Macfrut 2026 to spotlight global nursery innovation at Rimini Expo Centre
Italy’s leading nursery exhibition returns with a strong focus on tropical fruit, organic production and new plant varieties.
ITALY – Macfrut 2026 will run from 21 to 23 April at the Rimini Expo Centre, where the Plant Nursery exhibition will highlight the fast-growing nursery supply chain.
The event will host leading experts in avocados, mangoes, tropical fruit, organic nursery production, rootstocks and plant variety rights. Organisers aim to create a space where breeders, nurserymen, researchers and producers can share knowledge and examine new trends in the industry.
The Italian Society for Horticultural Science and the Interprofessional Centre for Nursery Activities will lead the exhibition under the coordination of Luigi Catalano. The organisers created space for discussions on new varieties, breeding work, research, plant variety rights and modern commercial strategies.
The fourth edition builds on what the event has delivered in previous years, with a clear focus on issues that matter most to producers and nursery operators.
Four conferences to anchor the event
Macfrut will open on 21 April with Mango and Avocado Day. Experts will present fresh research findings along with updates on production and global demand. Speakers will share insights from key markets and help visitors understand where the two crops stand today.
On 22 April, the conference will shift to tropical and subtropical fruit such as papaya and other minor species. These fruits continue to grow in popularity in southern Europe as warmer conditions push farmers to explore new crops.
The afternoon session will centre on organic nursery production, a field that continues to attract attention across Europe due to rising interest in organic farming.
The final conference on 23 April will study grafting and horticultural innovation. The session will cover topics such as genome editing, field application and the role that plant variety rights play in supporting producers who work with new varieties.
Luigi Catalano affirmed that the range of topics responds to the needs of the industry. “These conferences, organised in collaboration with the Italian Society of Horticultural Science, will cover a variety of topics and address current issues in anticipation of future challenges,” he said.
He added that the team will study avocados and mangoes in depth while also giving attention to papayas, cherimoyas and macadamias. “These products are playing an increasingly important role in the global market, particularly in Italy, where there is currently double-digit growth but an inability to meet demand for the plants needed to create orchards,” he noted.
Catalano highlighted growing interest in organic farming and new horticultural methods. He also pointed out that plant variety rights could shape the future of national production chains once updates to regulations take effect.
“This is a particularly relevant topic given the anticipated changes to the regulation of new genetic improvement techniques, which could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of production chains,” he said.
New investment signals rising confidence
In recent months, several nursery operators in Italy confirmed new spending plans. Some companies intend to purchase new greenhouse units costing 120,000 euros (approx US$130,800).
Others revealed plans to expand irrigation systems with budgets of around 45,000 euros (approx US$49,100). These moves signal confidence ahead of the 2026 season and show how the industry continues to prepare for growing demand.
Macfrut 2026 will provide a space for these discussions and give producers a chance to connect with experts who follow market shifts across Europe and beyond. The organisers expect strong attendance as interest in tropical fruit and modern nursery technology continues to rise.
Be the first to leave a comment