Those attending the Congress not only shared experiences and concerns but also analysed the effects of the world economic crisis on the food distribution sector. Within the current economic context, the delegates, including Mercabarna’s managing director, Montserrat Gil de Bernabé, stressed the importance of both wholesale and retail markets that offer consumers products with the best quality/price ratio.

The strong influence these markets are having on the economic map was also highlighted with significant data. It was revealed they employ close to 250,000 workers, house 100,000 businesses and, in 2006, marketed over 54 million tonnes of fresh produce. 

The delegates also opted to keep working to publicize the importance of wholesale and retail markets in fresh food distribution, food safety and product quality.
The WUWM welcomed the Municipal Markets network of Barcelona as a new member during the Congress.

A market for every month
The winners of the first WUWM photography competition were announced at the Congress. All members had been eligible to take part in the contest and encouraged to send in photos of everyday activity at their respective markets.
The 12 winning shots, one of which features Mercabarna’s Central Fish Market, will make up a calendar to be distributed at all of the markets.