Fresh Market

How Fresh Market Works

One day. The right buyers. A format built for real business conversations.

Fresh Market 2026 is a one-day B2B event for the fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry, taking place on 24 September 2026 at MCC Mazurkas, Ożarów Mazowiecki / Warsaw, Poland. It is designed to connect suppliers, retail chain buyers, distributors, importers and industry service providers in one efficient event format.

Unlike traditional trade fairs, Fresh Market is built around meetings, matchmaking and direct access to decision-makers. Retail chains are at the center of the event, suppliers meet them through scheduled one-to-one meetings or networking, and distributors are available throughout the day in a walk-in format.

Event date24 September 2026

LocationMCC Mazurkas
Warsaw, Poland

Format1-day B2B meetings + networking + exhibitors

Edition20th edition

Important

Earlier registration and payment give you a better chance of meeting your preferred retail chains

At Fresh Market, access to meetings with retail chain buyers works on a first registered, first confirmed basis. This means that companies which register earlier and complete their payment earlier have a better chance of being matched with the retail chains they choose.

Meeting capacity with some buyers is limited. If interest in a particular retail chain is very high, later-registered companies may no longer fit into that buyer’s available schedule. For this reason, early registration is strongly recommended, especially for participants who want meetings with specific retail chains.

In simple terms: the earlier you register and pay, the better your chances of meeting your preferred buyers.

What is Fresh Market

Not a classic trade fair. A business meeting format built around buyers.

What the event is

Fresh Market is a focused B2B platform for companies active in fresh produce and related categories. It brings together retail chain buyers, distributors, importers, traders, producers, exporters and service providers in one place and in one day.

The goal is not simply to exhibit. The goal is to open business conversations, verify commercial fit, exchange market information, present products and start real follow-up after the event.

Why it is different

In traditional fairs, suppliers wait at their own stands and hope the right buyer passes by. At Fresh Market, the logic is reversed. Retail chains are positioned at the core of the event, and suppliers approach them through scheduled meetings or clearly defined networking windows.

This reduces randomness and increases the chance of speaking to the right person in a short period of time.

Main business value

The strongest value of Fresh Market is speed and relevance. In one day, participants can compare retail expectations, meet multiple decision-makers, speak with distributors, test product-market fit and leave with concrete next steps.

History and credibility

Fresh Market has been organized since 2008. The 2026 edition is the 20th edition, which confirms the continuity of the format, long-term relationships with the market and a proven operating model.

Who the event is for

Different participants come for different goals.

Retail chains and buyers

Buyers use Fresh Market to screen suppliers quickly, compare offers, review seasonal availability, assess quality, packaging, logistics and commercial readiness, and identify companies for further sourcing discussions.

Fresh fruit, vegetable and flower suppliers

This is the core participant group. Producers, exporters, grower groups, packing companies and suppliers use the event to meet retail buyers, distributors and other commercial partners in one day.

Distributors, importers and traders

Distributors are a major part of the event. For many international companies, they are the fastest route into Poland and CEE. They are available in a walk-in format throughout the day.

Service providers to the industry

Packaging, seeds, machinery, logistics, software and related service companies are also part of Fresh Market. For them, the exhibitor area and open networking are often more valuable than meetings with fresh produce buyers.

International companies entering PL / CEE

The event is especially useful for foreign companies that want to understand the market quickly, choose between retail and distribution routes, and meet relevant partners face to face.

What fits best

Fresh Market is built primarily around fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, flowers and plants. Companies outside the core category can still participate, but retail meetings always depend on category fit and buyer approval.

Event scale

Large enough to represent the market. Focused enough to stay efficient.

200–220participating companies

approx. 350participants on site

20–27retail chains
some may be online

approx. 20distributors / importers / traders

The list of retail chains for 2026 is finalized closer to the event. Previous editions may be shown as reference, while the final confirmed 2026 list is published in mid-September.

Event areas

Three clear zones. Three different ways to build business.

Retail Chains Hub

This is the core B2B Meetings Zone. Retail chains have their stations here, and Business or Premium participants attend scheduled one-to-one meetings with buyers.

Standard participants do not have a fixed meeting schedule here, but may access buyers through networking and the later Speed Dating window, subject to availability.

Distributors Hub

This is the most open and flexible area of Fresh Market. Distributors, importers and traders are available for walk-in conversations throughout the day, with no formal meeting slots required.

Exhibitors Hub

This is the exhibitor and visibility zone. It is ideal for brand exposure, product presentation, networking, sample display and lead generation. It is especially valuable for service providers and companies with booths.

How B2B meetings work

A structured matchmaking process, not random traffic.

Registration and payment

Meeting priority depends on registration timing and completed payment. Early registration improves the chance of meeting preferred buyers.

Company profile and matching data

Business and Premium participants provide products, seasonality, volumes, certificates, logistics details and target retail chains.

Buyer review and approval

Buyers review participant profiles and confirm which suppliers they want to meet. Meetings always depend on category fit and buyer acceptance.

Schedule preparation

The organizer builds the meeting plan. If first-choice chains are unavailable, alternative chains may be added to complete the schedule where possible.

Meetings on the event day

Meetings are usually around 10 minutes and focus on concrete commercial topics: products, quality, volumes, delivery conditions, packaging, timing and next steps.

Retail chain participation is confirmed individually. In rare cases, buyers may become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Some meetings may also take place online and still count as part of the official plan.

How networking works without scheduled meetings

Standard does not mean passive attendance.

Open networking all day

Standard participants have access to the full event atmosphere: corridors, coffee breaks, lunch, exhibitor area and distributor area. This often leads to direct and practical conversations.

Distributors Hub as the strongest tool

For many companies, especially international ones, the distributor area is the fastest commercial path. Conversations here are walk-in, unlimited and available throughout the day.

Speed Dating after approx. 16:00

Once some retail chains finish their scheduled meetings, an additional short access window opens. These conversations usually last 1–3 minutes and are meant for quick introductions, business cards and leaving materials.

Subject to availability

Speed Dating and informal buyer access depend on whether a buyer has already completed their scheduled meetings. It is a real opportunity, but not a guaranteed one-to-one slot.

Event day schedule

A one-day flow designed to maximize meetings and minimize chaos.

08:00–09:00

Registration / Check-in

Participants collect ID badges, event materials and meeting information. Premium participants receive priority registration support.

09:00–10:00

Opening and networking start

The first hour is ideal for orientation, first contacts in the exhibitor area and early conversations in the distributors area.

10:00–13:00

Retail meetings block – part 1

Main one-to-one meetings for Business and Premium participants. At the same time, distributors and exhibitors remain active.

13:00–14:00

Lunch and networking

A strong networking period for follow-up talks, informal introductions and additional contact-building.

14:00–16:00 / 17:00

Retail meetings block – part 2

The second part of scheduled meetings continues in the afternoon. Some schedules may run slightly later depending on the final meeting flow.

After approx. 16:00

Speed Dating

A short buyer availability window for quick introductions and leaving materials. Access depends on buyer availability.

17:00–20:00

Cocktail Dinner Party + Fresh Market Award

The evening part of the event combines networking with the Fresh Market Award activity. Award voting takes place during the Cocktail Dinner Party.

Participation packages

Choose the level of access that fits your goals.

Networking & market exploration

Standard

from €490 net

Best for companies that want to explore the market, meet distributors, build visibility and use networking opportunities without entering the formal retail meeting system.

Participation for 1 person
Access to all event areas
Distributors Hub walk-in access
Networking during breaks, lunch and common areas
Access to Speed Dating after approx. 16:00
Catering and Cocktail Dinner Party
Website presence and printed catalog listing if materials are submitted on time

Does not include scheduled one-to-one meetings with retail chains.

Business

from €720 net

Designed for suppliers who want to meet retail chain buyers directly and use Fresh Market as an efficient sales and business development tool.

Everything included in Standard
Participation in the official matchmaking process
Preferred retail chain selection
Company profile presented to buyers
Individual meeting schedule
Up to 5 confirmed one-to-one meetings with retail chain buyers

Meetings depend on buyer approval, category fit and availability. If first-choice chains do not confirm, alternatives may be added.

Strategic entry into PL / CEE

Premium

Price on request

The most comprehensive format for companies that want a stronger market-entry path, more tailored guidance and a broader meeting scope.

Participation for 2 people
Dedicated support
Offer and profile review
Selection of relevant contacts
Minimum 20 valuable business contacts
Minimum 15 confirmed meetings with retail chains and distributors
Priority on-site assistance
Post-event summary and next-step recommendations

Companies with an exhibition stand may benefit from reduced participation rates for Standard and Business packages. Premium scope and pricing are agreed individually.

Pricing, registration and payment

Simple structure. Clear deadlines.

EUR participation pricing

Standard Early Bird: €490 net
Standard Regular: €590 net
Business Early Bird: €720 net
Business Regular: €820 net
Premium: price on request

All prices are subject to 23% VAT.

How registration works

Registration is made online. After registration, a proforma invoice is issued. Participation should be paid before the event.

For Business and Premium, participants then submit matching information used in the meeting selection process. Business availability is limited because the number of meeting slots is limited.

Payment and invoicing

The standard process is: registration → proforma invoice → payment → invoice after payment. Final invoicing is usually handled around one month before the event, or immediately when payment is made in the final month.

Cancellations and substitutions

Cancellations made at least one month before the event are generally refundable. Later cancellations are generally non-refundable, except for serious exceptional cases reviewed individually.

Participant substitution is possible up to the event day, provided the organizer is informed in advance.

Important dates

Key deadlines for Fresh Market 2026.

01 June 2026

Fresh Market Award submissions open

31 July 2026

Early Bird pricing deadline

17 August 2026

Fresh Market Award submission deadline

24 August 2026

Exhibitor registration deadline

08 September 2026

Deadline for banners, printed materials and files

18 September 2026

Participation registration deadline

23–24 September 2026

Stand assembly / disassembly window

24 September 2026

Fresh Market 2026 event day

FAQ

What participants usually want to know before registering.

Will all retail chains be announced early?

No. The final confirmed 2026 list is completed closer to the event. Previous editions may be shown as reference.

Does Standard include access to buyers?

Standard does not include scheduled one-to-one meetings, but it does include networking access, lunch interaction opportunities and the Speed Dating window after approx. 16:00, subject to buyer availability.

Are Business meetings guaranteed with specific chains?

No. Business includes the matchmaking process and the goal of arranging up to 5 meetings, but every meeting still depends on buyer approval and category fit.

Can some meetings be online?

Yes. If a retail chain cannot attend physically, a meeting may be arranged online during the event.

Do service providers benefit from the event?

Yes, especially through exhibitor presence, distributor contacts and networking. However, meetings with fresh produce buyers may be more networking-oriented than procurement-oriented for service companies.

Which retail chains will attend?

Check the confirmed list on our Retail Chains Hub page. The final list is published about one week before the event.

How does meeting priority work?

Companies that register and pay earlier get higher priority in the matchmaking process. First registered = first confirmed.

What does "up to 5 meetings" mean?

You select preferred retail chains. Buyers review your profile and accept or decline. If a chain declines, we propose alternatives. Number depends on buyer availability and category fit.

What if a retail chain cancels?

Some chains may switch to online participation. We always try to offer alternatives.

What products are NOT suitable for buyer meetings?

Meetings focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and closely related categories. Products outside this scope (e.g., dry food, beverages) may not match buyer interest.

How do I send product samples?

Samples can be delivered to the venue 1–2 days before the event, after prior arrangement with the organizer.