AB HOF 2025, Europe’s leading specialist trade fair for direct marketing to farmers, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a pleasing increase in visitor numbers with more than 30,000 visitors and over 250 exhibitors celebrated.

The ceremonial opening of the FROM FARMHOUSE 2025 The trade fair was attended by numerous guests of honor – such as Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf, who in his speech emphasized the importance of direct marketing as an economic success factor and contribution to regional value creation.

A special highlight was the presentation of the coveted product awards, in which outstanding specialties were honored in eight categories. Awards such as "The Golden Stamperl" and "The Golden Pear" are considered seals of quality, highly valued within the industry and known beyond Austria's borders as reliable indicators of quality for consumers. For the first time, in addition to the "Producer of the Year" – Firlingerhof from Scharten in Upper Austria – the title of "Bacon Producer of the Year" was also awarded. This is a sign that traditional meat processing and the highest artisanal quality remain in vogue. This year, the coveted title went to Blunzensemmerl – Herbert Lechner from Scheibbs in Lower Austria, which impressed the jury with its unique flavor and craftsmanship.

Top topics of the trade fair: sustainability and innovation

AB HOF 2025 set new priorities and addressed current challenges in direct marketing. Presentations and workshops on innovative marketing strategies and new sales channels were particularly popular. Burnout prevention and market gardening generated significant interest, as they represent key aspects for the future of sustainable agricultural businesses. A crowd-puller was the Gourmet Academy, which ran for the first time on all four days of the fair. It offered practical insights into sensory analysis, food quality, and artisanal processing techniques and was enthusiastically received by visitors.

Successful exchange and celebratory atmosphere

With the first-time participation of "Genussland Oberösterreich," the trade fair expanded to include another culinary showcase. Together with the established "This is what Lower Austria tastes like" village, visitors were treated to an impressive variety of regional specialties. The crowning conclusion of the trade fair Saturday was the legendary Styrian evening with culinary highlights, where the "Party Krainer" provided a great atmosphere.

Conclusion and outlook for AB HOF 2026

AB HOF 2025 has impressively demonstrated that direct marketing by farmers is not only an economic alternative, but a key pillar for the future of direct marketing.It's not just about products, but about passion, craftsmanship, and living regionality. Our direct marketers set standards for quality and innovation – at the AB HOF trade fair, they get the ideas and network for new collaborations – and have been doing so for 30 years.“, emphasized Marion Heim, Managing Director of Messe Wieselburg. “AB HOF is not just a trade fair – it is a meeting place in Europe for direct marketers, their service providers and end consumers."

The next AB HOF will take place from 6 to 9 March 2026. More information is available at www.abhof.com