The Mabru held its biennial Open Door Night in the very early hours of Saturday, September 30. This year's event was special since it also marked this early market in Brussels, Belgium, 50th anniversary. That is certainly something to celebrate, and many traders joined the celebrations with buffets, music, and special stands. "Over 5,000 people visited the Mabru, so we're delighted with how it went," says the market's Sarah Corty.
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The market opened to interested parties from midnight to 7 a.m. And after France, Portugal, and Colombia were highlighted during the previous editions, this time, it was Poland's turn. The Belgian Prince Laurent opened the festivities, after which some 40 Polish suppliers showcased their specialties at a dedicated stand.
The Mabru's halls were busy, which pleased many a trader. "It was nicely organized, and the crowd was pleasant. It's always nice to show what you do to the general public. It's great when there's plenty of interest," Stefan Bosmans of Michel NV says. That was evident as many visitors discovered meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables at the Polish pavilion and other stalls.
It was a time for the early market's wholesalers to show their stuff. There were, for example, food trucks from the Hoogstraten and BelOrta cooperatives and Zespri had set up a special stand. Schulp also took the opportunity to present its newly introduced grape juice to the Belgian public. "It's, of course, the ideal moment to let people taste our new juice," says Kevin Joniaux of Schulp with a smile.
Groep A. De Witte's Cibel brand again brought out its large orange bar for the occasion. Groep A. De Witte's CEO Jurgen De Witte says he was thrilled with the turnout and looks forward to next week's Fruit Attraction. "The way some people prepared for this is really something. We saw entire buffets, and the Polish pavilion was full all night," he says.
The organizers can look back on a generally enjoyable, successful night. "We got a lot of positive feedback from both visitors and traders. It was a great atmosphere; new customers even came to check out the early market. That could benefit traders in the future. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and we look forward to the next Open Door Night," Sarah concludes.
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Photos: Daan Sturm
For more information:
Mabru
22-23 Werkhuizenkaai
1000, Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 221 55 169
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mabru.be
