People at Krones – Ines Stumm

What would a trade fair be without places to relax in and without some enjoyable conversations over a good meal? What would a fair like the drinktec be without something to actually drink? Ines Stumm’s job in the Krones trade fair team is to look after the creature comforts of the visitors to our stand at drinktec 2013.

Ines, how long have you been part of the trade fair team?

I joined Krones in 1989, and trained first of all as an industrial clerk. I’ve been with the trade fair team for 14 years now. Since 2001, my principal remit at drinktec has involved organising the catering for our trade fair stands.

What changes have you noticed as the years went by?

The quality and choice of the food provided has grown over time. When I started off, basically all we served was hot dogs, veal sausages and meat loaf. In the meantime, we can offer a wide selection of starters, main courses and desserts. Gourmet stuff! We also get a lot of approving feedback from our customers.

When do you begin with the planning work?

I’ve been busy with preparing for the drinktec since the end of 2012. Every planning job begins with the tender: which catering service can offer us the high standard of quality that we need?

How many people do you have to plan for?

During a drinktec, we serve 2,500 to 3,000 meals a day. In the evening, there are events for customers, where we serve up a 3-course meal for 800 people. At the last drinktec, for example, we served 25,000 litres of beer, 5,500 pretzels and 10,000 snacks. On the busiest day, we totalled a rather challenging 4,000 lunches.

What is your biggest worry?

The peak quantity of visitors is the major unknown for me. I always hope that we can meet our visitors’ expectations, and that we get the quality right. So for me, the nicest moment of the fair is on the first day, when the lunchtime rush sets in, and I see that everything’s working perfectly.