Mathallen in good company

This week, representatives from food markets in 13 cities around the world participated in an international conference with the theme: "The historical food markets experience in countries with diverse tradition and culture." 

The conference took place in Florence, where they also marked the 150th anniversary of the historic central market of San Lorenzo. Here, representatives from food markets such as Boqueria in Barcelona, ​​Nishiki Market in Kyoto and Markthalle Neun in Berlin met, as well as our good "neighbors" from Torvehallerne in Copenhagen and Malmö Saluhall. Together, the representatives have worked for recognition from UNESCO for the important role of food markets in preserving local identity and traditions. 

The organizer has sent out the following summary after the conference here:

In Florence a summit of the historical markets to defend the traditional trade. The International Conference with the covered markets representatives from 13 cities from all over the world is held today In Sala Luca Giordano. The request is "Yes for a recognition by UNESCO.

Florence, April 4, 2024 – Ten markets from all over the world and three from Tuscany (13 total) gathered together in Florence for the 150 anniversary celebration of the birth of the Historical Central Market of San Lorenzo to create an association for traders of covered markets and to protect and defend their commercial identity of large cities represented here.

In Sala Luca Giordano at Palazzo Medici Riccardi here today gathered the summit of the covered markets from all over the world, from Boqueria in Barcellona to Torvehallerne KBH in Copenhagen, from Nishiki Market in Kyoto to Oslo Mathallen in Norway, from the Swedish Malmø Saluhall to the English Market in Cork (Ireland). And more from Berlin with Markthalle Neun, Jerusalem with Mahade Yehuda Market, Riga with Riga Central Market and Santander with the Mercado de la Esperanza as well as the MEQ from Follonica and the Mercato delle Vettovaglie from Livorno.

During the international conference organized by the Historical Central Market in celebration of the 150 year anniversary "A glance from the world the historical food markets experience in countries with diverse tradition and culture" was presented a protocol that will bring to the organization of an Association and to the request of recognition by UNESCO and to safeguard the local identities against the depersonalization of trade and commerce.

All of the markets have told their history from yesterday and today looking at their future. Eventhough there are differences from a geographical and cultural point of view, the challenge is the same: defend the history and traditions that have been passed down by generations.

To explain the process that will bring to the organization of the Association Massimo Manetti the president of the consortium of the historical Central market

"With the presentation of the protocol to start an Association of historical markets as a route with the aim to obtain recognition by UNESCO. Today we have presented a Memorandum of Understanding which includes minimum requirements (such as history to show activity over time and recognition from local authorities), rules and goals. In a months time, after enough time to inspect the documentation, we will have a video conference and we will start the collection of memberships"

Once the Association is organized it will proceed with choosing and registering an international trade mark and start the process of recognition by UNESCO. During the Conference a second protocol was presented by Euro Sportello to identify a network of markets that may participate in financial European notices of shared valorization projects.

"With this initiative we open new working scenarios both on the national and international level and our market proposes itself as the leader of a network of markets from all over the world that can work together for network promotion, exchange and projects of valorization in Europe to finally obtain, as previously mentioned, recognition by UNESCO" said Manetti.