INFRA Blogs

Andy Huth, Growth Manager   

This February, CEO Pat Sheridan and I had the incredible opportunity to attend Biofach, the world’s largest trade show for organic and natural products, held annually in Nuremberg, Germany. As a former buyer, this event felt like a long-awaited pilgrimage to the heart of the organic world. With thousands of exhibitors showcasing everything from organic food to body care and supplements, Biofach did not disappoint. The experience was a whirlwind of innovation, flavors, and global trends that left us excited for what’s next in the organic space. Read on for some of the standout insights from our trip! 

 A World of Flavors to Explore   

While not as massive as Expo West, Biofach is still very well attended, with over 35,000 registrants from 140 countries and more than 2,300 exhibitors. While Expo West has areas for international brands, Biofach is dominated by them. Entire halls were set aside for products from specific regions, with dozens of countries represented. The Spanish booth offered amazing organic olives; the Italian booth had organic tomatoes that were to die for; the Ukrainians had delicious varenyky and a fighting spirit. There was a world of flavors to explore.  

 A Focus on Organic  

Organic commodities were front and center at many booths. Think organic flour, nuts, rice, teas, and spices. Any search for high-quality ingredients should start at Biofach! And not just in food – the show floor was brimming with organic cosmetics and body care options, many of them available as private-label products. It was hard to walk the floor and not surmise that Europeans are light years ahead of the U.S. when it comes to dietary trends.  

Regenerative vs. Biodynamic 

 Unlike U.S. trade shows, there was a distinct lack of conversation around regenerative practices. That is because Biodynamic practices, which are like regenerative but with a spiritual component, have a long history in Europe. Many brands offer an organic and a Demeter (Biodynamic) version of their product. This is very noticeable in German grocery stores, where you see both organic and Biodynamic versions on the shelf, with the Biodynamic carrying a higher retail price. Surprisingly, we found the prices on both organic and Biodynamic products to be reasonable – in line with if not lower than what one would pay in the U.S. This was true across all categories and was very enlightening.  

Global Relations with the U.S. 

Education opportunities were plentiful and engaging. Sessions on importing from and exporting to the U.S. were particularly compelling, especially given the current uncertainty around tariffs. It was fascinating to hear from our European colleagues, many of whom discussed strategies for reducing reliance on the U.S. in global supply chains or opening new markets if the U.S. became too costly to serve.  Although those shifts would be challenging for our industry, the overall mood was one of cautious optimism. Many believe the U.S. will eventually course correct or at least adapt. It’s important to note that the presenters made a clear distinction between the policies of the U.S. government and the intentions of U.S. citizens. We were warmly received by our European counterparts, leaving Germany with a strong sense that in the natural foods industry, we’re all this together.  

Reflections

In reflecting on our time at Biofach, it’s clear that the organic industry is not only thriving but evolving in exciting, meaningful ways. From cutting-edge product innovations to powerful sustainability commitments, we left Nuremberg inspired by the passion and purpose driving this global community. As we bring these insights back to our work, we’re energized to be part of this movement and look forward to contributing to its continued growth. 

If you're interested in experiencing Biofach for yourself, check out Biofach America - coming to Atlanta, Georgia from June 2 through June 4. The INFRA team will be there and we'd love to see you!