The world’s leading trade fair for organic foods and cosmetics managed to please almost all of its 3,238 exhibitors, with 91% reporting having formed new business relationships

◊ By Benefit Publishing Bureau; Photos by NürnbergMesse

The exhibitors at BIOFACH & VIVANESS 2018 were extremely happy with the response they received over the four-day event, which was hosted in Nuremberg, Germany, from February 14 to 17 February 2018. According to a survey undertaken by an independent institution, 87% of the exhibitors rated the result of their participation in the fair as positive overall. 92% praised the quality of visitors to their stands, and 91% succeeded in reaching their target groups.

BIOFACH & VIVANESS 2018 brought together the international community for organic food and natural cosmetics to the tune of 3,238 exhibitors hailing from 93 countries—clocking in 50,200 visitors from 134 countries

For 91% of all exhibitors, conversations led to new business relationships. Correspondingly, 83% expect post-show business from the contacts made and initiated during the event. Based on the response received, 87% of exhibitors intend to participate again in the future. Of the visitors, 97% were happy with the products and services being offered, and intend to visit BIOFACH again in the future. Thus, BIOFACH reiterated its role as a key driver for the global organic sector once more in 2018.

The two-pronged exhibition (BIOFACH & VIVANESS) brought together the international community for organic food and natural cosmetics to the tune of 3,238 exhibitors hailing from 93 countries, including 276 at VIVANESS—clocking in 50,200 visitors* from 134 countries across the four-day duration of the mega event.

ORGANIC SECTOR DISPLAYS COMMITMENT

This year, two new halls, with the themes, ‘Next Generation’ and ‘Organic Right from the Start’, the new special show on organic breeding, provided inspiration to visitors.

Approximately 9,000 delegates participated in the more than 150 individual sessions at the BIOFACH and VIVANESS congress. The highlights included lectures on ‘Generation Y & Z: Starting Up Organic’ and ‘Access by the Organic Sector to the Young Adult Target Market’ with youth researcher, Simon Schnetzer.

The national honorary sponsor of BIOFACH, BÖLW (German Federation of the Organic Food Industry), summed up the event in positive terms. Dr Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein, chairman, BÖLW, said, “The positive atmosphere at BIOFACH 2018 was palpable. Not only was the exhibition stimulated by the gratifying financial results, but the positive mood in the organic sector is also linked to the fact that ‘Organic’ is becoming more accepted in society.

Many prominent policy makers at a national and state level at BIOFACH were impressed once again this year by the international organic market, the extent of its variety, its professionalism and the committed players from Germany and worldwide.”

Revenue from the organic market in Germany last year reached EUR 10 bn, and one in every 10 German farms now operates organically, according to the Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft (BÖLW). According to IFOAM – Organics International, international revenue in 2016 totalled almost US$ 90 bn.

ORGANIC: THE NEXT GENERATION

Under the theme ‘Next Generation’, the sector players—regardless of age, background or market segment—discussed strategies, agenda and specific projects for the future of organics at this year’s BIOFACH.

Almost 800 audience members and contributors gathered for the 13 individual sessions on the theme. The agenda included a wide range of topics, from the political programme of the new generation to handing over the baton, company succession, and trends in the world of startups.

ORGANIC FROM THE START

The special show, ‘Organic Right from the Start’, dealt with the question of organic breeding of plants and animals. This event marked a successful premiere at BIOFACH 2018. The location for the communication forum provided the contact point for farmers, breeders and processors, as well as, trade buyers.

For 91% of all exhibitors, conversations led to new business relationships and 83% expect post-show business from contacts made during the event

Markus Johann, Managing Director, bioverita, the show’s content partner, is convinced that people will now start to view and appreciate organic breeding as being more sustainable. “Working together with the participating breeding initiatives, we succeeded in sending out a truly convincing signal and are very happy with the first edition of this special show. Overall, it was extremely positive and we made many good contacts,” said Johann.

The next edition of BIOFACH and VIVANESS will take place from 13 to 16, February 2019

 BEST NEW PRODUCTS AWARDS

Prizeworthy organic foodstuffs and natural and organic cosmetics were on show in 10 exhibition halls. Trade visitors voted for the ‘Best New Product Awards’ from among roughly 900 products registered at the two Novelty Stands.

The winners of the ‘Best New Product Awards’ for BIOFACH 2018 include Käserebellen for its Bio Sommer Rebell cheese product; Schrozberger Milchbauern, for their cappuccino ice cream; Georg Thalhammer – Gesundes von Feld and Wald, for its pumpkin seed pesto; Brix Food – Max’s Organic Mints, for Max’s Organic Mints; GUTDING, with Bro for its cashew pâté with olives; Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company for their drink, Blau; and ajaa! for its sustainable bowls, which are made of raw materials.

In addition to the BIOFACH and VIVANESS Best New Product Awards, the ‘Olive Oil Award’ and the international organic wine prize, MUNDUS VINI BIOFACH, were also presented again this year, along with the research prize for the organic foods sector at the special show, ‘Generation Future’.

The next edition of BIOFACH and VIVANESS will take place from 13 to 16, February 2019.

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* Statistics regarding visitors, exhibitors and area for these exhibitions have been certified in accordance with the standard definitions formulated by the FKM, the Society of Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics, Germany.