The Foodservice Special is established
Following its successful debut last year, the Foodservice Special was once again integrated into the spring edition of the Markant Trade Forum. 80 additional retail representatives from GV Food Union and 44 exhibitors demonstrated continued strong interest in this key theme.
Trade Forum INSIGHTS: crises, perspectives and opportunities
Traditionally, the first day of the trade forum begins with inspiring presentations at the Trade Forum INSIGHTS. Three fascinating specialist talks provided a wide range of insights into current topics.
Under the title «Germany 2026 – Perspectives of a Country in Transition», RTL’s Head of Politics Nikolaus Blome delivered a perceptive analysis of the current and future development of the Federal Republic.
In «Beyond Resilience: Why Antifragility is Becoming a Success Factor», entrepreneur and speed mountaineer Benedikt Böhm explored the opportunities that companies can capitalise on in an environment characterised by crises and uncertainty.
With captivating insights into «Crime in Times of Geopolitical Tensions and Multiple Crises», Prof. Dr. Jürgen Stock, former Vice-President of the Federal Criminal Police Office, held the audience’s undivided attention.
Trade Forum NIGHT: spring awakens
The first day of the fair came to a successful close with a proper edition of Trade Forum NIGHT. Under the theme of «Spring Festival», the garden hall of the congress centre was transformed into an atmospheric marquee filled with hearty specialities and Oktoberfest music from the band DIE KIRCHDORFER.
Start-up Arena: founders in focus
22 up-and-coming companies and ten innovative pitches in the start-up arena voilà!: The Markant Handelsforum also offers young companies an attractive platform for making the leap onto retailers’ shelves.
The title goes to Johnny Cashew, aka Korosho. With a compelling pitch centred on their innovative cashew creations, the brand left a lasting impression on the retailers of the voilà! jury.
In addition to an article in Markant magazine ONE and a free stand at the 130th Markant Trade Forum, the start-up can look forward to meetings with retailers K+K and Bünting.
Other start-ups were also successful with their pitches: Cocodo, Infinite Roots, KOA, Corridge, and OYL secured meetings with retailers.
A look ahead to the 130th Trade Forum
The date for the 130th Markant Trade Forum has already been set: on 25 and 26 March 2026, we will once again be inviting guests to the exhibition centre in Karlsruhe.
