The MARKTKAUF supermarket in Löhne has been named Germany’s best fish counter, winning the Seafood Star 2026 award from the trade magazine Fischmagazin.
The award honors the store’s craftsmanship, product quality, and friendly customer service.
Market manager Thorsten Take and Julia Mutschler, head of the fish department, accepted the trophy and certificate on behalf of their team.
The winning counter covers 65 square meters and offers about 100 seafood products — from house-smoked trout and fresh mussels to specialties such as whole monkfish and redfish.
Four employees prepare, fillet, and smoke fish in-house, also making fresh salads and skewers daily.
Julia Mutschler said the award is a great recognition of the team’s effort:
“We take time for every customer, share cooking advice, and work with passion for quality.”
Why It Matters
MARKTKAUF is part of the EDEKA Group, Germany’s largest grocery retailer and one of the key players shaping the German grocery market.
EDEKA’s network of supermarkets and hypermarkets continues to lead in fresh food quality and local sourcing — two areas where service counters remain a strong advantage over discounters.
The MARKTKAUF Seafood Star 2026 award shows how supermarkets in Germany keep focusing on craftsmanship and customer contact, even as retail competition grows.
It reflects the broader market trend where German retailers combine tradition with innovation to maintain trust and loyalty.
The “Seafood Star” has been awarded since 2008 to recognize outstanding fish counters and seafood departments in retail and foodservice. Winners are chosen by an independent jury of experts who look for creativity, customer engagement, and exceptional product range.
