Edeka Nord launches new food test markets in Northern Germany

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2025. 07. 31. 09:07

Edeka Nord and Food Harbour Hamburg have announced an exclusive cooperation allowing food manufacturers and start-ups to test their new products under real-life conditions in selected Edeka stores.

The goal of the initiative is to allow manufacturers to refine product launches based on customer feedback and bring innovative items to market more quickly.

During the pilot program, customer behavior will be monitored in their usual shopping environment, providing more authentic feedback for producers.

“With this initiative, we are building a bridge between innovative food companies and local retail,” Jochen Matzer, Managing Director of Food Harbour Hamburg said.

Edeka Nord operates more than 600 stores across Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and parts of Lower Saxony and Brandenburg, covering a total sales area of 824,000 square meters. The company generates annual sales of 4.1 billion euros and employs 5,700 people, what makes it one of the largest employers in Northern Germany.

The program’s logistics background is ensured by Edeka Niemerszein. The cooperation starts with immediate effect, and Food Harbour Hamburg invites interested food companies to apply.