MARCA 2026 Achieves Record Attendance and Exhibitor Growth in Italy's Private Label Industry

Record-Breaking MARCA 2026

The MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM conference and exhibition has established itself as a significant event in the private label sector, concluding its 22nd edition with unprecedented achievements. From March 8 to March 9, 2026, the event attracted over 25,000 professional visitors. This year’s figures represented a 9% increase compared to last year, reflecting the growing interest and investment in private label products globally.

Unprecedented Participation

Notably, the exhibition space was fully booked across ten halls, accommodating a record 1,540 exhibitors—an impressive growth of 18% year on year. Among these exhibitors, the number of international companies surged by 25%, showcasing the global appeal and relevance of the MARCA event. Participants included major retailers and manufacturers eager to capitalize on the burgeoning private label market.

A Unique Format for Strategic Collaboration

MARCA stands out as a platform where large-scale retailers collaborate with their manufacturing partners, fostering a unique ecosystem dedicated to private label products. The event emphasizes the increased significance of private labels in retail strategies. Not only does it focus on food-related items, but it also encompasses a wide array of non-food products, indicating a major shift in consumer preferences towards private label brands.

One of the highlights of MARCA is the focus on fresh produce through its exclusive section called MARCA Fresh. This emphasis on fruits and vegetables is a testament to Italy’s rich cultural heritage in food and has attracted industry professionals seeking to learn from Italy’s successful fresh category management practices.

Covering the Entire Supply Chain

In addition to offering a vast range of products, MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM also emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire supply chain. The MARCA Tech segment connects packaging, logistics, and retail service providers, thus addressing all the components of the private label production process—an aspect that few other events in this space manage to cover comprehensively.

Evolution of Private Label Products

The conference has witnessed a significant evolution in the private label category, where products have transitioned from being perceived solely as budget alternatives to becoming a strategic growth engine. Retailers are now focusing on premium offerings to compete with established national brands. The awards presented at the conference, including the Best Innovation Product and Best Copacker Profile, emphasize the remarkable advancements in private label solutions and the quality behind these products.

Insights and Trends

The annual Marca Private Label Report, presented at the conference, served as a valuable resource discussing current trends, including sustainability initiatives and European regulatory developments. Attendees gained insights into the future landscape of private label products and strategies, blending industry knowledge with innovative practices.

Global Outreach and Future Outlook

The international diversity of the event was highlighted by the presence of over 300 strategic buyers from 30 different countries. These participants took advantage of MARCA's extensive network, which includes Italy's exceptional expertise in food and fresh produce, along with retail innovations and a robust supply chain.

With MARCA Poland scheduled for April 21-22, 2026, the initiative continues to grow, representing one of the fastest-developing private label markets in Europe. Furthermore, the expansion into MARCA China later in the year further solidifies the event's global outreach.

Retailers and manufacturers are encouraged to join the MARCA network to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest innovations in private label products. This not only facilitates business growth but also reinforces the commitment to better serve diverse consumer needs.

As the curtains fall on another successful edition, the future remains bright for MARCA and the private label sector at large.

For more information, visit the official website.