Macfrut 2026 set to expand with new halls, Caribbean focus and Sicily as partner region

ITALY – Macfrut 2026 promises to be bigger, more international, and more innovative. The 43rd edition of the global fruit and vegetable trade fair will take place from April 21 to 23, 2026, at the Rimini Expo Centre.

Organisers announced new dates, two extra halls, and a redesigned layout to improve visitor experience.

The exhibition will feature three main areas: Pre-Harvest, Post-Harvest, and Healthy Food. Each will highlight a key stage of the supply chain, from field production to consumer-ready goods.

Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, said, “Macfrut has made its distinctiveness the defining trait that makes it unique among trade shows in the sector. An innovative format that combines business with networking activities on a dedicated exclusive platform, together with knowledge for understanding the future of fruit and vegetables. The 2026 edition will be even bigger, more international, and more innovative, with the new date in April allowing the event to grow further with two additional pavilions.”

The Pre-Harvest area will showcase technology for plant nutrition, irrigation, and biostimulation, while the Post-Harvest section will focus on logistics, packaging, and processing.

The Healthy Food Area will bring together companies from the growing market for nutritious foods and beverages, in collaboration with the Italian Federation of Public Establishments (FIPE).

Macfrut 2026 will highlight avocados and mangoes, two tropical fruits that have reshaped dietary habits globally. Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reports that avocado consumption in Italy has grown by 694% over the past decade. Between 2019 and 2024, the trade value rose by 317%, while mango sales increased by 24% in 2023 and 12.6% in 2024.

To celebrate this trend, two exclusive events, Avocado Day and Mango Day, will bring together producers, traders, and buyers for business meetings, tastings, and networking. These sessions will promote knowledge exchange and new trade opportunities within the tropical fruit sector.

Caribbean and Sicily take center stage

The upcoming edition will shine a spotlight on the Caribbean, a region known for its fertile soils and strong export record in tropical fruits. Countries such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Mexico will participate in presentations and business forums.

The region’s total fruit and vegetable exports exceed 30 billion dollars, underscoring its importance in global trade.

Sicily will serve as the Partner Region for 2026, with organisers hosting the official launch in Catania. The island’s diverse microclimates and high-quality produce make it a model for Italian agriculture. Products such as the Ribera Orange, Bronte Green Pistachio, and Pachino Tomato, all certified with PDO or PGI labels, will be featured prominently.

Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, said in a video message, “Macfrut is a great showcase, a place to present what Italy can do and offer in the fruit and vegetable sector, engaging with the entire world thanks to the presence of many companies and foreign countries at this event. I am pleased that Sicily is the partner region; just a year ago Sicily hosted the largest agricultural event in Italy during the G7 in Syracuse and with the Expo Divinazione, which made the greatness of our country known worldwide.”

Building on Macfrut 2025’s global legacy

The 2026 event builds on the success of last year’s edition, which spotlighted Egypt as the Partner Country. The 42nd edition was launched in Cairo and focused on strengthening agricultural trade between Italy and Africa through the Mattei Plan. The plan promotes collaboration in agriculture, water conservation, and energy.

At the time, Italian Ambassador Michele Quaroni said, “Egypt is a gateway for Europe and Africa, and this partnership will foster greater trade opportunities, especially through new initiatives such as the maritime connection between Damietta and Trieste, which will enhance trade flows.”

Piraccini also said during the 2025 presentation, “Macfrut is more than just a trade fair; it’s a platform that brings together the entire supply chain, from growers to technology providers.”

As Macfrut 2026 approaches, the event continues to strengthen international partnerships, promote innovation, and highlight the importance of agriculture as a bridge between continents.

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