“This year, I visited the biennial Intergastra trade fair in Stuttgart with three colleagues. The location—a modern exhibition center within walking distance of the airport—is a particular advantage for me: you can easily get there on a morning flight and fly back in the evening.

This year, however, we decided to stay overnight, as we had organized professional programs for the following day. We rounded off the trip with a tour of reference kitchens so that my colleagues could see the new developments in practice. For me, this is always an important part of such a professional trip.

In terms of size, the Stuttgart exhibition lags behind the events in Hamburg and Milan, but the most important German and Northern European manufacturers in the kitchen technology sector are all present with smaller but well-designed stands and the presence of commercial managers. Technological innovations can also be seen here, but there is not as much commotion as in Milan. There is time for real professional discussions, it is easier to get a turn, and the manufacturers’ new offerings can be reviewed in a single day.

MKN – design taken to a new level

One of the biggest surprises was MKN with its new Optimal Line product range. I had already encountered the concept in Hamburg and Milan, and I even saw the direction of development during my visit to the factory. Now, however, they have taken their traditional horizontal cooking appliances to a whole new level. The large, digital display, which is clearly visible from a distance, has been integrated into a 45-degree sloping panel, which is both ergonomic and visually appealing.

The modular machines have been integrated into a beautiful, welded-together cooking island. It has often been said that German cooking islands with a single worktop are robust, durable, and work excellently, but are not particularly attractive. I feel that MKN has now completely refuted this stereotype.

The panels, sintered in a delicate beige color, the details harmonizing with the stainless steel surfaces, and the beautifully rounded corners give the island a premium look. Its design is reminiscent of Italian high-end suppliers. For me, it’s clear: today, functionality is accompanied by conscious design considerations.

MEIKO – a new dishwashing concept

The other big surprise was the new product from dishwasher manufacturer MEIKO. They presented a new pull-out basket dishwashing system, but have not yet revealed any detailed technical data.

The presentation was extremely creative: the machine was surrounded by a protective mesh screen onto which the system’s operation and advantages were digitally projected. Ergonomic and economic aspects were particularly emphasized. It promises to be a very exciting development. I am confident that we will soon be able to share more detailed technical information about it.

Morello Forni and the European Pizza Championship

It was a pleasure to see Morello Forni’s wonderful ovens. The European Pizza Championship, which they sponsored, was held opposite their stand.

We are particularly proud that a Hungarian team made it to the podium. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate László Damu and his team on their excellent result. We were able to watch the award ceremony in person, which was a truly moving experience.

It was interesting and thought-provoking to see how much space the Germans give to Italian gastronomy at what is essentially a German trade fair. The pizza championship was organized almost entirely with Italian professional support: Italian organizers, Italian ingredient suppliers, and the Italian company Morello Forni. To me, this clearly shows how open the German market is to integrating authentic, strong gastronomic cultures, and also that pizza and Italian cuisine continue to be key players in European hospitality.

Technological trends – AI and streamlined solutions

At the exhibition, I encountered several camera-based AI systems that help optimize kitchen processes. In addition, clean, minimalist buffet and serving counter solutions appeared, striving for a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality.

This is one of the most effective trade shows

For me, Intergastra in Stuttgart remains one of the most practical and effective trade fairs. It is not its size that makes it truly valuable, but its transparency, the opportunity for genuine professional dialogue, and the fact that it presents the most important innovations from German and Northern European manufacturers in a concentrated manner.

This year, it was particularly inspiring to see that functionality is increasingly being combined with design, digital solutions, and ergonomic awareness. It is also gratifying to see how strongly international gastronomic influences, especially Italian ones, are present even in a German professional environment.

I am already looking forward to the next Intergastra.”

Mirjam Kertész
Managing Director, Coninvest Group