And the importance of face-to-face dialogue was evident from this year's attendance figures: 465 exhibiting companies were represented at the extended exhibition space with 430 booths, which, with the approx. 270 retailers, led to countless discussions about products, listings and innovations. The large, centrally located booth of Iberiana with 16 suppliers who came especially for the event formed the centrepiece of the exhibition space. More than 50 start-ups were also represented on the extended space.
Interesting lectures were held on both trade fair days: Dr. Steffi Burkhart, ambassador of Millennials & Human Capital Evangelist, spoke about the topic of «Generation Y&Z as a driver for new trends in the food industry» and Philip Keil, professional pilot & entrepreneur, spoke about «Decision points: crash or precision landing? The team makes the difference». Udo Lampe, Analytica Alimentaria, introduced the topic «The value of food safety» and Hanna Kehl from GfK provided an insight into the subject «Fact check Corona, war and inflation – Developments and trends in fruit and vegetables from a consumer perspective».
The first day of the trade fair was rounded off with the Markant evening get-together which took place under the motto «Wild West». The Garden Hall (Gartenhalle) at the Karlsruhe Convention Centre was turned into a breathtaking backdrop of a prairie with saloons and cowboys for this event.
There were also all sorts of exciting pitches in the start-up arena to marvel at! A total of 14 start-ups presented their innovative products to Markant retail partners. Ölfreunde (www.dieoelfreunde.de) won the vote for the most outstanding start-up and a report with a product presentation in the ONE Markant magazine (www.markant-magazin.de). The founder of this start-up company is Paul Belthle, the youngest oil miller in Germany, who produces tasty oils and his own mustard with his start-up. In second place is the start-up FLOCKE which relies on natural and high-fibre organic products with minimal processing to ensure the best possible balance of intestinal flora. It won a free trade fair booth at the 123rd Markant trade forum in the spring (www.flockig.com). In third place is the start-up Green Kebab, which offers tasty döner sauces and even döner to «make yourself» and it won a legal and compliance review and assessment including coaching from the team of experts at Markant (www.green-kebab.com).
Fortunately there is not long to wait for the next trade forum! The dates for 2023 have already been confirmed:
- 123rd Markant trade forum, 19/20 April 2023
- 124th Markant trade forum, 6/7 September 2023
Markant would like to thank all suppliers and retailers as well as Markant employees who made the 122nd Markant trade forum into a top event!
