Study says, Messe Stuttgart is first trade company

Later, after searching for valid documents as asked by the Indian authorities, it was found that this date is no longer considered valid. Marking a significant milestone in history, the comprehensive search resulted in the discovery that the company's predecessor, Stuttgarter Handelshof AG, was officially registered in the Commercial Register in October 1918. Hence, it’s one of the world’s first trade fair companies.

The striking discovery came into the picture when Messe Stuttgart was registering for its Indian subsidiary, Messe Stuttgart India, Indian authorities asked for the document containing the official date on which Messe Stuttgart was founded. A comprehensive search was conducted which culminated with a discovery of its exact founding date.

President of Messe Stuttgart, Roland Bleinroth said, “When we came across the name Stuttgarter Handelshof AG during our research, we conducted further verifications." 

Rolf Bidlingmair, the head of the town archives in Metzingen, confirmed that one of the predecessors of Messe Stuttgart,  Stuttgarter Handelshof AG, was established as a trade fair company after the First World War in 1918. 

As mentioned in the documents, the main objective of the organisation was to promote industry in Württemberg and support cultural and scientific activities by organising exhibitions, trade fairs, and similar events. Additionally, they also used to provide exhibition halls for congresses, meetings, and events related to sports, music, and the arts. And this objective still applies to Messe Stuttgart's current mission and goals.

It was found that the first trade fair of Stuttgarter Handelshof AG was organised in September 1919, and it was called Jugosi. This trade fair focused on jewellery, watches, gold, silver, and metal goods. Jugosi was later replaced by Anuga, a general food and drinks trade fair, after many other exhibitions and fairs. This industry, with leading companies like Pforzheim, Heilbronn Schwäbisch Gmünd and the Black Forest clock industry, found the major and central marketplace in Stuttgart. Additionally, it was witnessed in the research that at the end of its second year of operation, Stuttgarter Handelshof AG had already staged 25 trade fairs and exhibitions.

The president of Messe Stuttgart, Roland Bleinroth, affirmed that the presence of substantial evidence ensured the proper registration of our new Indian subsidiary, Messe Stuttgart India. The Indian authorities' request for the documents contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the organisation and also played a crucial role in multiple facets.

Since its inception, Messe Stuttgart India has made a huge impact in the industry and to mark its presence, it has organised world-class trade fairs and exhibitions covering sectors such as industrial, manufacturing, education and logistics. 

Recently, it launched many successful trade fairs and exhibitions including LogiMAT India, MOLDEX and FASTNEX India.