Following the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, the leading international trade fair INTERNORGA returned to its traditional March dates, from 10 to 14 March 2023, and made a big impression with several new highlights. Over five days, well-known industry giants met with newcomers as well as restaurateurs and hospitality insiders on the Hamburg exhibition grounds and discussed the latest trends and innovative solutions at a variety of networking events. 1,100 exhibiting companies presented the largest and most diverse range of products in the industry, particularly in the trending ‘Digital Applications’ area, which is especially relevant at the moment, and in the ‘Packaging & Delivery’ area, which was expanded again this year.
Interest was also focused on the increasingly significant topic of ‘plant-based food’. Both market leaders and start-ups from the food sector showcased the full range of vegan and plant-based foods, including meat, fish, dairy and egg substitutes, and were very well received by the audience. Thanks in part to a unique supporting programme and many specials, the trade fair once again lived up to its role as a source of inspiration and the most important meeting place for the entire foodservice and hospitality market.
An industry united by cohesion and confidence
“As a platform and stage for the foodservice and hospitality market, there was a particularly strong sense of optimism and dynamism about INTERNORGA this year. The innovative power of the industry is as clear as ever and never ceases to impress me. All those present agreed that the trade fair has a hugely positive influence on the market and is an indispensable source of personal meetings and interaction,” says Bernd Aufderheide, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress. Hamburg and INTERNORGA were a must for the entire industry. “You simply had to be there!”
Claudia Johannsen, Division Manager at Hamburg Messe und Congress, adds: “We are thrilled that INTERNORGA has once again proved so popular among the catering and hotel industries. And everyone was there! All those present were excited about the current trending topics, new specials and formats, and many innovative products, so the halls were filled with positive vibes and a sense of optimism.”
Christian Strootmann, Chairman of the INTERNORGA Trade Fair Advisory Board and Managing Director at United Tables, also had only positive things to say: “INTERNORGA has not only returned to its former glory, but, thanks to many new topics, is also ready for the future. The trade fair was a huge success for everyone involved.”
Visitors again award top marks
INTERNORGA was able to impress its audience once again in 2023. According to the results of a survey conducted by an independent market research institute, 92% of the approximately 80,000 trade visitors gave INTERNORGA top marks, while 93% would recommend the trade fair to others. At 92%, the proportion of decision-makers among visitors was very high.
Brilliant start for the new event formats
This year, the people behind INTERNORGA created the AI-CENTER, a new platform for the area of artificial intelligence (AI), whileWhat The Food! – by foodlab gave the latest developments in the food sector their own stage. The Open Stage, with many keynote speeches and panel discussions, offered visitors additional food for thought. Furthermore, the new OFF THE RECORDAfterworkLounge, open on three evenings of the trade fair, was also very well received, giving INTERNORGA guests the opportunity to bring the day to a relaxed close and have a good time.
The next INTERNORGA will take place from 8–12 March 2024 in Hamburg.
Photos and videos of INTERNORGA 2023 can be found here. The figures presented are based on an extrapolation from the last day of the fair, as of 12 p.m., and are provisional.
Statements from selected INTERNORGA exhibitors can be found from 17 March in the exhibitor voices section.
