Oktoberfest, Munich: gastronomic world wonder, power event and export hit

 
From September 19^th to October 4^th 2009, Munich celebrated its 176^th Oktoberfest. The traditional Bavarian festival is an unequalled economical power event: 5.7 Mio. visitors participated in this year's Oktoberfest. They spent a total of EUR 800 m - EUR 300 m during the festival, another EUR 300 Mio. for accommodation & co. and EUR 200 m for extras such as souvenirs, taxis etc.
 
The festival, which attracts masses of people from all over the world, might also be called a gastronomic world wonder: altogether, 92 foodservice operators (34 with seating) supplied foods and drinks. 100.000 seats were available - mostly in the 14 traditional marquees hosting up to 10.000 guests each.
 
During the 16 days of jolly celebration, operators poured 6.5m l of beer - that's 1.14 l per head at a price of 8.10-8.60 €/liter. 111 oxen were consumed during the two weeks of celebration. Almost half a million broiler are eaten on the festival grounds every year, along with far over 100.000 sausages.
 
What's more: the Oktoberfest concept is so popular and universally revowed that it has been transported into nations worldwide. Over 1.000 copies exist from Canada to Taiwan.
 
In issue 3/2010 of FoodService Europe & Middle East, we are planning extensive coverage of the Oktoberfest. Here's a little foretaste with pictures from our photographers Katrin Wissmann and Thomas Fedra: Pictures.
 

 
| 3 December 2009 | Katrin Wissmann |