The World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) and the French Federation of Wholesale Markets (FMGF) want to communicate more on the essential role of wholesale markets and their work. With this in mind, the two organizations associated with the Rungis market took part in this year's Fruit Logistica for the second time, at a joint booth for the 3 entities. Stéphane Layani, president of WUWM, CEO of the Rungis market, and treasurer of FMGF, talks about the importance and mission of wholesale markets, both in France and abroad, and the new areas for development.
© World Union of Wholesale MarketsWUWM's mission is to contribute to the development of the network of wholesale markets worldwide. It represents 190 wholesale markets in 48 countries and 5 continents / Cocktail co-organized by the Rungis market SEMMARIS, GFI Frischemärkte Deutschland e.V., and FMGF at Fruit Logistica 2025.
Sustainability and food sovereignty
"French wholesale markets, which distribute French produce from the various regions, are the backbone of the local and catering trade," explains Stéphane Layani. It is a position that gives them an essential role to play in the face of social change. In this respect, wholesale markets have had to adapt and redefine certain dynamics, particularly in the face of (new) challenges such as climate change or food sovereignty. "France stands out in particular for its commitment to food resilience and sustainability issues. French wholesale markets are actively working to strengthen food security by promoting short distribution channels and local production and by integrating sustainable practices into their operations."Some of their priorities include all the improvements needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whether by renovating buildings, diversifying energy sources or developing low-carbon logistics." With this in mind, France's wholesale markets, under the impetus of the Rungis market, are encouraging wholesalers' CSR practices to be labelled by means of a sectoral certification jointly developed with AFNOR (the benchmark certification body in France), in the wake of the "CSR Strategy 2021-2024" action plan previously launched by SEMMARIS.
But the wholesale markets are also "committed to working hand in hand with farmers to market their production in the most sustainable and virtuous way. The Rungis market supports agro-ecological farming projects and has also signed a partnership with INRAE to preserve agricultural biodiversity in conservatories for species such as citrus fruits, and to promote and help spread species adapted to climate change."
Will there soon be an International Fruit and Vegetable Day?
The development of sustainable practices has become a priority on the international stage, and WUWM is "helping to support sustainable, low-carbon logistics and the fight against food waste." WUWM's annual international conference, "Wholesale Markets and the Food of the Future: Insights and Opportunities for the Agri-Food Sector," was held in Rimini (Italy) last November to explore the future of food and the essential role played by wholesale markets in supply. "This is an annual conference that also serves to strengthen links between wholesale markets on different continents," explains Stéphane Layani. It is an opportunity for WUWM to reaffirm its support for the establishment of an International Fruit and Vegetable Day, in partnership with a number of organizations including FAO, the United Nations, 5 a Day and the Lo Valledor wholesale market in Chile, to raise awareness of the importance of healthy and sustainable eating." The next WUWM conference, which will bring together the leaders of the world's wholesale markets, will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 14-16th.
"Raising awareness of the importance of wholesale markets in the food chain"
At Fruit Logistica last February, WUWM exhibited at a joint booth with FMGF and SEMMARIS for the 2nd year running. The aim was to give the organizations a high profile among international players in the fruit and vegetable sector." While FMGF promotes the specific features of French markets, WUWM provides a global vision of the sector's challenges, promotes dialogue, and supports the development of wholesale markets through joint initiatives. It also offers networking opportunities and "raises awareness among an international audience of the importance of wholesale markets in the food chain."
For more information:
info@wuwm.org