Record Attendance Caps Parma Trade Fair Cibus Tec 2026, held October 27–30 at Fiere di Parma, closed with a record turnout of over 40,000 trade visitors—up 10% compared with the 2023 edition—representing 120 countries. The biennial exhibition brought together 1,300 exhibitors, 30% of them foreign companies, alongside national pavilions from 19 countries. More than 3,000 international top buyers participated through the event's incoming buyer programme, described as the largest in the sector. Exhibitors showcased food and beverage processing technologies across the supply chain, from production and packaging to processing equipment.

Africa Emerges as Strategic Market Africa confirmed strong demand for Italian technologies, with over 300 professionals from 20 African countries attending. This participation builds on the Cibus Tec for Africa initiative, which conducted trade missions and stakeholder meetings across five African markets in 2026. The organizers plan to expand the Africa program in 2027, including an Italian exhibition pavilion at Anuga Select South Africa in Cape Town (June 22–24, 2027).

Bakery and Beverage Sectors Gain Ground Cibus Tec launched a dedicated bakery project for the first time, positioning itself as Italy's leading industrial platform for baking technologies. Bakery equipment represents 15.3% of Italy's food-processing technology exports. Beverage remained a centerpiece of the event, with dedicated projects and an entire hall devoted to technologies for water, soft drinks, wine, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Global manufacturers presented solutions addressing sustainability, energy efficiency, and plant reliability.

Next Edition Scheduled for 2029 Cibus Tec will return to Parma from October 23–26, 2029.

The event is organized by Koeln Parma Exhibitions (KPE), a joint venture between Koelnmesse GmbH and Fiere di Parma.

Why It Matters

For foodservice operators and equipment buyers, Cibus Tec's growth—particularly its focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization—signals where the global machinery market is headed. The strong African participation suggests emerging markets are becoming serious buyers of capital equipment, not just consumers.

For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.

Written by FBM Publications Editors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Cibus Tec 2026 attendance grow compared to the last show?

Cibus Tec 2026 drew over 40,000 trade visitors, a 10% increase from the 2023 edition. That's 1,300 exhibitors across 120 countries, with 30% of exhibitors coming from outside Italy and over 3,000 international top buyers participating through the incoming buyer programme.

Why are organizers focusing on Africa, and what's the strategy?

Over 300 African professionals from 20 countries attended Cibus Tec 2026, signaling strong demand for Italian food-processing equipment. Organizers are doubling down with an Italian pavilion at Anuga Select South Africa in Cape Town (June 22–24, 2027) and expanded trade missions across African markets in 2027.

What's new about the bakery equipment focus at this show?

Cibus Tec launched a dedicated bakery project for the first time in 2026, positioning itself as Italy's leading industrial platform for baking technologies. Bakery equipment represents 15.3% of Italy's total food-processing technology exports, making it a significant revenue stream for exhibitors.

What sectors dominated the exhibit hall beyond bakery?

Beverage technologies held an entire dedicated hall covering water, soft drinks, wine, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Global manufacturers showcased solutions focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and plant reliability—the three pain points driving buyer decisions right now.

When is Cibus Tec 2029, and should we plan booth space now?

Mark your calendar for October 23–26, 2029 at Fiere di Parma. With growth momentum from this year's 40,000-visitor record and Africa expansion underway, booth inventory will move faster than the 2026 edition—lock in your space early.