edition also introduced the Strawberry Awards, extending this recognition to particularly significant initiatives and careers.
After a decade of existence, the International Berry Congress has not only accompanied the sector’s evolution but has also become one of its main drivers of knowledge, innovation and future vision.
