The first edition of M.A.D.E., the exhibition formerly known as MDD Expo, has proven a hit with exhibitors and attendees alike, with 9% more visitors attending this year's show than in previous years.
Some 4,140 visitors attended the new-look show, which placed focus on key trends such as organic products, on-the-go, nutrition and health, ethics, premium products, and co-creation. Around 450 exhibitors, 35% of which were from outside France, and 33% attending for the first time, were also present, contributing to a successful two days.
Visitors such as Rachel Blumel, director of Coop de France, welcomed the show's transformation into M.A.D.E. "The new focus on the premium sector was obvious, in the rich and varied content of the conferences, a very positive M.A.D.E. Awards ceremony that highlighted breakthrough innovations, exhibitors promoting their specific know-how, and the cooperative-themed route that was very popular among visitors," she explained.
Decision-Makers
One of the key aspects of the new-look show was encouraging decision-makers to come together and explore co-creation opportunities. With this in mind, a series of personalised business meetings were arranged ahead of, as well as during, the exhibition. This year, 337 business meetings took place at the exhibition – a 25% increase on the previous year.
The Walk of Fame (pictured) and the M.A.D.E. Awards were another highlight, with a total of 140 product innovations entered and seven nominees vying for the overall award: Truffières de Rabasse, BloomUp, Lucien Georgelin, Olives & Co., Dalla Costa Alimentare, LCC SARL, and the overall winner, Salaisons Dijonnaises, a dry sausage made from Charolais beef.
In addition, attendees had the opportunity to become participants in the show via the M.A.D.E. Your Experience area, where they could test, compare and taste the various products that had caught their attention while browsing. Elsewhere, chefs and apprentices from the EPMT (École de Paris des Métiers de la Table) and chefs from the Centre Culinaire Contemporain (3C) were on hand to design culinary creations based on exhibitors' products.
ESM had the opportunity to speak to Sébastian Gillet, exhibition director, about the new-look show, as previously reported last week.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
