METRO is once again supporting the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival 2026 as a main partner
19 August 2026
The organisers and partners of the Gourmet Festival gathered for the press conference: Michael Widmer (Managing Director, METRO Markt Düsseldorf), Norman Wegner (Head Chef, Hase & Igel), Hendrik Schellkes (Managing Director, Wellfairs Events), Peter Wienen (Chairman of IG Königsallee) and Martin Behle (Chief HoReCa Officer, METRO AG).
Together with more than 220 restaurateurs, producers, distilleries and winemakers from over 11 countries, the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival brings culinary diversity and a passion for gastronomy to Düsseldorf city centre.
During the festival, METRO ensures that participating restaurants and food vendors are supplied at all times with the products and equipment they need, while also providing fast and reliable replenishment whenever required. This includes short-notice deliveries directly to the festival grounds as well as an ice service that helps keep food and beverages properly chilled throughout the event. At the same time, many long-standing METRO customers help shape the festival's culinary offering. In previous years, businesses such as Essbar, Byliny and Staudis have showcased their concepts to a broad audience.
This year, METRO is collaborating with the Düsseldorf restaurant “Hase & Igel”, which serves, amongst other things, karaage, oysters and its famous Stulle sandwich at Corneliusplatz. Sebastian Wego and the team from Nørds, who were festival partners last year, are also returning and will be offering Nordic hot dogs and homemade lemonades.
Steffen Greubel, CEO of METRO AG, emphasises: "In 2026, we will be the main sponsor of the Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf for the fifth time; the festival embodies everything that defines gastronomy today: diversity, hospitality, culinary highlights and shared experiences. Düsseldorf becomes a stage for indulgence and brings people together. Such unique events bring gastronomy to life and are the hallmark of a vibrant city. We are delighted to help further strengthen Düsseldorf’s appeal as a national gastronomic hotspot".
For Michael Widmer, Managing Director of METRO Düsseldorf Store, the Gourmet Festival is a highlight of the gastronomic summer: “The weekend of the Gourmet Festival is a special highlight for us, the METRO Düsseldorf team. We are close to our customers and their guests, and experience first-hand how the catering industry brings people together. The festival offers the opportunity to showcase catering businesses and to let everyone experience the diversity of Düsseldorf’s scene together.”
With around 100,000 visitors expected, the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival ranks among Europe’s most significant culinary events. For METRO, this involvement represents a clear commitment to the catering industry and to the people who shape it with passion.
Impressions from the press conference
Martin Behle (Chief HoReCa Officer – Metro AG) and Michael Widmer (Managing Director, METRO Düsseldorf)
Press conference at the Hase & Igel restaurant
Press conference at the Hase & Igel restaurant
Stefania Lettini presents her "Piazza Italia".
Sebastian Wego runs the restaurant Nørds in Düsseldorf.
A taste of what’s on offer at the Hase & Igel restaurant.
Peter Wienen (Chairman of IG Königsallee).
Norman Wegner, Hase & Igel.
Michael Schweers (Düsseldorf Carnival Support Association) brought Hoppeditz along as a special guest.
Hendrik Schellkes is the organiser of the Gourmet Festival, which is run by Wellfairs GmbH.
The organisers and partners of the Gourmet Festival gathered for the press conference: Michael Widmer (Managing Director, METRO Markt Düsseldorf), Norman Wegner (Head Chef, Hase & Igel), Hendrik Schellkes (Managing Director, Wellfairs Events), Peter Wienen (Chairman of IG Königsallee) and Martin Behle (Chief HoReCa Officer, METRO AG).
FAQ Gourmet Festival
How is METRO involved in the 2026 Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival?
Why is METRO involved in the Gourmet Festival?
When will the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival 2026 take place?
The festival will take place from 21 to 23 August 2026 on Düsseldorf’s Königsallee.
Friday, 21 August, 1 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, 22 August, 11 am to 10 pm
Sunday, 23 August, 11 am to 8 pm
Graf-Adolf-Platz, Königsallee, Corneliusplatz
Entry to the Gourmet Festival is free.
Königsallee will be closed to car traffic between Corneliusplatz and Graf-Adolf-Platz at the following times: Friday, 3 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 1 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm.
