Italy, Guest of Honor at Expo FoodTech 2026: boosting Spanish agrifoodtech innovation

 

From May 27 to 28, 2026, the BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Center) will host a new edition of Expo FoodTech 2026, with Italia as the guest country. The event, which is being held simultaneously with Pick&Pack for Food IndustryIt will focus on innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the agrifoodtech sector, an area where the Italian ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable dynamism, attracting €121,6 million in investment in 2025.

 

Italy: A Booming Agrifoodtech Ecosystem for Foreign Business

 

Italia It is positioned as the guest of honor country in Expo FoodTech 2026offering the more than 8.000 professionals in attendance a window into the vibrant Italian agri-food sector. This ecosystem is fundamental to the Italian economy, representing more than 15% of its GDP. PIB and employ more than 3,6 million workers according to data from ISMEA and the report The State of Agrifoodtech in Italy in 2025 prepared by Eatable AdventuresIt stands out for its ability to combine a consolidated industry with a growing innovative drive.

 

This dynamism translates into investment figures. In 2025, the Italian agrifoodtech ecosystem received an injection of 121,6 millones de eurosThis represents an 18% increase compared to the previous year. This rise is particularly significant in a global context of declining investment in the sector, which experienced a 12% drop. This figure underscores the resilience and appeal of Italian proposals in agri-food innovation.

 

Italian Leaders Share Strategic Visions on Open Innovation

 

The agenda of Expo FoodTech 2026 It will feature the participation of leading figures from the Italian food industry. These experts will address how large corporations and family-owned companies are integrating new business models. open innovation to strengthen their competitiveness, efficiency and sustainability throughout their value chains.

 

• Laurette de FrancoHead of Open Innovation at Barilla.
• Alessandro SchenaOpen Innovation Manager of Loacker.
• Graziano Stasi, Head of Management, Ingredients and Retail at Molino Casillo.
• Jacopo Alberti, Innovation Expert of Amadori.

 

These presentations will offer an in-depth analysis of the integration of emerging technologies and collaborative models to address the challenges of the global food sector.

 

 

The Role of Entrepreneurship and Public-Private Collaboration

 

The collaboration with Eatable Adventures, a leading entity in agri-food acceleration and innovation in Italia through initiatives such as FoodSeed and the Verona Agrifood Innovation HubThis has been crucial for the participation of Italian startups and speakers. The event will highlight the role of entrepreneurship in the transformation of industry, with the presence of leading international companies:

 

• NOiET
• Asteasier
• Hypesound
• NOUS
• Aflabox
• Agreenet
• PeelPack
• Alma Serum

 

These startups, along with the exposure of a business model, innovation based on public-private collaboration and technology transfer will offer a comprehensive view of how disruption is redefining the future of food. Food 4 Future World Summit, frame where it is inserted Expo FoodTech, has in previous editions had the support of institutions such as the Ayuntamiento de Bilbao, the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, the Unión Europea, ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, Gobierno de España and the Gobierno Vasco, as well as the participation of high-level experts.

 

A Global Platform for Future Food Trends

 

Expo FoodTech 2026 It is consolidating its position as a key international platform for anticipating the major trends that will shape the future of food and related logistics. With the participation of 250 exhibiting companies and more than 300 industry leaders and experts, technology centers, startups, investors, and government agencies, the event will address crucial issues for foreign trade and the sector's global competitiveness, including:

 

• Digitization and solutions Smart Food.
• Sustainability and strategies ESG in the value chain.
• Automation of processes in production and logistics (Food Processing, Food Packaging, Logistics).
• Payment Solution new ingredients and personalized nutrition.
• Models open innovation and industrial collaboration.

 

The meeting in Bilbao, together with Pick&Pack for Food Industry, seeks to offer comprehensive solutions for “Optimize Everything, Accelerate Success” throughout the entire food value chain.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Expo FoodTech 2026 and Italian Agrifoodtech Innovation

 

How does the focus of Expo FoodTech 2026 on Italy affect Spanish companies?

Involvement Italia Being the guest country opens up significant opportunities for Spanish companies, especially those involved in import and export in the agri-food sector. It provides direct access to innovative business models, cutting-edge agrifoodtech technologies, and potential partnerships with leading Italian companies and startups, facilitating the expansion of bilateral markets and the adoption of sustainable and efficient practices.

What business consequences does the evolution of Italian agrifoodtech investment have for Europe and Spain?

The 18% growth in agrifoodtech investment ItaliaIn contrast to the global decline, it underlines its innovative leadership in EuropaFor Spanish companies, this means a neighboring market with a high level of technological development and a growing demand for advanced solutions. It boosts regional competitiveness, fosters technology transfer and co-investment, and establishes Italia as a key strategic partner for the development and internationalization of food innovations at the European level.

What should Spanish exporters know about the Italian agrifoodtech ecosystem?

Spanish exporters must recognize that the Italian agrifoodtech ecosystem values ​​the innovation, the sustainability and efficiencyThe opportunities are not limited to exporting finished products, but extend to the sale of technology, consulting services, advanced logistics solutions, and automation components. Learn about the Italian startups and large corporations present in Expo FoodTech 2026 It will be fundamental to identifying market niches and establishing strategic collaborations in a sector undergoing profound transformation.