Food services

fairgourmet GmbH, a subsidiary of Leipziger Messe, works with regional producers from a surrounding area of approximately 150 kilometres on the basis of a continuous cooperation. It supports the regional economy and prevents excessive CO2 emissions. Some of the domestic products that are used in the kitchens of this food service specialist for trade fairs, congresses, conferences and stand service include breads, meats and vegetables. And since not all products can be sourced regionally, fairgourmet also uses fair trade as an important criterion for food purchases, and uses only regionally-sourced or fair trade ingredients for its home-made specialities.

fairgourmet has only been offering coffee with the Fair Trade seal since 2011. In 2013, the coffee was also awarded the organic certification, and now carries the organic label as proof that the coffee beans are derived from organic agriculture and are handled in accordance with the applicable regulations. These regulations are monitored on a continuous basis, and fairgourmet employees receive training in how to handle organic products.

The subsidiary relies almost exclusively on reusable dishes. If this is not possible for logistical reasons - for example, at public events offering a broad range of take-away options - dishes and beverages are served to guests in environmentally-friendly bio-dishes. Cups for cold and hot beverages, as well as cutlery, are made of cellulose, while cardboard serving dishes and soup bowls are made of sugar cane waste products, and salad bowls of transparent organic plastics (so-called PLA).

fairgourmet's range of beverages includes the sustainably produced and fair traded soft drinks LemonAid and ChariTea. The ingredients are grown organically and are sourced from small farmer cooperatives around the world. Five cents from the sale of each bottle goes to a charitable organisation that is committed to improving the social, economic and ecological structures in economically disadvantaged parts of the world.

The Leipziger Messe group of companies also places great emphasis on providing good food to its employees. The company's own "Casino" canteen offers a variety of seasonal and healthy dishes. This Casino offering for employees is financially supported by the company.