The 10th edition of the GastroPan International Exhibition which took place in Târgu Mureş, April 19-22, 2018, showed a complete picture of the bakery, confectionery and HoReCa industry, being a source of inspiration for businesses in all sectors: production technology, packaging, logistics, ingredients, energy, hygiene, shop design, snacks, coffee, marketing and sales. The assessment of the event reconfirms: GastroPan is the most important professional event for businesses in the above industries.
“The bakery industry in Romania would not be at the level of development it is now if it weren’t for GastroPan,” was the message of ROMPAN’s President, Aurel Popescu, who opened the anniversary edition of the exhibition. Leaders of professional associations from Romania, Germany and Hungary confirmed that GastroPan is the industry’s benchmark event in Southeastern Europe.
“This type of exhibitions are very important because they present the market trends that mark the bakery sector. The first and the most important trend that we observe is the development, and this is very noticeable in Romania. This is because Romanian entrepreneurs are investing the most in the development. As regards the products, the most important tendency is the taste and freshness of the products, and in terms of technology, the tendency is the digitization and automation of production.” said UIBC Ambassador Ilonka Boldizsár at the GastroPan Opening Ceremony.
GastroPan 2018 in figures:
- 21,811 professionals who visited the exhibition;
- 152 world-class exhibitors, suppliers from 25 countries, which had stands at the exhibition;
- 19 exhibitors who have increased the dynamics of the exhibition with demo shows;
- 96 bakers, pastry-chefs and chefs who participated at GastroPan Competitions;
- 10 professional partner associations, Romanian and international, who supported the exhibition, even through live culinary shows;
- 18 media partners and dozens of media representatives reflecting the event.
3 trends identified at GastroPan 2018
- clean label – most suppliers of ingredients at GastroPan presented innovative products, ingredients that have a beneficial impact on consumers’ health.
- efficiency and automation – ease of use, versatility, compact size and low energy consumption have characterized the equipment exposed at the event.
- consumer proximity – mobile businesses, shop fitting, accessories and furniture, packaging and customization options have raised the interest of visitors.
We celebrated 10 years of GastroPan together
The anniversary edition of GastroPan has brought many awards and surprises for visitors, as well as an anniversary area where special artistic pieces were exhibited by the most talented bakers, confectioners and chefs. The organizers thank the authors of these impressive works and the companies they represent for their continuous support in the development of the exhibition over the past 10 years. The organizers also thank for years of dedication to all the suppliers and partners who have supported the exhibition over the last 10 years by participating with extraordinary stands, practical demo shows, and by participating in the GastroPan Competitions.
In the GastroPan Anniversary Area innovative bakery and pastry products, artistic pieces of bakery dough, chocolate or sweet ginger bread and culinary sculptures were exhibited, all of which competed in a special competition category with the theme “10 Years of GastroPan”. The “10 Years of GastroPan” Anniversary Trophy was won by Moara Cibin, which created the most beautiful composition, an artistic piece made of sweet ginger bread that symbolizes the Centenary of the Great Union and the 10 years of GastroPan.
GastroPan anniversary edition: success for exhibitors, visitors and all participants
The majority of exhibitors say they have signed several contracts on the spot and already have significant sales of equipment, machinery, appliances and utensils. They were delighted with what they had achieved through this participation, and they said they intend to participate in next year’s edition with an even larger exhibition booth.
Total support from Romanian and foreign professional associations
As in previous editions, the organization of the exhibition was supported by the most important professional associations in the country (ROMPAN, ANAMOB, ANBCT and Euro-Toques Romania), but also internationally (UIBC – International Union of Bakers and Confectioners, WACS – The World Association of Chefs, the Central Bakery Association of Germany through President Michael Wippler). During the event, leaders of Romanian and European professional associations, including UIBC Ambassador, Ilonka Boldizsár, President of the Hungarian Bakery Association, Septe József, President of ROMPAN, Aurel Popescu and President of ANAMOB, Viorel Marin had constructive dialogues on the possibilities of collaboration to defend the interests of the bakery sector in several countries.
The organizers are once again expressing their appreciation to all exhibitors, visitors, professional associations, members of the jury and all partners who supported the event. Congratulations to all contestants who entered the GastroPan 2018 Competitions showing off their talent and professionalism!