The Wiesn innkeepers are taking further steps to offer more organic products at the Oktoberfest. They have agreed to cooperate with Bavarian organic farmers. In the first year, the focus will be on a thorough analysis to determine which measures are feasible and sensible in which tent, the innkeepers in Munich announced. In subsequent years, more organic products will be offered, from vegetables, rice and spaetzle to sweets, cheese, milk and meat.
Many restaurateurs at the festival already have a variety of organic offerings. However, the experience with organic products varies greatly between businesses. “We are entrepreneurs and will always focus on what the guests want,” says restaurateur spokesman Peter Inselkammer.
Oktoberfest as a role model
But he also stresses: “The Oktoberfest serves as a role model for many other folk festivals.” The project is a long-term one, as experience needs to be gained at the largest folk festival in the world in order to then gradually advance implementation. “We want to show at the Oktoberfest that more can be done here,” says Inselkammer.
Public pressure on Oktoberfest hosts to be more sustainable and offer more organic products has been increasing for years. After a debate about whether the Oktoberfest would only be possible with organic products or at least an organic quota, last year the Paulaner festival tent offered only organic chicken as a test. There should be at least one vegan dish in every tent, as well as more vegetarian dishes. At a round table, representatives of hosts, the city, farmers and environmental activists discussed more sustainability at the festival.
Organic too expensive?
One initiative had even demanded that the festival should switch completely to organic products in the next few years. The innkeepers rejected this: not every guest could afford the higher prices for organic products.
The question of price is also to be examined. “We first need to examine together how and where organic products can be used sensibly. Are there sufficient quantities, what about delivery and storage?” says restaurant spokesman Inselkammer. “We want good organic quality from Bavaria and the Munich area – at acceptable prices suitable for a folk festival. Ultimately, the guest decides which products he wants,” adds co-spokesman Christian Schottenhamel.
The Bioland Bavarian regional association coordinates the project; other associations are also involved.
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