Food and Beverage Fairs: Which Fairs are you interested in visiting?
The food and beverage industry is a constantly evolving sector, where inspiration, business and innovation are key to staying ahead of the curve. International food and beverage trade shows are a unique opportunity to explore new trends, connect with manufacturers and develop innovative strategies for your business. Each year, the industry’s most important events provide a platform to discover the latest in products, technologies and services that are shaping the future of the global marketplace. Here is a detailed guide to some of the most relevant trade shows you should consider visiting.
What should I consider when choosing to visit a trade fair?
When choosing to visit a food fair, evaluate what products and trends successful in other markets could be adapted to yours, how to adjust local flavor preference to capture consumers’ attention, and analyze the patents or competitive advantages you could apply to differentiate yourself locally, thus ensuring an innovative and effective strategy.
What are the most important food fairs in the world?
Throughout the year, international trade fairs are held in different parts of the world. Depending on your specialization in different categories, your geographic business markets, you will be interested in attending the following events:
ISM, Cologne: La feria de los placeres dulces y snacks
The first highlight on our calendar is ISM in Cologne, the number one international trade fair for the confectionery and snacks industry. This specialized event brings together industry leaders and startups, offering a unique platform to discover the latest innovations and trends in the global confectionery and snacks market. ISM is the place where the world’s leading confectionery and snack exporters congregate to explore new developments and discover business opportunities that will drive the sector’s growth in the coming years.
Gulfood, Dubai: La Vanguardia de las Tendencias Globales
One of the most influential trade fairs worldwide: Gulfood Dubai. This event is the international platform par excellence for discovering emerging trends in the food industry thanks to its ability to bring together the main players in the sector in one place.
Gulfood is known for being the fair that marks the beginning of the trends that will dominate the market in the coming months. It is the meeting point of a global market focused on trading commodities, gourmet products and FMCG. Dubai, as the gateway to the Middle East, is a strategic location due to its high purchasing power and 90% dependence on food imports.
This event is a true melting pot of food cultures, with countries from all over the world showcasing their most innovative products. Attending Gulfood is essential for any company looking to expand into the Middle East market or keep abreast of global trends.
Expo West, Los Ángeles: El Silicon Valley de la Alimentación
The next big event on our calendar is Natural Products Expo West in Los Angeles, a trade show that has earned the nickname “Silicon Valley of food.” Although the name suggests a focus on natural products, Expo West is actually the epicenter of innovation in functional and healthy products.
This event is ideal for discovering how to transform processed products into “clean label” options that offer health benefits without sacrificing enjoyment. At Expo West, new trends in sustainability are explored, with a growing focus on upcycling– the creative reuse of products or ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. In addition, innovative functional ingredients, nutraceuticals that promote healthy aging and products that go beyond physical health, addressing aspects such as mental health, mood, brain health and even lung health, are featured.
Another highlight of Expo West is the innovation in packaging and communication of benefits, which makes it an unmissable event for any company interested in the forefront of the food sector.
International Food & Drink Event (IFE), Londres: La Puerta de Entrada al Mercado Británico
In March, almost without a break, we headed to the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in London, the UK’s most important trade fair in its sector. This event is crucial for any company looking to enter or expand in the UK market, as well as for those interested in bringing British products to Europe.
IFE is known for its focus on packaging innovation and sustainability, offering inspiration for product design and communication. It is an ideal place to learn how to communicate new product benefits effectively and to discover the trends that are shaping the UK market and beyond.
Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), Ámsterdam: Encuentra a Tu Socio Perfecto
At the end of May, we headed to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) in Amsterdam, an essential trade show for those interested in private label and manufacturer collaboration. Despite its name, PLMA is not just a private label show; it is an event where manufacturers present their innovations to buyers from large chains, including major global brands such as Whole Foods in the US.
PLMA is the ideal place to find strategic partners who can help you launch your innovations. Whether you are looking for co-packers with the necessary technology or manufacturers with innovative products ready to be marketed under your brand, PLMA offers endless opportunities. In addition, the innovation marketplace is a highlight, where you can discover the latest trends and products that are about to enter the market.
Fancy Food Show, Nueva York: El Epicentro del Producto Gourmet
In June, we headed to one of our favorite events: the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. As the name suggests, this show is dedicated to specialty and gourmet products, making it the perfect place to discover unique products that can make a difference in a retailer’s or specialty store’s assortment.
The Fancy Food Show is known for highlighting products that are gaining popularity in the U.S., such as high-quality canned fish, artisanal chocolates and, recently, a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages. This event is ideal for observing the new trends and startups that are shaping the gourmet market.
SIAL, París: La Innovación en su Máxima Expresión
In October, we close the year with SIAL Paris, the second largest trade fair in the world after Anuga and this year, the largest in Europe. With more than 7,000 exhibitors and representation from 200 countries, SIAL is the great showcase of innovation in Europe.
This event puts a special focus on innovation, and the SIAL Innovation Awards are some of the most prestigious in the industry. SIAL is the place to launch the most important innovations from CPGs and startups poised to conquer the European market. Given its size and complexity, we recommend not attending alone, as the show can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our team is here to help you navigate and discover what’s most relevant.
Otros Eventos Clave en la Industria Alimentaria
In addition to these major international trade shows, we also attend major national events such as Alimentaria Barcelona, Food 4 Future Bilbao, FTalks Valencia, La Auténtica Seviila and Madrid Gourmet. These events offer an excellent opportunity to explore the local market, see how global trends are impacting, discover new opportunities and establish valuable contacts.
Which Food Tech trade shows and events to attend this year?
Innovation in the food industry is not limited to products, but also encompasses the technologies that enable their production, distribution and consumption. Food Tech events are crucial for understanding food system challenges across the value chain, exploring how technology is transforming the food industry and networking with startups, VCs and other key players in the ecosystem. Here are some of the top Food Tech events to consider.
Future Food Tech
Future Food Tech is a series of global conferences held in various cities throughout the year. These events focus on technological innovations that are transforming the food industry, from precision agriculture to biotechnology and sustainability. Future Food Tech brings together startups, corporations, investors and academics to explore the latest trends and challenges in the sector. It is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of food.
Future Food Tech London
Held in London, this event focuses on the technological and sustainable innovations that are shaping the future of the food industry in Europe and beyond. Future Food Tech London provides a platform for startups to present their disruptive technologies and for investors to discover new business opportunities.
Future Food Tech Chicago
Future Food Tech Chicago is the U.S. edition of this conference, focused on innovation in the food sector in North America. This event is ideal for exploring how technology is impacting food production and distribution in the United States and for networking with industry leaders.
Food 4 Future Bilbao
Food 4 Future, held in Bilbao, Spain, is a relatively new event that has rapidly gained prominence in the food technology sector. This event combines an exhibition with a conference covering a wide range of topics, from agriculture 4.0 to artificial intelligence in the supply chain. Food 4 Future is an excellent platform to discover the latest technological innovations and explore how digitalization is transforming the food industry.
Food Tech Israel
Israel is known as a hub for technological innovation, and Food Tech Israel is one of the most important events for food technology in the country. This event brings together startups, investors and corporations to explore the latest innovations in agriculture, food technology and sustainability. Food Tech Israel is an excellent opportunity to learn about the technologies that are shaping the future of food and to network with industry leaders in Israel and beyond.
Gastronomy Fairs
Gastronomy fairs are an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of haute cuisine, discover new talents and products, and establish contacts with chefs, restaurateurs and other professionals in the sector who also collaborate in R&D processes for the industry. Here are some of the most outstanding gastronomy fairs you should consider.
1. HIP Madrid
Hospitality Innovation Planet (HIP) is Spain’s leading trade show for innovation in the hospitality and gastronomy sector. Held annually in Madrid, HIP brings together more than 400 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, including chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and other industry professionals. HIP is known for its focus on innovation, and offers a wide range of activities, from conferences and workshops to live demonstrations and culinary competitions. It is a must-attend event for anyone interested in gastronomy and innovation in hospitality.
2. San Sebastian Gastronomika
San Sebastian Gastronomika is one of the most prestigious gastronomic congresses in the world. Held annually in San Sebastian, Spain, this event brings together some of the best chefs in the world to share their knowledge, techniques and visions of gastronomy. San Sebastian Gastronomika is a unique event that combines conferences, live demonstrations, tastings and culinary competitions. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from the best, discover new trends and establish contacts with haute cuisine professionals.
If you can’t make it to the key international trade fairs,
comes to you and brings you everything you need to know.
Food and beverage trade shows are essential events for any food and beverage professional or company. Not only do they offer a comprehensive overview of current trends and innovations in the industry, but they also provide valuable business and networking opportunities. From major international trade fairs such as Anuga and SIAL, to Food Tech events and gastronomy fairs, each of these events offers something unique and valuable.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, exploring new business opportunities or meeting the innovative manufacturers who are leading the future of the food industry, these trade shows will offer you everything you need and more. To keep up to date with the latest innovations and trends in the industry, we invite you to visit our Innovation Updates page We hope to see you at one of these trade shows in the near future!
