Our association was founded in 2000 as GFI German Wholesale Markets e.V., initially as a pure marketing association. Ten years later, it was decided to open up to weekly markets and traditional market halls and to broaden the range of tasks. Through our involvement in the WUWM World Union of Wholesale Markets, GFI also became a renowned international partner in the industry. To mark its 25th anniversary, it adopted a new corporate design and a new name: BDF Federal Association of Fresh Food Markets e.V.

Today, the BDF represents

• 95% of German-speaking wholesale market operators with the 17 most important wholesale markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Northern Italy
• 85% of all weekly market operators with around 450 weekly markets in Germany’s metropolitan regions
• Operators of 6 traditional market halls in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hanover and Stuttgart
• Around 30 supporting members from across the entire value chain

The BDF sees itself as a partnership-based network that offers its members a broad institutionalised transfer of knowledge about market developments and key issues in trade management.

• We are action partners, a network and a mouthpiece for our markets
• We facilitate the exchange of information and experience
• We organise platforms such as trade fairs and events
• We offer our members services such as international study trips
• We develop campaigns for greater visibility and relevance

Divisions:

• In the BDF’s ‘wholesale markets’ and ‘weekly markets’ divisions, the focus is on topics related to increasing market efficiency and developing effective, sustainable wholesale market and weekly market models. The aim is to secure and further develop our locations, as well as to promote communication and best practices.
• Our members live and breathe the association. Collaboration is a matter of honour. Everyone contributes their commitment, experience and
• expertise to the joint shaping of the future of fresh produce markets.