Fair Handeln 2025 was a resounding success. As the largest and most well-known fair trade fair in German-speaking countries, it is a meeting place for all those committed to greater global justice, fair business practices, and sustainable consumption.

Sharing the hall with the Slow Food Fair, it demonstrated that fair and sustainable living is possible – something that more and more people, companies, and political actors want. The new logo and clear positioning make the fair even more visible and reinforce its message: Fair trade is a path to a fairer and more sustainable future.

For four days, Messe Stuttgart transformed into a place of exchange, inspiration, and engagement. Visitors came to discover fair fashion, listen to exciting presentations, get to know NGOs, or gain new perspectives over a cup of fair trade coffee. Dedicated retailers, civil society organizations, and numerous prominent supporters used the opportunity to raise awareness of their concerns and strengthen partnerships—an important platform in times when global cooperation is crucial.

Our highlights – a review

Prominent personalities made strong statements for a fair and sustainable life – including Gifty Rosetta Amo Antwi, State Secretary Sandra Boser, Nikita Gorbunov, Elaha Hakim, State Secretary Florian Hassler, Minister Peter Hauk, Andreas Hofer, Dr. Jan Kizilhan, Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, Dr. Pater Deogratias Marahukiro, Augusta Muhimpundu, Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, Minister Cem Özdemir, Viola Wohlgemuth, and many other committed voices.

The most successful events in the stage program particularly attracted young people, fashion enthusiasts, the Afrodiaspora and those interested in the continent of Africa:

• Poetry Slam with regional artists at the Long Night of the Senses
• Future Fashion Moves – a cooperation with DanceWorld that reached new target groups
• Future fashion Friday with practical tips on repair & care
• Africa Forum with the special highlight: an exchange with Dr. Siyabulela Mandela

Important development policy issues were also addressed:

• The new initiative to strengthen the Partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Northern Iraq presented the immersive reality experience “Nobody’s Listening” .
• The Development policy state conference he celebrated DEAB e. V. its 50th anniversary – and adopted groundbreaking demands for state politics.
• At the BW-Burundi meeting Participants discussed “peace work in the midst of conflict”.

A place for learning, networking and co-creation

Fair Handeln is more than a trade fair – it is a learning center and a vibrant network. New collaborations are formed here, ideas are developed further, and target groups are reached. The SEZ supports the fair both ideologically and professionally, audits exhibitors, and coordinates the diverse program. In 2025, over 12 specialist and networking events and 52 keynote speeches, workshops and participatory activities Around 60.000 visitors took part in the Stuttgart spring fairs.

Fair Handeln is a highlight for the development policy network in Baden-Württemberg – and beyond. It demonstrates how we can achieve more together.

Become part of Fair Trade.
Whether you are an NGO, company, educational institution or initiative: become an exhibitor, design the supporting program, bring your own specialist event to Fair Handeln – and make a statement together with us.