The Hamburg based commodities association GROFOR e.V. is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year and hosted its annual general meeting at the Hotel Grand Elysée on 4 June 2026. In addition to the items on the agenda as set out in the Articles of Association, the programme included the regular board elections and a keynote speech by the cabaret artist and stand-up comedian Timo Wopp .
“GROFOR’s 110-year history stands for reliability, corporate responsibility and a strong community in a rapidly changing market environment,” emphasised GROFOR President Björn Meyer in his opening address. “Particularly against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, increasing demands for sustainability, digitalisation and geopolitical tensions, the continuity of our association serves as an important anchor of stability for the industry.”
The focus was on the elections of the Chair and the other members of the Executive Board, which are intended to secure the association’s strategic direction for the next three years. Björn Meyer (Cargill GmbH) was re-elected as Chair. Bastian Düsing (EFG Elbe Fetthandel GmbH), Roland Henkel (Nagel KG GmbH & Co.), Oliver Lessmann (Omya GmbH), Jakob Dehoust (ADM Hamburg AG) and Max Prause (Gebrüder Pöhner GmbH) were also confirmed in their posts. Newly elected to the Executive Board were Nicole Stegmann (CARE Naturkost GmbH & Co.), Claus Meyer (Pöhner Hamburg GmbH) and Leonard Slezak (AMA Freight Agency GmbH), who will bring additional perspectives from the sectors of organic food, logistics and retail to the board.
“Our member companies are facing far-reaching changes across the entire value chain – from regulatory requirements such as the EUDR to sharply fluctuating energy and raw material prices,” explains Managing Director Stephanie Kröger. “This makes it all the more important for GROFOR to speak with one clear voice on behalf of the industry, to offer practical support and to strengthen professional exchange within
“GROFOR thrives on the commitment of its members and a strong network,” said Meyer. “With today’s general meeting, we are combining tradition with renewal – and setting the course to ensure that the association remains a reliable partner for the international commodities trade in the decades to come.”
Grofor e.V. represents the interests of trading companies in the oils, fats and oleochemical industry in Germany and across Europe. Since its foundation in 1916, it has been a strong and reliable partner for its more than 150 members and represents their interests in dealings with political, economic and regulatory decision-makers.
