The private label sector in Central Europe is poised for renewed momentum as MARCA Poland returns to Poznań on April 21–22, 2026.
The event, now in its second edition, seeks to build on the success of the MARCA trade fair in Bologna and position itself as a key meeting point for manufacturers, retailers and buyers operating in the region’s expanding private label market.
Held at the Poznań Congress Center, the exhibition is jointly organized by the MTP Group and the BolognaFiere Group, with the support of the ICE-Agenzia Hosted Buyers Programme. The gathering aims to connect companies across the private label value chain while fostering business development and innovation across Central Europe.
Organizers say the event reflects growing opportunities in the region’s retail sector, particularly in Poland, where private label products are gaining traction among consumers. Private label currently accounts for about 24% of household spending on fast-moving consumer goods in Poland, suggesting considerable room for expansion both in terms of value and volume.
Consumer behavior across Central Europe is evolving in ways that mirror earlier developments in Western Europe. Shoppers in Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic are increasingly drawn to private label offerings not only for their competitive pricing but also for improvements in quality, functionality and added value. The organizers of MARCA Poland say the exhibition is designed to help accelerate this shift by connecting retailers with suppliers capable of delivering more sophisticated product lines.
The broader European market illustrates the trajectory private label products can take. In the Netherlands, private label accounts for 55% of retail value share, while Spain reports 52%. Germany and the UK each stand at 44%. Italy, where private label represents about 31% of the market, has been among the fastest-growing markets, having built a strong reputation around food quality, supply chain expertise and product innovation. Organizers say MARCA Poland aims to bring elements of this model of private label excellence to Central Europe.
The exhibition itself is structured as a comprehensive ecosystem for private label activity. Developed by the same team behind the Bologna flagship event, the format gathers manufacturers, retailers and buyers on a single platform where product presentations, commercial negotiations and market intelligence intersect. The show floor will cover a broad spectrum of private label categories, including food and beverages, cosmetics, household products, pet products and a range of innovation-driven offerings across related sectors.
The inaugural edition of MARCA Poland attracted nearly 100 exhibitors from countries including Poland, Italy, Austria and Spain, along with more than 900 professional visitors. Organizers expect the second edition to expand both exhibitor participation and international attendance.
A distinguishing feature of the event is its Hosted Buyers Programme, organized in partnership with ICE-Agenzia, the Italian Trade and Investment Agency. Through a targeted invitation and selection process, the program brings qualified buyers from retail chains and distribution groups across Europe to the exhibition. A dedicated B2B matching platform facilitates direct meetings between exhibitors and purchasing decision-makers. The first edition of the event hosted 55 international buyers representing more than 20 countries.
MARCA Poland also combines its trade exhibition with a conference program aimed at exploring strategic developments in the region’s private label sector. Industry experts will examine key priorities for Central European markets, while the Innovation and Product Launch Zone will highlight new developments in product design, formulation and packaging. The area will also showcase winners of the MARCA Awards 2026 Best Innovation Product, providing a benchmark for emerging private label excellence.
For manufacturers and co-packers, the event offers an opportunity to connect directly with buyers and retail decision-makers across Central and Eastern Europe in a setting designed to encourage commercial partnerships. Retailers and buyers, in turn, gain access to a curated showcase of private label innovation across both food and non-food categories, supported by the event’s international buyer program and innovation-focused exhibits.
Find out more at: https://www.marcapoland.com