Three Months to Macfrut 2026: Exhibition Area Up +28%
26.01.2026
Cesena (22 January 2026) – The organizational engine of Macfrut, the international fruit and vegetable supply chain trade fair (April 21-23, 2026), is running at full speed. Three months ahead of the event at the Rimini Expo Centre, it records a 28% increase in exhibition space compared to the same period last year. This growth confirms the event's status as a key reference point for industry professionals, representing a fruit and vegetable supply chain that serves as a central asset for Italy, valued at 60 billion euros. At Macfrut 2026, visitors will be able to experience firsthand the latest market innovations across the entire supply chain while diving deep into the main themes of technical-scientific research. Simultaneously, international outreach continues with a dense schedule of missions, including the recent three-year agreement signed with the Dominican Republic.
"We are satisfied with the work of recent months, which confirms Macfrut as the unique showcase for our country's fruit and vegetable system," explains Patrizio Neri, President of Cesena Fiera. "The double-digit growth tells us we are on the right track, a fact confirmed by the presence of all major sector producers, alongside technology and packaging sectors that remain the flagship of the event. The fresh-cut (fourth range) sector is also strongly represented, as is the entire pre-harvest world, which has always been an Italian excellence. Notably, large-scale retail will be present with Italy's two main players, Conad and Coop Italia, along with the international group Vegè. During a recent trade event, many told us they would see us at Macfrut, proving the high level of anticipation for this upcoming edition."
The fair's international promotion activity is also moving at a brisk pace. "We have strengthened our network of agents for buyer scouting, which complements our extensive schedule of presentations across multiple continents in collaboration with the ICE Agency," Neri continues. "We have focused our efforts particularly on the European market, where over 70% of our companies' exports currently go, while also paying close attention to North Africa and the Caribbean area—the international partner for Macfrut 2026."
The conference program is remarkably rich and has always been a cornerstone of the event, where the latest scientific and technical innovations are presented, fostering a dialogue between the world of research and industry. The Macfrut Technical Committee, chaired by Paolo De Castro and coordinated by Bruno Mezzetti, met recently to define the main events of the fair in collaboration with the academic world, research experts, and prominent industry figures. Scheduled appointments include an opening event on current industry topics, a session on the research and regulatory status of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and varietal innovation, and the Mango and Avocado Day—the symbolic products of Macfrut 2026—with a focus on cultivation, market trends, and product quality. Furthermore, the program features sessions on Robotics and AI for crop management, the biological control of invasive alien species, and a series of meetings in the Healthy Area regarding organic farming, processed products, and the enhancement of herbs and spices, alongside new contributions to the BerryArea. Many interactive activities are also planned, including demonstrations in the test fields which have always been a signature advantage of Macfrut.
All these initiatives will be developed through a strong integration between the production and scientific worlds, represented by authoritative international and national scientific societies such as ISHS and SOI. The objective is to promote a structured dialogue between "science and industry," facilitating more effective technology transfer and supporting businesses in their innovation processes.
Macfrut Italy Press Office
Prima Pagina (Filippo Fabbri)
Tel. +39 347 1567681
