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.