The 2025 MAPIC Awards celebrate 30 years of innovation in commercial property

The Mapic Awards 2025 took place in Cannes this week, from November 4 to 5, as part of the Mapic trade fair, the world’s leading event for commercial real estate professionals. For the first time, the ceremony was staged in the Grand Auditorium, a symbolic venue chosen to mark this anniversary edition.

Founded in 1995, Mapic (Marché international de l’implantation commerciale et de la distribution) brings together, every year, the leading players in the retail, foodservice, and leisure sectors to showcase the industry’s most ambitious projects. Organised by RX France, the show has, over the years, become a global benchmark for urban and commercial innovation.

For its 30th anniversary, Mapic paid tribute to those who have shaped the global retail landscape. Five individuals were honoured with a new “Pioneer of Places” award, recognising their pivotal role in creating attractive, sustainable places. Maurice Bansay, chairman and founder of Apsys; Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat; Philippe Journo, chairman and founder of Compagnie de Phalsbourg; Alexander Otto, CEO of ECE Group; and Alain Taravella, chairman and founder of Altarea, were among the winners in this exceptional category.

Two special awards were also voted for by the Mapic audience. Zara was named “Most Influential Retail Brand of the Past 30 Years”, while Westfield London won the title of “Most Influential Retail Property Project of the Past 30 Years.”

The 2025 jury, chaired by Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces, went on to recognise several projects for their innovation. The “Best New Store Concept” award went to Miniso Land in Shanghai. The “Best Refurbishment Project” went to El Boulevard Shopping Centre in Vitoria-Gasteiz, led by CBRE. The “Best New Development Project” went to Livat Shanghai, developed by Ingka Centres. Finally, the “Best Urban Regeneration Project” was awarded to Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, designed by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

The year’s most outstanding brands and concepts were also recognised. Zara won the “Most Wanted – Retail” category, while ON was voted “Most Exciting – Retail”. In the “Food & Beverage” category, McDonald’s was named “Most Wanted” and Big Mamma “Most Exciting.” For “Leisure & Entertainment”, the awards went to Legoland in the “Most Wanted” category and to F1 Arcade in the “Most Exciting” category.