The World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) is an international non-profit member association that is involved in all aspects and activities relating to global promotion, development, experience and information exchange for retail and wholesale markets. WUWM also provides information to the general public, as well as public authorities, on the important role and activities of the market sector.

WUWM Mission

To promote the essential role that wholesale and retail markets play in ensuring the sustainable access, availability and distribution of a diverse variety of quality fresh food products, whilst maintaining competitive prices and the highest standards of service and food security, throughout the international community.

 

WUWM Objectives

• To develop and encourage international information sharing on wholesale and retail markets, with a view to supporting  the establishment, organization and management of member wholesale markets;
• To participate in the activities and challenges of wholesale and retail markets and production markets or emerging markets;
• To share experience, best practices, knowledge and know-how within the community of members for their benefit - and to promote the sector;
• To develop and promote the important relationship existing between market authorities, operators, traders and businesses on the market.

Through the intermediary of its members, the WUWM helps pass on special knowledge and know-how from managers who are trying to improve their markets’ construction, organization and management. The WUWM acts as an important tool at the service of the legislators in charge of the safety of food products and food chain distribution services in their city or country.

WUWM Vision

1. To ensure that wholesale and retail markets are recognized for their important role in local, national and international food distribution chains.
2. That WUWM be internationally recognized as the premier international organisation to support wholesale and retail market promotion and development by excellence in:
   
   
1. Offering an efficient arena for information exchange, networking, and cross fertilization of wholesale/retail market knowledge.
2. Helping our members to develop new businesses by strengthening the reciprocal relationship between the wholesale and retail markets. Making contacts among importers, exporters, and wholesalers within the respective markets. And, finally, helping members to get new clients and find new suppliers.
   
   
3. To confidently contribute to the representation of the interests of wholesale and retail markets with international institutions, national and local governments. We must convincingly demonstrate and emphasize the socio-economic and environmental benefits arising through the operation of wholesale and retail markets.
   

The World Union of Retail Markets within WUWM
Recognizing the contribution made by retail market operators and authorities to the markets industry, and the common agenda of many aspects of wholesale and retail markets, WUWM opened in 2006 to retail membership. In early 2009 the WUWM retail section was formally developed into the World Union of Retail Markets within WUWM with the following objectives:

• Information and knowledge exchange - between members, as well as with other public or private bodies;
• To offer a strategy and comprehensive knowledge of the global retail market industry;
• Support members in the operation and promotion of their retail markets;
• Lobbying - including public/private decision-making bodies, parliamentary groups, legislators, and other market related organisations;
• To promote and develop best practice within the retail market sector.

Food Safety and Hygiene Working Group

The WUWM provides knowledge and know-how to decision-makers throughout the world, whose actions affect numerous areas relating to food safety and hygiene. The European section of WUWM works closely with the European Commission in areas falling under European health and safety regulations. It also works to support members in other global regions discussing issues of common interest. Currently the WUWM Guide to Good Hygienic Practice for Wholesale Market Authorities within the European Union is being reviewed by the European Commission as the future European Community Guide for the wholesale market sector.

Markets and Environment Working Group

The WUWM seeks to increase public awareness of the considerable efforts made to protect the environment in the wholesale market sector. Topics studied to date include areas such as waste management, recycling and energy savings. Future issues will review other harmful environmental concerns (or nuisances) such as: noise and traffic; facilitating effective sewage and water treatments; and avoiding the dissemination of waste in public areas.

WUWM Regional Sections

WUWM regional sections exist for Europe, the America’s, and Asia/Pacific. These regioanl sections aim to support members, by encouraging increased activities, regionally based studies and projects. They help ensure more efficient representation in the global food distribution sector.

WUWM Events and Communications

The WUWM generally holds an international congress every two years and an annual conference twice a year. Thematic or regional meetings are also held as the need arises.

The WUWM congress is open to both members and non-members and is relevant to all wholesale/retail market operators and traders, food hygiene/security experts, food industry representatives, producers, distributors, academics, and national / regional decision-makers. WUWM congresses provide delegates with valuable networking opportunities, and an international forum to debate the latest issues and trends facing not only wholesale and retail markets, but the market sector and food distribution industries worldwide.

WUWM Conferences are primarily aimed at the WUWM membership, however non-member observers and guests are always welcome to register and attend.

Website

The WUWM website provides an overview of both its members and activities, with one section reserved for members-only.

E-Newsletter

The WUWM publishes a monthly newsletter which is distributed to members and interested readers around the world. If you would like to read and/or receive this newsletter, please visit the WUWM website on the link provided: www.wuwm.org

For more information:

World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM)
Molenstraat 15
2513 BH, The Hague
Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 361 1728
Fax: +31 70 360 6908
E-mail: m.cavit@wuwm.org
URL: www.wuwm.org