Biofach’s 20th!

Posted - March 30, 2009

Fairs: Biofach Cheerfully Celebrated 20th Anniversary

By Lucia Lorente, O.W.N.

Despite a gloomy economic environment and a snow storm that closed airports and delayed flights to Nuernberg, Biofach 2009 was once again the most successful international event for organic trade. Over 46,700 registered visitors, 38% from outside Germany, and 2,744 exhibitors from 91 countries gathered at the modern and welcoming fairgrounds to celebrate Biofach’s 20th birthday.

In addition to Germany, most exhibitors came from Italy, France, Spain and Austria, with a growing number from Holland, China and Switzerland. Denmark staged an impressive pavilion and played host as country of the year. There were several first time exhibitors, from Eastern European nations such as Bosnia, Georgia and Croatia, and others from as far away as Hong Kong, Mali and Guinea.

This year Biofach organizer NuernbergMesse GmbH launched the Sustainability Forum two days before the fair, an event that offered guests and speakers a platform to discuss sustainability issues within the organic sector, and the current global economic situation.

Vivaness, a parallel event to Biofach focusing on the natural health and beauty sectors, also reported excellent traffic and growth this year. Over 200 exhibitors located in Hall 7 of the fairgrounds introduced 70 new products to buyers and visitors. “Amazingly, we have not felt any impact of the world financial crises yet”, said Filipe Sabara, business director of Beraca, leading Brazilian supplier of ethical cosmetics ingredients.

The natural textiles area in Hall 7A was also officially launched in this fair edition, with stylish green apparel and home fashions brands.

Biofach continues its success in many areas. These include the largest display of organic certified wines in the industry, and 304 exhibitors from 23 nations enjoying the sunlit, tastefully decorated Hall 4A , where a growing display of organic olive oil producers gathered to take part in the second competition for the best olive oil at the Olive Oil Bar. The perfect ambiance was made complete by a restaurant where top chefs offered culinary delights to tantalize the senses of exhibitors, judges and buyers.

“Biofach is with no doubt one of the best fairs”, says Carla Barboto co- founder of Pacari, an Ecuadorian based producer of high quality organic certified chocolates, which buys cacao beans and other ingredients from small organic certified farmers. “Our booth was busy at all times with interested visitors from all over,” noted co-founder Santiago Peralta. Pacari introduced an exquisite line of truffles this year, made of pure raw cacao and presented in attractive and eco-friendly packaging.

“Biofach was excellent. We could not ask for more”, said Klaus Bentzen, export manager of Organic Danemark, umbrella organization for the promotion of the sector in this European country, which is regarded as model for successful sustainable development. “We achieved all goals beyond our expectations: Make Danemark known in the German market, and abroad with a well-attended round of seminars and presentations, attract the media to help us spread the news about what we are doing, and increase the number of contacts and network opportunities”. Denmark offered a pavillion with 40 firms showing gourmet foods, including baked goods and cereals, meats, fish, juices, smoothies and fruit concentrates, and dietary supplements and natural cosmetics.

More on Biofach Germany and its upcoming sister fairs in India, China, the United States, Japan and Brazil at www.biofach.com