Fruchtwelt Bodensee is a hub for emerging trends and solutions to problems in fruit cultivation

25 February 2026

From February 20 to 22, 2026, Fruchtwelt Bodensee once again served as a key platform for knowledge exchange, international networking, and investment stimulus for decision-makers from production, trade, services, and research. The international trade fair welcomed 13,630 visitors from 27 countries (2024: 13,250) and 350 exhibitors from 19 countries. Alongside a comprehensive presentation of solutions for fruit growing, agriculture, and distillation, the 43rd Lake Constance Fruit Growing Days featured an extensive lecture programme delivered by leading experts. Representatives of industry, academia, and policymaking discussed major sector challenges, including digital transformation, climate change, and evolving consumer trends.

As Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, emphasized:

“We look back on the 2026 edition as a great success. Fruchtwelt Bodensee has once again confirmed its position as Germany’s leading trade fair for the fruit-growing sector and a key platform for innovation and industry dialogue. The event also provides important international momentum, bringing together exhibitors and visitors from across Europe in the tri-border region.”

Willingness to invest despite challenging market conditions

Project Manager Sharon Kommer also highlighted the positive outcome of the event:

“Exhibitors at Fruchtwelt Bodensee 2026 were in excellent spirits. Our conversations confirmed that the trade fair contributed to renewed optimism in the sector. Numerous business deals were concluded, and many exhibitors expect further results in the post-fair period. Expert presentations, the fashion show organized by the Rural Women’s Association and Maschinenring Tettnang, as well as the cocktail stage hosted by the association of small-scale fruit distillers, were particularly well received.”

Dr. Manfred Büchele, Managing Director of the Fruit Growing Competence Center (KOB), shared a similar perspective:

“Discussions with exhibitors show that agricultural businesses remain willing to invest despite current challenges, which is very encouraging. Professionals from across Europe attend the fair because they find relevant solutions and are ready to implement new technologies.”

Stefaan Stas, Managing Director of STAS NV, also emphasized the strong results:

“Since we serve many customers in Germany, we have been participating in Fruchtwelt Bodensee for years. In just three days, we can reach 80–90% of our customer base. Despite concerns about market prices, the outcome exceeded our expectations.”

Innovations and new products in focus

Exhibitors presented numerous innovations and new products to a highly qualified professional audience interested in fruit-growing solutions. Arne Wolters, Specialty Crops Sales Consultant at Bayer CropScience Deutschland GmbH, commented:

“Representatives of advisory services, trade, and fruit growers were all present – exactly our target audience. We successfully reached apple growers, who are our key focus segment.”

Dr. Jascha Babette Bonmassar, Managing Director of Hermes Service & Sales GmbH, who introduced a new harvesting machine with an electric conveyor system at the fair, said:

“Our goal is to strengthen our presence in southern Germany. We made valuable business contacts during the event.”

Adam Babić, Managing Director of APITAL d.o.o., added:

“This is an important trade fair because all major competitors are present. We held many discussions with potential partners and distributors.”

Sebastian Wilomski, Head of Research and Development at NK Automatyka, highlighted the support for startups:

“The Start-Up Area allowed us to connect directly with innovation-focused stakeholders. The Lake Constance region is an ideal location to present solutions for fruit harvesting, particularly apples.”

Patrick Brühwiler, Managing Director of Qualifru AG, emphasized the importance of the location:

“This is our most important trade fair, especially due to its strategic location near the Swiss border.”

Robert Reck-Heinrich, Managing Director of Cargo Plast GmbH, concluded:

“Fruchtwelt Bodensee provides direct access to decision-makers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is the leading industry event in the region.”

Next edition scheduled for 2028

The next edition of the international Fruchtwelt Bodensee trade fair will take place from February 4 to 6, 2028, in Friedrichshafen.

Further information at: www.fruchtwelt-bodensee.de