With the first Bio Marché in 2000, its founder and managing director Dorothee Stich brought the third organic world exhibition to the old town of Zofingen - following the first editions in Copenhagen and Buenos Aires. The organic world exhibition moved on, but the Bio Marché stayed and quickly established itself as a key event in the organic industry's calendar.
Initially ridiculed as a "tree-hugger event," it quickly became clear: the Bio Marché is a festival for all senses, appealing to the wider public. At its peak, Bio Marché attracted up to 40,000 visitors and approximately 200 exhibitors. Throughout the years, Bio Marché has retained its unique character and immense appeal. Both exhibitor and visitor quality remained consistently high over 26 years. This was partly due to the unwavering strict admission requirements: Bio Marché stayed true to itself and its quality standards until the end.
"Until Organic Becomes Normal"
Why now the end? "When we started at the turn of the millennium," explains Dorothee Stich, "organic was still a wallflower. Although organic pioneer Coop, now our main sponsor, had introduced its brand 'Coop Naturaplan' as early as 1993, and other retailers followed, organic played hardly any role back then." Bringing organic out of its niche was the organisers' declared aim. "From the start, we knew: we must bring organic to the people – not the other way around." This understanding led to the logical concept: an organic market in the midst of the historic old town of Zofingen, with an attractive festival program and above all: free entry.
"When asked after the first event how long we would continue, my answer was: 'Until organic becomes the norm,'" says Dorothee Stich, laughing: "I had no idea it would take until shortly before my retirement. But now our mission is accomplished: Organic products are available everywhere. Since the early days of Bio Marché, the annual turnover of organic products in Switzerland has nearly septupled, now at 4.3 billion. Coop alone offers today over 9,000 organic products, of which more than 4,100 are of organic bud quality. Our goal is achieved."
Valuable Companions - In Front of and Behind the Scenes
With Coop as the main sponsor, a long-held dream has come true for Stich as of 2024. She emphasizes: "Without sponsors who seriously and credibly support organic, such a major event would not have been possible." The partnership with Bio Marché has also been a win for Coop, as Rebecca Veiga, Head of Communications for Coop Cooperative, confirms: "Bio Marché made organic visible, tangible, and accessible in Switzerland for over a quarter of a century. Coop sincerely thanks those responsible for their tireless commitment. That organic has now become central in society is partly due to Bio Marché. As a longstanding promoter of organic farming, Coop will continue to fully commit to organic farming, high standards, and a wide range of organic products."
A success of this magnitude cannot be carried by one alone. It took the tireless dedication of numerous people over 26 years - whether in various helper teams, as exhibitors, or loyal partners and service providers. "We are enormously grateful for the many wonderful people who have accompanied and supported us from the very first hours," says Dorothee Stich, "they have not only contributed to the success of Bio Marché, but have also played a genuine part in the breakthrough of organic in Switzerland."