We are excited to share the recent visit of the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Secretariat to the captivating Mabru, the Wholesale Market of Brussels, with the WUWM board member, Mr Laurent Nys. This visit was an opportunity to experience the bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings of Mabru and to extend a warm welcome to our new member, Northern Farmers from India.  

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Mabru, also known as the Early Morning Market, has a rich history spanning over a century. From its humble beginnings at the Grand Place of Brussels and nearby streets, the market has evolved into a premier destination for professional traders, boasting an extensive selection of domestic and international products of impeccable quality and freshness.  

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With its location along the Quai des Usines since 1973, the Early Morning Market has continued to grow and flourish. Today, the market encompasses five covered halls spread over 40,000 square meters of sales space. Within these halls, over 100 merchants offer various products, including fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, game, fish and shellfish, cheese and dairy products, available food and consumer goods, beverages, frozen products, flowers, and plants. The role of Mabru is crucial in promoting, developing, and managing the activities of the Early Morning Market. Since its establishment as a non-profit organization in 1992, Mabru has played a pivotal role in facilitating commercial transactions related to the wholesale trade in agro-food products for professional traders. Their dedication and efforts have made Mabru a dynamic hub of commerce and a cornerstone of Belgium’s fresh market landscape.  

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Let us dive into some fascinating figures about Mabru:  

1. Spread across 14 hectares of terrain, Mabru accommodates the bustling activity of the market.  
2. With 40,000 square meters of sales space divided among five covered halls, Mabru offers an extensive range of products.  
3. The market includes 114 businesses comprising producers and wholesalers contributing to its vibrant ecosystem.  
4. Mabru sees between 300 and 400 people operating on-site, ensuring smooth transactions and efficient logistics.  
5. Impressively, Mabru witnesses a weekly transit of between 8,000 and 10,000 tonnes of diverse products.  
6. Furthermore, the market attracts over 22,000 visitors monthly, demonstrating its significance in the region.  

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During our visit, the WUWM Secretariat welcomed our new member, Northern Farmers, to the WUWM network. Northern Farmers Mega FPO represents producers from North Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu Kashmir. Their collaboration emerged from the growing demand for source-identified produce and the preference of buyers to engage directly with the actual producers.  

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Northern Farmers embodies core values such as respect for farmers and the produce they grow, a focus on innovative farm practices, adherence to high ethical standards, environmental preservation, and a commitment to meet evolving client and consumer needs. Their mission aligns with the cooperative philosophy of ensuring that earnings are distributed among the farmer-owners, fostering sustainable agriculture practices.  

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As an organization, WUWM continually strives to enhance and strengthen relationships between our members. We facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote knowledge sharing, and foster collaborations within the global food industry. The visit to Mabru and the welcoming of Northern Farmers mark another step forward in achieving these goals, expanding our network, and enriching the collective wisdom of our community.  

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mabru and Northern Farmers for their warm hospitality and commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the wholesale market industry. Their dedication to excellence and sustainable practices serves as an inspiration to all of us. We eagerly anticipate sharing the success stories, challenges, and lessons learned through these interactions.  

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Together, let us continue cultivating a thriving global community of wholesale markets where collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the pursuit of excellence are at the forefront.