100 years of Grüne Woche: From reunification to the present day

The International Grüne Woche (IGW) welcomed a distinguished visitor in January 1989: His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Belgium travelled to Berlin, as his country was exhibiting there for the 35th time. At that time, hardly anyone could have guessed that the Berlin Wall would fall later that year. Just one year later, the fair welcomed citizens from the GDR. They helped the IGW set a new visitor record: more than 690,000 guests. A hot-air balloon bearing the slogan ‘Quality knows no boundaries’ celebrated the new era. Prominent politicians did not want to miss this event. Patron Federal President Dr Richard von Weizsäcker attended, as did EC Agriculture Commissioner Ray Mac Shary. The GDR's Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Foreign Trade also made the trip.

The fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification also brought lasting change to the IGW on the exhibitor side. In 1991, the five new federal states presented themselves at a joint stand. There was also a joint exhibition entitled ‘Reunited Germany’ featuring all federal states. In the same year, the USSR exhibited for the last time. Russia and the CIS states subsequently presented themselves separately, including at the International Seafood Market in 1992. After the EU's eastward expansion, a third of exhibitors came from Eastern Europe in 2007. Participation from developing and emerging countries also increased. Tanzania, Namibia and Saudi Arabia, for example, exhibited from the early 1990s onwards. At the same time, countries such as the USA remained a reliable presence. In 1990, for example, they delighted visitors in Hall 20 with hamburgers, nuggets, ice cream and cookies. In 1996, the USA celebrated its 40th anniversary at the IGW.

Learning about agriculture

Not only enjoyment, but also education became increasingly important. In its exhibitions in the 1990s, the Ministry of Agriculture provided information about dairy products, wholesome nutrition and cereals. In 1998, an organic market was held for the first time. In the meantime, the supporting programme had grown considerably, with around 300 lectures, seminars and symposia. These included the International Forum on Agricultural Policy organised by the German Farmers' Association, one of the sponsors of the IGW, and the East-West Agricultural Forum organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

In 1993, the first FRUIT LOGISTICA took place at the same time as the IGW. From 2004 onwards, the leading trade fair for the international fruit trade was given its own date in the trade fair calendar, separate from Grüne Woche.

The extension completed in 1999 promised more space. With 160,000 square metres, there was now room for a deeper insight into agriculture. In 2000, the ErlebnisBauernhof (adventure farm) began its success story. Since then, the German Farmers' Association (DBV) and its partners have been using it to show how modern agriculture works. The association that now organises Grüne Woche was already involved in the post-war years with its own exhibitions, for example in 1952 in a delicate pavilion made of wooden slats. DBV President Constantin Heereman von Zuydtwyck appeared in front of the camera at Grüne Woche in 1983 alongside Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl, among others. After German reunification, the DBV organised the International Forum on Agricultural Policy for trade visitors. To this day, experts answer guests' questions on topics ranging from milk production, animal husbandry and agricultural machinery.

Off into the future

With the dawn of the new millennium, future-oriented topics were to feature even more prominently in the IGW programme. Timber construction, renewable energies and sustainable investments complemented the core topics of nutrition, agriculture and horticulture.

The couples who tied the knot in the Flower Hall in 2002 had also decided on a future together. In future, the splendour of Grüne Woche was to outshine the exhibition grounds. In 2006, a light installation by Karl Feldmann projected the logo onto the Brandenburg Gate, and a year later the radio tower also shone in green. From 2012 onwards, the German regions were given more space. In seven consecutive halls, guests were able to go on a culinary tour of Germany.

The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), which has been held in parallel with Grüne Woche since 2008, broadens the view beyond national borders. Every year, around 70 agriculture ministers from around the world accept the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). They discuss aspects of food security with participants from politics, business, science and civil society. The participation of environmental activists from Fridays for Future 2020 shows that the IGW sees itself as a place for discussion.

Since 2008, the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), which is also the trade fair's conceptual sponsor, and the Food Association have been showcasing the innovative spirit of the food industry at the IGW. At the joint stand, which ran for the first time in 2018 under the motto ‘How does the future taste?’, a start-up presented the ‘Bux Burger’, a protein-rich alternative to beef and pork. Vegan products are also becoming increasingly popular. In 2024, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner cut the first plant-based kebab from the Unilever brand at the BVE stand. Four years earlier, Nestlé Germany had already tasted a vegan sausage alternative with a casing made from algae. Since 2016, the associations have been offering cooking workshops for primary school pupils, which have been very well received.

Due to the pandemic, the IGW 2021 took place digitally. It was cancelled in 2022, before making a strong live comeback in 2023. For the first time, the fair presented the theme world ‘grünerleben’ (green living) with practical examples of sustainable living. Messe Berlin introduced a new brand concept in the run-up to the 2024 edition: the logo was updated and the International Grüne Woche became Grüne Woche again. The subtitle ‘The global hub for agribusiness’ underlines its international significance. In 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the fair. In the context of the farmers' protests, he sought dialogue with farmers and representatives of the associations at Grüne Woche.

Even a hundred years after the first edition, the success story of Grüne Woche continues. Sustainability remains high on the agenda, as demonstrated by the new ZERO theme island. The equestrian event HIPPOLOGICA and the career show young generation hub will continue to grow at Grüne Woche 2026. At the Startup Days, young companies will present innovative business ideas that will shape the food and agriculture of tomorrow. But there will also be room to look back: an exhibition will review 100 years of Grüne Woche. The flower hall is appropriately designed in the style of the 1920s. The best conditions for a successful anniversary year between the past and the future!