Macfrut 2026 to showcase test fields and global fruit trade growth

ITALY – The Macfrut 2026 trade fair will bring new farming ideas to life through two test fields that show how fruit and vegetable production is changing.

The event will take place from 21 to 23 April 2026 at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. Organisers say visitors will see working models of modern farming across a 2,500 square metre space split between two halls.

The Pre-Harvest area will host the test fields, where experts will show tools and systems that support farmers in daily work. These include smart monitoring systems, drones, and machines that help reduce labour and water use.

Luciano Trentini, an agronomist involved in the project, said the goal is to respond to real farm needs. “Macfrut 2026 will exhibit technologies that support sustainability in agriculture, reduce labour demand, and cut water use,” he said. “We will also show tools that help farmers make better decisions through data and monitoring systems.”

Hall A1 will focus on vegetables such as baby leaf greens and carrots. Exhibitors will show new planting methods and weed control systems with lower environmental impact. Hall C1 will focus on fruit, with apple and cherry orchards and a vineyard set up to reflect real farm conditions on a smaller scale.

Visitors will also see anti-hail nets and agrivoltaic systems, which combine farming with energy production. These systems show how farmers can earn extra income while protecting crops from harsh weather.

Strong global interest in fruit trade

Macfrut 2026 will also bring together the global fruit and vegetable supply chain. The sector in Italy alone is worth about €19 billion (US$20.5 billion), while the wider supply chain reaches €60 billion (US$65 billion).

Exports continue to grow. Data shows Italian fruit and vegetable exports rose by 11.3 percent in 2025, reaching €7 billion (US$7.6 billion). Demand remains strong in markets such as Germany, France, and Spain.

The event will host over 800 buyers and feature countries from Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Caribbean countries will play a key role this year, alongside strong participation from African producers.

A special focus will also go to mangoes and avocados, which together generate over US$80 billion in global trade. Experts will discuss market trends, production data, and trade opportunities across the value chain.

Water use and field efficiency in focus

The Acqua Campus area will highlight water management systems in farming. Visitors will see irrigation tools, energy-saving systems, and live field demonstrations.

Trentini noted the scale of the effort behind the test fields. “This project takes over 1,000 hours to set up and remove, but it gives visitors a real look at how farming is changing,” he said.

With close to 100 events planned, Macfrut 2026 aims to connect growers, buyers, and technology providers under one platform.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.