Our First International Trade Fair Experience with GERGA
As GERGA, we have completed a very exciting milestone. During our first international trade fair experience, we had the opportunity to introduce our brand and products to visitors from different countries while also sharing the knowledge and experience we have built around figs over the years.
When preparing for the fair, our goal was not only to showcase our products. We also wanted to reflect the way GERGA approaches figs: from seedlings to fruit, from different varieties to processed products, we see the fig as a whole.
The Diversity of Figs Beyond What Is Commonly Known
At our stand, we presented many fresh fig varieties with different characteristics, colors and flavor profiles. Alongside traditional dried figs, we also introduced dried examples of black fig varieties such as Fethiye Kaya and Divrik Kara.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the fair was the strong interest shown in different fig varieties.
Only a few varieties, such as Bursa Siyahı and Sarılop, are widely known in the market. For this reason, many visitors were surprised to see such a wide range of fig varieties together. During our conversations, we discussed not only their appearance, but also the differences in taste, growing characteristics and potential uses.
This interest was especially valuable to us because at GERGA, we consider preserving fig diversity, introducing lesser-known varieties and researching new areas of use to be an important part of our work.
From Seedlings to Processed Products
The diversity at our stand was not limited to fresh and dried figs.
Different fig seedlings, fig seeds, fig seed oil and fig seed cookies were displayed alongside processed products. We also introduced Purfigo's fig bar and gave visitors the opportunity to experience three upcoming GERGA products: Sweet Chili Fig Marmalade, Fig Balsamic Sauce and Chunky Fig Marmalade.
The fig seed cookies and Sweet Chili Fig Marmalade received particularly positive feedback from visitors. Our Sweet Chili Fig Marmalade was even used during the pizza competition held at the fair.
For many visitors, however, the most surprising aspect was not one particular product, but the fact that GERGA works across so many different areas of the fig sector. From seedlings and fresh fruit to dried figs, fig seeds and processed products, this structure reflects one of the main ideas behind GERGA:
The potential of figs is much greater than what we know today.
New Connections, New Ideas
Throughout the fair, we had the opportunity to meet visitors and industry professionals from different countries.
In addition to new export opportunities, we discussed private label production, product development and various potential collaborations. Being able to introduce GERGA directly to international visitors, offer product tastings and exchange ideas was one of the most valuable aspects of the fair for us.
It was also highly educational to receive direct feedback from the market, understand which products attracted the most attention and listen to the expectations of different markets.
Continuing Our Research
The fair once again showed us that there is still a great deal to explore, develop and create within the world of figs.
The positive feedback we received on our products gave us even more motivation to continue developing new uses for figs.
We believe that one of GERGA's strongest qualities is its research and development approach. We will continue learning about different fig varieties, studying every stage from cultivation to the final product, and developing new products around the fig.
Our first international trade fair was a proud, exciting and highly educational experience for us.
We are now even more excited about new collaborations, new markets and the new products we will continue to develop.
Because for us, the fig is much more than just a fruit.
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