The organisers of major food trade fairs in Germany, including ISM and Biofach, have stated that they are confident that the next editions of both events will take place in early 2021.
As of 27 August, Germany's federal government extended a ban on large events to December 2020, however the organisers of ISM, Koelnmesse, said that this mainly refers to events such as festivals, concerts and sporting fixtures.
It added that trade fairs such as ISM, which takes place from 31 January to 3 February next year, are permitted to take place, 'as long as suitable protection and hygiene concepts are adhered to'.
Koelnmesse said that around 80% of the exhibition space is already booked at ISM, and that the food industry is eager to 'carry on' despite the COVID-19 crisis.
Business Meetings
"The industry is particularly looking forward to personal meetings and discussions, following a lengthy period without trade shows, because business relations cannot exist long-term without them," said Sabine Schommer, director of ISM. "Beyond this, trying out products is essential for buyers in their decision-making process."
ISM said that it has developed a new online matchmaking tool, Matchmaking 365+, to support the trade fair and 'take the next step' towards the development of hybrid trade fairs.
Biofach And Vivaness
Elsewhere, NürnbergMesse, which organises the Biofach and Vivaness trade fair, the next edition of which is scheduled to take place in Nuremberg from 17 to 20 February, said that it is confident of offering visitors 'the best possible safety and security on the one hand, and successful trade fair participation on the other'.
Danila Brunner, the executive director of the organic products fair, said that preparations are "in full swing", with 80% of the trade show space already occupied.
"The trade fair character of Biofach and Vivaness makes it easier for us to hold the event under the current conditions," she said. "The specially-developed hygiene concept provides an important starting point for the safety of our trade fair participants – exhibitors, visitors, media representatives and all employees of NürnbergMesse.
"Thanks to the joint commitment of our partners, exhibitors and visitors, I am convinced that we are creating the best possible atmosphere and conditions for a successful trade fair."
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
