Cibus Tec 2026 opens registration as momentum builds

Registration has officially opened for Cibus Tec 2026, the global food and beverage technology exhibition taking place at Fiere di Parma from 27–30 October 2026.

Backed by more than 80 years of industry heritage, the event is positioned to deliver its most ambitious edition to date, combining deep sector expertise with a forward‑looking vision for the future of food processing, packaging and automation.

According to organisers Koeln Parma Exhibitions, Cibus Tec 2026 is already showing exceptional momentum. Less than six months from opening, the exhibition has recorded a 25% increase in exhibitors and a 35% expansion in total exhibition space compared with the same point in the previous cycle.

International participation is particularly strong, with foreign exhibitors up more than 50% and international exhibition space rising by over 40%. Visitor pre‑registrations are also up 30%, including a 35% increase in international buyers.

The show’s Top Buyers Program, developed with ICE Agency and supported by the Emilia‑Romagna Region, will bring more than 3,000 qualified international buyers to Parma — including 100 new top buyers from Africa.

Packaging will again be a major pillar of the show, representing over 35% of the total exhibition offering. The sector has grown significantly since 2023, with a 50% increase in packaging exhibitors and a 45% expansion in dedicated floor space. Solutions span primary and secondary packaging, end‑of‑line systems, sustainability‑driven innovations, traceability, automation and digital integration.

Cibus Tec 2026 will also introduce Cibus Tec for Africa, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen industrial and commercial ties between Italian technology suppliers and Sub‑Saharan African markets. Recent missions to Senegal and upcoming activities in Nairobi highlight strong demand for Italian food processing and packaging technologies.

Another major highlight is the arrival of World Pasta Day — and, for the first time, an extended World Pasta Week — in Parma. The initiative, promoted by Unione Italiana Food and the International Pasta Organisation, will bring global pasta producers, associations and technology partners together for a full‑supply‑chain celebration.

As noted by Mario Piccialuti, general director of Unione Italiana Food, “Cibus Tec has offered us the opportunity to emphasise the constant connection with the supply chain, where production technology and packaging are increasingly central to the innovation of an iconic product of Italian identity worldwide.”

Cibus Tec’s international reach continues to grow through its strategic partnership with Koelnmesse, organiser of leading global FoodTec events. Thomas Rosolia, president of Koeln Parma Exhibitions, said: “Our expertise in food technology and our consolidated global network enable us to attract qualified operators and enhance the role of the exhibition as a platform for innovation and internationalisation of the food & beverage supply chain.”

The 2026 edition will also feature the second edition of Labotec, dedicated to laboratory analysis and innovation technologies, with free entry to both events to encourage broader professional participation.

Registration is now open via the official website.