At "Regionality Days", Marco Marach, an independent merchant in Verden, Lower Saxony, recently not only focused on product ranges from the area around his stores, but also sought dialogue with customers, politicians and farmers. In an interview with one_Gespräch, he talks about his commitment and the dialogue.
one: What is behind the "Regionality Days" in your markets and how did the idea come about?
Marco Marach: I came up with the idea because many consumers are demanding more and more regionality, but rarely actually know what the term actually means and what challenges local producers often face.that's why I invited a good 30 local and regional suppliers to present themselves in my market and engage in dialogue with consumers and political guests. Topics included, for example: To what extent do bureaucracy and labour shortages cause them problems? How do they sell their products and how does local value creation actually work?
one: What role do regional and local product ranges play in your markets and how do you experience direct cooperation with farmers?
Marco Marach: For me and my team, local and regional product ranges have been a priority since 2019 - with steadily increasing value.
Marco Marach can draw on a network of 70 local and regional suppliers.
We have around 70 local and regional suppliers, spread across many ranges and product palettes.we are also constantly on the lookout for new products and partners. Locality and regionality mean partnership - we strengthen and support each other.for example, on some days with very high demand, my local egg supplier comes up to three times a day to bring us freshly laid eggs. I am happy to pay a few cents more for this extra effort on the part of the farmer.after all, it means we still have an attractive offer for our customers. At the same time, we prevent high markdowns. On the other hand, I also have suppliers who contact me when they have a surplus of products. We then work together to find a customised solution for sales without having to sell the goods for less than their value or dispose of them.the collaboration is always open, honest, on an equal footing and based on partnership. Mutual appreciation and respect are important.
one: What topics characterised the discussions at the "Regionality Days" and what was the feedback from customers?
Marco Marach: The best feedback came from the customers: They have already asked for a repeat next year. That made me - and the local producers - really happy and encouraged me. But the feedback from farmers, other suppliers and political representatives was also consistently positive.together, we were able to highlight and discuss the opportunities and challenges of local value creation. And the days made it clear to me once again that my team and I are on the right track.
About the person
Marco Marach is a self-employed businessman and runs two REWE stores in Verden.
