On the occasion of World Environment Day, Nores wants to highlight how systematic work and cooperation can make large-scale events both sustainable and socially beneficial. During Noresdagen 2025, Matvett's “Sustainable Food Fair” model was implemented to an even greater extent than in previous years, with good results and very little food waste.

A model for sustainable trade fairs

Matvett's “Sustainable Food Fair” model is a best practice guide designed to help organizers reduce food waste and optimize resource use during food fairs. The model focuses on three main areas:

1. Organizing in networks: Establishing cooperation between organizers, exhibitors, food centers and waste companies to ensure common goals and measures.

2. Goal setting: Set concrete targets for food waste reduction and utilization of surplus food, with indicators such as grams of food waste per visitor.

3. Toolkit: Use of resources such as e-learning courses for exhibitors, information materials, waste sorting systems and visibility of sustainability measures.

The model has previously been used successfully at events such as the Østlandet Grand Household Fair and UMAMI ARENA as well as previous Noresdagar.

Noresdagen 2025: Implementation and results

Nores took the model seriously and carried out several initiatives:

• Information and training: Exhibitors received ongoing information on the number of enrollees for better planning of tastings. Nearly 90% of food exhibitors completed Matvett's e-learning course on food waste before the fair. Completed courses were also one of the criteria for being able to win the second prize for Stand of the Year, which was awarded during the evening's gala dinner.

• Logistics and facilities: Access to refrigerated trucks, refrigerators and prep areas were ensured for optimal food storage and preparation.

• Waste Management: Own crew ensured the correct sorting of all waste, with waste stations located around the fairgrounds.

• Donation of surplus food: Matcentralen Vestland was present at the demolition rig to collect surplus food. A total of 504.92 kilograms of food were collected, of which only 1.42 kilograms were thrown away — a donation percentage of 99.72%.

- Thank you very much for a wonderful food rescue cooperation. Matsentralalen Vestland received food items equivalent to over 1000 meals after the fair. These are high-quality goods, which were redistributed in just two days to recipient organizations of the food center network. More than 20 organizations have visited the center and participated in this, among these organizations we find the Gospel Center, Robin Hood House, Int Ops, Kil Fond and the Red Cross, says Monica Rieber-Mohn Fuhr, General Manager of the Matcentralen Norway.

‍Collaboration and engagement

Its success is due to close cooperation between all parties involved. Suppliers, exhibitors and partners such as Matsentralalen, Matvett, Grieghallen and BIR Firth helped make Noresdagen 2025 an example of how sustainable fairs can be implemented in practice.

---- This is a brilliant example of how good collaboration, deliberate planning, good logistics and communication can lead to almost zero food waste, even during large events, says Marie Kleppe, project manager for KuttMatsvinn Serving in Matvett.

The way forward

Nores is committed to continuing its work on sustainable events and hopes that the lessons learned from Nores Day 2025 can inspire other players in the industry to adopt Matvett's model for sustainable food fairs.

For more information, contact:

Malin Bech
Market and Sustainability Manager, Nores SA
📞 +4747233449
📧 malinb@nores.no

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