MARCA Conference in Italy Sees Record Attendance and Growth in Private Label Sector
The 22nd edition of MARCA, a prominent conference and exhibition organized by BolognaFiere & ADM, has achieved unprecedented success, with attendance exceeding 25,000 professionals over just two days. This year's event, held in Bologna, Italy, recorded a 9% increase in visitors from the previous year, demonstrating a growing trend in the private label sector. The exhibition space was fully booked across ten halls, and the number of exhibitors reached 1,540, marking an 18% growth, with 110 of those coming from abroad, an impressive rise of 25% year-on-year.
One of the distinguishing features of MARCA is its unique format, where large-scale retailers showcase their innovations alongside manufacturing partners. This approach has allowed MARCA to evolve into a comprehensive ecosystem centered on private labels, highlighting their increasing significance as strategic growth engines within the retail landscape. The fair notably focuses on food products but has expanded to encompass a wide array of non-food segments, including personal care, home care, and pet care. As the prevalence of private labels grows, the event includes an exclusive section dedicated to fresh produce, showcasing Italy's rich culinary heritage and its influence on retail management.
Another significant aspect of MARCA is its comprehensive coverage of the entire supply chain. The segment known as 'MARCA Tech' integrates various service providers, such as packaging and logistics, which are crucial to the retail experience. No other private label event addresses this critical area with such depth and detail.
The evolving nature of private labels is also reflected in the awards given at the conference. The 'Best Innovation Product' award highlights the most advanced private label solutions, while the 'Best Copacker Profile' recognizes manufacturing partners who contribute to the quality of private labels. Products shortlisted for these awards were displayed in MARCA Trend, an interactive showcase that identifies future directions for private label products.
Adding to MARCA's prominence is its engaging conference program, which features the annual Marca Private Label Report prepared by Circana. This report examines critical issues ranging from sustainability to recent EU regulatory changes. MARCA has become an essential gathering for discussions that intertwine strategy, product development, and supply chain innovation.
An essential aspect that contributes to the conference's success is its international dimension. With over 300 strategic buyers from 30 different countries present, MARCA provides a unique opportunity for attendees to gain firsthand insights into the entire private label ecosystem. The event offers access to Italian expertise in food, fresh produce, retail innovations, and logistics all in one location.
After the successful conclusion in Bologna, MARCA will continue its journey with the next event scheduled in Poland on April 21-22, 2026. This expansion showcases the conference's commitment to reaching key markets within Europe that are rapidly developing in the private label space. Following Poland, MARCA plans to extend its reach even further with an event set to take place in Guangzhou, China on September 8-9, 2026.
The MARCA network welcomes retailers and manufacturers to connect with industry leaders, explore new trends, and discover the latest innovations in the private label sector. For additional information on attending future events or exploring the latest products, interested parties are encouraged to visit the MARCA website.