Cibus Tec 2026 in Parma attracted over 40,000 trade visitors and 1,300 exhibitors, highlighting global innovations in food processing, bakery and beverage technologies.
Cibus Tec 2026, held from 27 to 30 October at Fiere di Parma, Italy, concluded with a record turnout of more than 40,000 trade visitors from 120 countries, marking a 10% increase over the 2023 edition. The event brought together food and beverage manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and industry professionals, further strengthening its position as an international platform for food processing and packaging technologies.
The exhibition featured 1,300 companies and brands from more than 35 countries, making it the largest and most internationally represented edition in the event’s history. International exhibitors accounted for around 30% of the total, while national pavilions from 19 countries were represented across the exhibition halls. Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, Switzerland, China and the US were among the leading foreign participants.
International buyer participation was another major feature. More than 3,000 international buyers attended through the Top Buyer Program, one of the sector’s largest hosted-buyer initiatives. The programme facilitated business interactions between global buyers and technology suppliers, creating opportunities for commercial partnerships and market development.
Strong International Participation
Africa emerged as an important market for the exhibition, with more than 300 professionals from 20 African countries attending. Their participation built on the Cibus Tec for Africa initiative, which had taken Italian companies and technological expertise to five African markets through trade missions and meetings with local industry stakeholders during 2026.
The initiative will continue in 2027, with further activities planned to promote business partnerships and the transfer of Italian food processing technologies. One of the confirmed initiatives is an Italian exhibition pavilion at Anuga Select South Africa, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 22 to 24 June 2027.
Commenting on the event’s international role, Franco Mosconi, President of Fiere di Parma, said that Cibus Tec had progressively developed into a platform connecting industry, technology and markets, while supporting the development of the entire food supply chain. He also highlighted Parma’s strong food culture, manufacturing expertise and technological capabilities as important factors behind the exhibition’s growth.
Expanding into Bakery Technologies
A notable development at Cibus Tec 2026 was the introduction of a dedicated project for the bakery sector. Through Bakery? Yes, We Tec!, the exhibition expanded its technology portfolio and strengthened its position as a platform for industrial baking and bakery technologies in Italy.
The sector is particularly significant for Italian food processing technology exports, accounting for 15.3% of their total value. The dedicated initiative provided a forum for industry discussions and technology presentations, covering key challenges such as product formulation, waste reduction, energy efficiency and digitalisation.
The project also highlighted the growing integration of technologies across the bakery supply chain, as manufacturers respond to changing consumer preferences, production requirements and sustainability targets.
Beverage and Wine Technologies in Focus
Beverage technologies remained another major component of the exhibition. The Beverage? Yes, We Tec! and Wine? Yes, We Tec! initiatives, together with a dedicated exhibition hall, presented technologies for liquid food, water, soft drinks, wine and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Leading international technology suppliers showcased solutions covering the entire production chain, from processing and filling to packaging. The presentations addressed evolving consumer preferences and the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and equipment reliability.
The strong presence of beverage and wine technology providers reinforced Cibus Tec’s role as an important meeting point for manufacturers and suppliers across these sectors.
Next Edition in 2029
Cibus Tec 2026 was organised by Koeln Parma Exhibitions (KPE), a joint venture between Koelnmesse GmbH and Fiere di Parma S.p.A. The partnership combines the two organisers’ experience in international trade fairs and events serving the industrial and agri-food sectors.
Following the success of the 2026 edition, Cibus Tec will return to Parma from 23 to 26 October 2029, continuing its focus on technological innovation and business development across the global food and beverage industry. For further information please visit www.cibustec.it
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