Athens, Greece | March 14–16, 2026
As spring descends upon the Attic landscape, the global food and beverage industry prepares for its most significant annual gathering in Southeastern Europe. FOOD EXPO 2026 returns to the Metropolitan Expo in Athens from March 14 to 16, solidifying its position as a premier international hub for culinary innovation and commercial exchange.
A Decade of Rising Influence
While Greece has a millennial history of trade, FOOD EXPO is a modern success story. Established in 2014, the event was born from a strategic vision to create a world-class platform for Greek and Mediterranean products. In just over ten years, it has evolved from a regional trade fair into an international powerhouse, now attracting over 1,300 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from more than 80 countries. This rapid growth has mirrored the "extroversion" of the Greek economy, helping local producers transition from traditional methods to global retail dominance.
The Global Gateway: Why the Expo Matters
FOOD EXPO 2026 serves as more than just a marketplace; it is a vital economic catalyst. For international buyers, it is the definitive gateway to the Mediterranean diet—a UNESCO-recognized heritage valued for its health benefits and sustainability.
Strategic Matchmaking: The exhibition's Hosted Buyer Program will bring in 1,000 top-tier international buyers for over 15,000 pre-arranged B2B meetings, facilitating direct exports to markets across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Economic Bridge: By connecting small-scale artisans with major retail chains and wholesalers, the expo ensures that high-quality regional products reach global shelves.
Featured Producers and Industry Sectors
The 2026 floor plan is organized into specialized zones to help professionals navigate the massive showcase of over 50,000 products.
Greek Icons: Leading domestic brands like Epiros (specializing in PDO Feta and dairy) and premium oil producers such as Papadellis Olive Oil will be showcasing new projects and product lines.
- Diverse Categories: The expo features dedicated sections for meat and poultry, frozen foods, organic products, and "deli" specialties.
- Global Pavilions: While Greek products are the heart of the show, international participation is significant, with nearly 250 foreign companies representing countries such as Italy, Turkey, and Poland.
Special Events and Concurrent Shows
The 2026 edition is packed with interactive experiences designed to highlight future trends:
- Oenotelia: Running concurrently with the food expo, this specialized wine and spirits exhibition features hundreds of wineries, offering a comprehensive look at the Mediterranean vineyard.
- Mediterranean Food Stage: A centerpiece of the event where renowned chefs perform live cooking demonstrations, demonstrating how traditional ingredients can be adapted for modern, high-end gastronomy.
- Workshops & Awards: The expo will host seminars on global food trends, sustainability, and innovation, alongside awards ceremonies honoring the most breakthrough products of the year.
- Dates & Times: Saturday, March 14 to Monday, March 16. Daily hours are typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Registration: Visitors can register online through the official FOOD EXPO website.
- Location: The Metropolitan Expo is conveniently located near the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" and is accessible via the Metro Blue Line or dedicated shuttle buses from across Athens.