EFTTA Summit ‘seriously’ in doubt after ANGELWELT disagreement

EFTTA – the body that represents the trade across Europe – says it is ‘seriously’ considering cancelling its flagship Summit at Germany’s ANGELWELT following a disagreement with the show organiser.

The association says that the day-long event – due to take place in Berlin on November 27 – is in doubt following recent developments concerning ANGELWELT’s promotion of its B2B platform in China and its efforts to connect Chinese manufacturers and brands with the European market.

In a press release issued by the organisation, EFTTA said it had initially welcomed ANGELWELT’s plans to strengthen its B2B offer by creating additional networking opportunities for brands, retailers, distributors and other industry representatives attending the show.

However, EFTTA says it was ‘surprised’ to see the concept develop in a different direction, with ANGELWELT actively promoting its B2B platform in China. “Despite EFTTA’s objections, both the association and the EFTTA Angling Summit continue to be presented as part of ANGELWELT’s international B2B platform. An article published last week by a trade magazine again described the Summit as a key component of the initiative.

“While ANGELWELT has since sought to clarify its position, the EFTTA Board believes its concerns have not yet been sufficiently addressed. Clear, public corrective action remains necessary.

“EFTTA recognises the international nature of today’s angling industry and supports fair international trade. However, all companies operating in the European market must compete on a level playing field and meet the same regulatory, environmental and intellectual-property requirements.

“The EFTTA Angling Summit was established to bring together industry representatives, policymakers, scientists and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the sector. It should not be portrayed as part of a commercial initiative intended to facilitate market access for manufacturers from any one country.”

EFTTA added it has communicated its concerns to ANGELWELT and is giving the organiser a final opportunity to take corrective action and publicly clarify its position before a final decision is made.

Should EFTTA withdraw from ANGELWELT Berlin, it will seek an alternative venue for the rescheduled Summit.