Cartagena to host the VI ISHS International Conference on Fresh-Cut and Minimally Processed Produce in 2027

The VI International Conference on Fresh-Cut and Minimally Processed Produce will take place in Cartagena, Spain, from 8 to 11 March 2027 under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). Three years after the previous edition, the event will once again bring together researchers, industry specialists and professionals to examine scientific advances and technological innovation in the fresh-cut and minimally processed sector.

Positioned at the intersection of postharvest science and industrial application, the conference will address the structural challenges facing the sector, including shelf-life extension, food safety, sustainability and the accelerating digital transformation of processing operations.

Quality, safety and digitalisation at the core of the programme

The scientific agenda will place strong emphasis on the physiological responses of fresh-cut products, preharvest factors affecting quality and predictive modelling approaches for shelf-life management. Real-time microbial risk detection through IoT-based monitoring systems and AI-driven analytics will feature prominently, reflecting the growing role of data-driven decision-making in postharvest operations.

Innovation in equipment and non-thermal preservation technologies will also be addressed, alongside alternative sanitation strategies and developments in active and intelligent packaging. Biodegradable films, freshness indicators and nanotechnology-based controlled release systems illustrate the direction in which the sector is evolving to meet both regulatory expectations and consumer demands.

Sustainability will be another central theme. The programme includes discussions on circular economy approaches, by-product valorisation, reduction of environmental impact and Life Cycle Assessment methodologies. Climate resilience and adaptation to water scarcity will also be explored, recognising the increasing pressure on horticultural production systems in Mediterranean and other vulnerable regions.

Cartagena: a strategic setting for the fresh-cut industry

The choice of Cartagena as host city underlines the applied dimension of the conference. Located within the Campo de Cartagena, one of Spain’s most productive horticultural areas, the region plays a significant role in the production and processing of leafy vegetables, baby leaves and other fresh-cut products destined for European and global markets. This setting offers a relevant backdrop for dialogue between academia and industry.

The symposium will be held at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) and will feature keynote lectures from internationally recognised experts, scientific sessions, poster presentations and technical visits. Accepted contributions will be published in Acta Horticulturae, reinforcing the scientific scope of the meeting.

Abstract submission will open on 1 March 2026 and close on 10 November 2026, with notification of acceptance scheduled for 20 November. The deadline for full-text submission will be 19 March 2027.

The organising committee is chaired by Dr. Francisco Artés-Hernández and Dr. Ginés Benito Martínez-Hernández. Updated information regarding registration, scientific submissions and sponsorship opportunities is available on the official conference website.