Communal food

Ceratizit Halle (Hall 3), Booth 3D80

Sustainability and climate protection are a must nowadays – in communal food too. The desire for a menu, which satisfies these needs, does not only come from guests but also from within the company. Operators of canteens and refectories must also react to this in the same way as caterers in order to compete on the market.

Focus on the future of catering in schools and kindergartens

INTERGASTRA 2026 focused on the topic of catering in schools and kindergartens – since the provision of meals for children in kindergartens and schools is a task for society as a whole that directly affects millions of families. LunchLab was an innovative platform on which existing structures could be questioned and new viable methods for communal food could be developed. The objectives were to provide inspiration, promote dialogue and jointly develop solutions.

LunchLab: more than just products – the big picture in mind

LunchLab deliberately differed from traditional exhibitions. The focal points were not just products or technology, but primarily suitable overall solutions and field-tested processes. Visitors could look forward to a varied special area containing a stage programme and exhibition and dialogue elements. The discussed topics included quality, standards, sustainability, financing, digitalisation, recruitment of skilled workers and the active involvement of children and parents in catering. A large number of partners shared their experiences and showed how innovative approaches function in practice.

Process optimisation in LunchLab: efficient and future-oriented

The focal point of LunchLab was process optimisation of existing solutions for communal food. Between cost pressure, the shortage of skilled workers and increasing requirements regarding sustainability, LunchLab showed how processes can be designed more efficiently, how resources can be used purposefully and how quality can be ensured. In the informative special area you would not encounter a show featuring just technology or products, but could instead gain a practical overview of the entire topic – from planning and organisation through to everyday eating culture. LunchLab focused on the big picture: structures, processes, attitude – and specific ways to successfully achieve good catering under real conditions.

A central element of the special area was a daily stage program with a panel discussion in which partners and experts discussed practical examples and a variety of solutions. These included: Cool Cooking, DZG, Edgar Fuchs, foove, Hobart, Jam Verlag, Junior Serve, Lern BW, Packing Panda, Profi-table, Rational, the city of Ulm, and Winterhalter.

Programme FOKUSGemeinschaftsverpﬂegung Hall 3 – Stand 3D80 (in German)
Highlights School Catering Congress and Municipalities Day
Key topics

From 11:00	Masterclasses from our partner companies
13:00	The dos and don’ts for a tailored approach to communal catering What works in communal catering – and what doesn’t? Key advice on the dos and don’ts when it comes to developing a sustainable overall concept with a closer look at current practices. This masterclass will focus on established preparation concepts in kindergartens and schools: Cook & Serve, Cook & Hold, Cook & Chill, Cook & Freeze and hybrid approaches.
13:30	Quality & Recommendations vs. Costs An overview of the recommendations and quality standards from the German Nutrition Society (DGE). The conflicting priorities of quality standards, sustainability, regionality and the price of a meal in communal catering.
13:45	From the idea to implementation Key components for a feasible catering concept – from quality to costs to the parties involved in kindergartens and schools.
14:00	Finance & Tenders An overview of the funding opportunities for communal catering, as well as key aspects for a cost-effective, practical and legally sound tender – from estimates to quality criteria and contract design.
14:15	Personnel & Participation The acquisition and training of personnel, development of expertise and appropriate involvement of children, young people and parents – for greater acceptance and a successful food culture.
14:30	Digitalisation & Logistics From ordering and invoicing to meal planning – what digital tools provide everyday support? Practical solutions in terms of transport, the cold chain and reliable delivery, particularly in rural areas.
14:45	The Future of Communal Food – Ideas & Innovation New concepts for kitchens, dining halls and catering facilities – from centralised to decentralised, modular and mobile, supported by on-site examples.
From 15:00	Masterclasses from our partner companies

School Catering Congress

The challenges in our current education systems are unprecedented. Children now attending a kindergarten will only finish their training after 2040, thereby entering a world which has changed dramatically. The quality of school catering plays a key role in this respect: it will not only influence the eating habits and nutritional awareness among the next generation, but will also shape future guests in restaurants.

The School Catering Congress on 9 February 2026 during INTERGASTRA will be a unique platform to discuss current challenges, innovative concepts and proven practical examples relating to catering in schools. The focal points of the Congress will be topics such as sustainable and healthy food, the integration of digital solutions, and financing and organisation in the development process.

Leading experts, decision-makers and practitioners from education, the restaurant industry and politics will meet in order to jointly develop new methods and learn from one another. Make use of the Congress to carry out networking, gain inspiration and take home specific ideas on how to further develop school catering. We will therefore jointly send a strong signal for the future of our children – and for the quality of communal food.

Program Details

Municipalities Day for School Catering

What is required for a successful, high standard of school catering? This will be a key question asked during the Municipalities Day for School Catering on 10 February 2026, taking place during INTERGASTRA. Visitors can expect factual information, inspirational ideas and plenty of opportunities to explore and discuss a crucial element of all-day childcare and municipal services.

In cooperation with Gemeindetag Baden-Württemberg, Landkreistag Baden-Württemberg and DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg, Municipalities Day is specifically aimed at municipal decision-makers, policy-makers and practitioners. Presentations will be given by experts in the field, there will be guided tours of the trade fair, as well as a variety of networking opportunities, all of which aim to provide greater insight into the latest developments, challenges and solutions when it comes to providing school catering services.

Visitors will also be presented with the latest offers, concepts and approaches at the DEHOGA Stand, the stand of the Landeszentrum für Ernährung Baden-Württemberg, in the communal food area, the “Taste the South” area, as well as the Food & Concept Court. The Municipalities Day for School Catering boasts a programme not to be missed by those looking to play a part in shaping the future of school catering.

Quality & standards: Practical implementation of DGE Standards, feedback systems, Cook & Chill.
Sustainability & regionalism: Organic portions, CO₂ balances, seasonal menus, cooperation agreements with producers.
Financing & contract awarding practice: Fair calculations, promotional programmes, tenders.
Digitalisation & logistics: Tools for ordering, invoicing, menus, cold chain & transport.
Shortage of skilled workers & personnel: Qualification, hygiene standards, cooperation agreements.
Educational involvement: Eating culture, participation of children, nutrition education.
Future of catering: Modular kitchens, mobile dispensing systems, refectories as social spaces.
Practice pure: Empirical reports from communes, schools, kindergartens and companies.