Press Release

WORLDFOOD ISTANBUL SETS RECORD NUMBERS IN ITS 32ND YEAR!

Opening its doors on September 3, the International Food Products and Processing Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul welcomed guests at Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center until September 6, 2024. In its 32nd year, the exhibition provided an opportunity to exhibit and discover the latest innovations and food trends in the sector once again. A total of 72,864 visitors from 155 countries, 1,276 exhibitors from 43 countries and 2,899 brands participated in WorldFood Istanbul over the course of four days.

On its 32nd year, the International Food Products and Processing Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul experienced a great increase in the number of visitors, exhibitors and international hosted buyers. WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition, which saw a 14% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year, achieved historic success in 2024, a record-breaking year. The exhibition attracted a record number of exhibitors and visitors, with 26% of this year’s visitors coming from abroad. A total of 19,040 international visitors attended WorldFood Istanbul, which also hosted over 900 buyers from 90 countries.

“We broke a record in our 32nd year”

WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition Director Semi Benbanaste shared his thoughts on the event: “We are proud of the growth of WorldFood Istanbul , whose mission for the past 32 years has been to increase the export potential of our manufacturers. To sustain an organization for 32 years, it is essential to closely follow the market, remain customer-oriented, understand market demands, adapt to shifting economic conditions, make sound decisions in challenging times and invest sustainably. These factors lead to consistent growth and success. There is strong teamwork behind this success. Over the past four years, WorldFood Istanbul has seized key opportunities, achieving a remarkable 300-400% growth. Two pivotal moments were the pandemic and our collaboration with the Food Platform of Türkiye. This year, our exhibition expanded to 40,500 m2. Our visitor numbers have consistently grown. Last year, we welcomed 65,000 visitors, and this year, we reached a total of 72,864. Of those, 26% were international with 19,040 foreign visitors in attendance.”

Semi Benbanaste underlined that their numbers are consistently rising due to their strong customer focus and close monitoring of market trends stating, “We aim to contribute to our country’s economy and create a platform that opens new opportunities for our producers. We do not limit ourselves to Türkiye, we view the most significant exhibitions in the region as our competitors. Our primary goal is to catch up where we have fallen behind, surpass them and lead the way. We also secured a place in the exhibition budgets of international companies. The reality of WorldFood Istanbul in Türkiye is a regional one. Our top priority is to ensure the sustainability of the services we provide by continuously building upon them. In the future, we are aiming for an exhibition area of 100,000 m2. Last year, 27,000 active meetings were held, while this year that number increased to 38,000. These meetings significantly contributed to our business volume. The more we support Türkiye’s export growth, the closer we come to fulfilling our mission.”

WorldFood Istanbul, which hosted over 900 buyers from 90 countries, including Germany, Egypt, France, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Vietnam, not only generated business opportunities regionally and globally, enhancing trade mobility and boosting the export potential of domestic manufacturers, but also reinforced its role as a “regional and international vision platform”. This year, experts shared industry goals and forecasts for Türkiye’s food and food technologies sector during the sessions held at the exhibition, further solidifying its significance.

TİM Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Sector Board, along with all its Exporters’ Associations, the Federation of Food and Drink Industry Associations of Türkiye (TGDF) and the Foodservice Suppliers Association (ETÜDER), have joined forces under the name “Food Platform of Türkiye”. Their goal is to make WorldFood Istanbul – International Food Products and Processing Technologies Exhibition one of the most influential events in its field globally. The Food Platform of Türkiye contributed to WorldFood Istanbul, Eurasia’s largest sector exhibition, helping it set new records in visitors, exhibitors, international hosted buyers and business volume.

In over 20 thematic events, more than 100 thought leaders and chefs presented new trends, industry goals, sustainable investments, technological developments and export-oriented projects at the FOOD ARENA stage. Their insights covered a range of guiding topics to offer a realistic vision of the future.

FOOD ARENA Events, designed to inform and inspire visitors, focused on 4 main themes. On Tuesday, September 3, the theme was “Market Potential: Export Opportunities, Economic Forecasts and Food Trends”. Wednesday, September 4, featured “Food for Climate: Sustainability, Diversity and Innovative Production Methods”. On Thursday, September 5, the topic was “Innovation in Trusted Flavors: Quality Parameters, Healthy Eating and Well-Being”. Finally, on Friday, September 6, the exhibition’s last day, “Taste of the Future: Artificial Intelligence, Experience Design and Transformation Ecosystem” was presented. These events brought together valuable industry professionals at WorldFood Istanbul.

Press Release

THE WORLDFOOD ISTANBUL WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT AGAIN THIS YEAR WITH ITS EVENT SCHEDULE!

The International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul, which provides the opportunity to exhibit and discover the latest innovations and food trends in the sector, will welcome over 900 hosted buyers from 80 countries at Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center on September 3-6, 2024.

Organized by ICA Events, the International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul is set to break records in its 32nd year and make a name for itself with its number of exhibitors, visitors and events. As the longest running exhibition in the Turkish food industry, the 32nd WorldFood Istanbul will feature a comprehensive program of business development events. It aims to provide an effective platform for food products and technologies, facilitate information exchange, encourage innovation and promote new ideas in the food industry.

In over 20 thematic events, more than 100 thought leaders and chefs will present new trends, industry goals, sustainable investments, technological developments and export-oriented projects at the FOOD ARENA stage. Their insights will cover a range of guiding topics to offer a realistic vision of the future.

FOOD ARENA Events, designed to inform and inspire visitors over 4 days, will cover 4 main themes. On Tuesday, September 3, the focus will be on “Market Potential: Export Opportunities, Economic Forecasts and Food Trends”. Wednesday, September 4, will feature “Food for Climate: Sustainability, Diversity and Innovative Production Methods”. On Thursday, September 5, the topic will be “Innovation in Trusted Flavors: Quality Parameters, Healthy Eating and Well-Being”. Finally, on Friday, September 6, the exhibition’s last day, “Taste of the Future: Artificial Intelligence, Experience Design and Transformation Ecosystem” will be presented. These events will bring together valuable industry professionals at WorldFood Istanbul.

This year’s content partners of the FOOD ARENA Events include the Food Platform of Türkiye (TGP), Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), Foodservice Suppliers Association (ETÜDER), Esmiyor, Yeni Çiftçi Platform, Unilever Food Solutions (UFS), Gezimanya and Food, Beverage and Agricultural Policy Research Center (GIFT).

Supporters include sector companies, associations, umbrella organizations and global institutions such as Agro TV, Anadolu Efes, Anadolu Meraları, Arkas Line, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Türkiye, UN Women Türkiye, Big Chefs, G2M, Metro, PepsiCo, Sofra/Compass, the Technology Development Foundation of Türkiye, Neolokal, Alaf, Pulat Çiftliği and Feyz Farm.

FOOD ARENA will host 5 distinct programs, including sectoral sessions on the Conference Stage; thematic interviews, hands-on presentations, special recipes and chef-led workshops on the Kitchen Stage; start-ups meeting with Food Tech Garage; special exhibition tours with thematic booth visits through Master Class and exclusive live broadcast chats and podcast interviews at the Interview Corner.

Thematic interviews, hands-on presentations and workshops featuring special recipes from chefs on the Kitchen Stage

WorldFood Istanbul is preparing a vibrant program featuring conversations with master chefs aligned with the day’s themes, special recipes that highlight forgotten and sustainable dishes and presentations using products provided by exhibitors. The event will also host various interviews and workshops in the kitchen corner.

MYK Gastro Arena Founder and MasterChef Türkiye Jury Member, Mehmet Yalçınkaya; Traveler and Researcher, Ömür Akkor; Manager Chef, Author and TV Presenter, Özlem Mekik; Founder of Fireroom Foods Fast Food Restaurant, Executive Chef Hazer Amani; Neolokal Chef and Partner, Maksut Aşkar; Alaf Chef and Owner, Murat Deniz Temel; Sanki Atelier Founder and Chef, Ceyda Artun; and Cookbook Writer and Influencer (Mösyö Şokola) Berat Çokal will be among the chefs featured at the event.

Under the concept of “World Tour on Your Plate,” Traveling Barista and Coffee Consultant, Brodie Vissers; The LaLiT London Executive Chef, Jomon Kuriakose; and Pastry Chef, Recipe Developer and Consultant, Louise Lindberg will be featured guests at WorldFood Istanbul.

Start-up meeting with Food Tech Garage
WorldFood Istanbul connects start-ups pioneering innovative and sustainable technologies with industry professionals. Now in its fifth year, the Food Tech Garage program will host a selection of graduates from the WorkupAgri Entrepreneurship Program. Start-ups that stand out for their innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, protect the environment and support climate action through smart technologies in food production, agriculture, supply chain, energy and water management will be featured at the specially designed Food Tech Garage booth throughout the exhibition. These start-ups will also take the stage for marathon presentations on the final day of the event.

Special exhibition tours including thematic booth visits with Master Class
WorldFood Istanbul, which organizes thematic tours by hosting multiple delegations, will feature 3 special exhibition tours this year: “Sustainability,” “Innovation” and “Productivity”.

The discovery tour, offering on-site product experiences and business development opportunities, will be held in collaboration with Esmiyor under the slogan “Get the Taste of the World from Nature!” Industry experts invited by Esmiyor will explore innovative products and services from carefully curated companies.

Famous chefs, influencers and gastronomy experts from various countries, invited as part of WorldFood Istanbul’s VIP Hosted Buyer program, will also be attending the exhibition. This tour and bilateral meetings will serve as a platform for influencers to exchange information, gain inspiration and establish connections as they explore the exhibition’s innovative products.

As part of the Food Arena Kitchen’s creative taste workshops, expert chefs will craft special dishes inspired by questions such as “What will we be eating at home and on the street in 2054?”, “How will flavors change?” and “In what direction will menus evolve?” Chefs will embark on a special tour of the exhibition, visiting exhibitors to source the ingredients for their dishes.

Exclusive live chats and podcast interviews with Interview Corner
The events will be broadcast on YouTube throughout the day and will feature expert interviews.

To learn more about the speakers participating in the sectoral sessions on the Conference Stage, please visit the website.

Press Release

THE ROADMAP OF THE FOOD SECTOR IS BEING DRAWN AT THE 32nd WORLDFOOD ISTANBUL!

The International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul, which provides the opportunity to exhibit and discover the latest innovations and food trends in the sector, will welcome over 900 hosted buyers from 80 countries at Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center on September 3-6, 2024.

The International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul, organized by ICA Events, is the premier international meeting platform for the Turkish food industry. In its 32nd year, it is set to make a name for itself by breaking records in the number of exhibitors, visitors and events. Over four days, more than 20 thematic events will be held under 4 main themes, and many new products and the latest technologies will be introduced to the food sector.

Semi Benbanaste, Exhibition Director, shared his insights about the International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul, which will open its doors for the 32nd time this year: “In 2023, we hosted a total of 64,146 visitors from 161 countries and 1,117 exhibitors from 38 countries. Compared to 2022, we increased the number of visitors by 67% with 30% of them being international. In other words, we welcomed a total of 19,543 international visitors in 2023, and compared to the previous year, we increased the number of these visitors by over 55%. We anticipate a record number of visitors this year.”

WorldFood Istanbul will host exhibitors from Vietnam, Malaysia, Switzerland, Albania, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Indonesia, Fiji, Uzbekistan, Lebanon and the USA. Czechia, Russia, Thailand, India, South Korea, Brazil, Egypt, China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Belarus, Poland, Iran, Sri Lanka and Rwanda will participate as pavilions.

At WorldFood Istanbul, where 90 percent of the booths are already sold and demand for the remaining booths remains high among domestic and international buyers, more than 100 opinion leaders and chefs will present key topics at the FOOD ARENA stage with new trends, sector goals, sustainable investments, technological developments and export-oriented projects to show a realistic vision of the future.

In addition to meat, poultry and seafood; food ingredients and preservatives; frozen products; food transportation and logistics; beverages; fruits and vegetables; healthy and organic products; sugary products and nuts; milk and dairy products; staple foods, oils and bakery products, other product groups such as cleaning and hygiene products, catering services and store and market equipment will all be featured at WorldFood Istanbul.

Continuing his evaluations about the International Food Products and Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul, which provides the opportunity to exhibit and discover the latest innovations and food trends in the industry, Exhibition Director Semi Benbanaste said, “Last year, we hosted over 800 foreign buyers from 73 countries. This year, we will host more than 900 buyers from 80 countries including Germany, Egypt, France, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam. Brands attending the exhibition, the variety of showcased products and the size of its commercial volume are some other factors that put the exhibition in such a significant place. WorldFood Istanbul will not only bring sector professionals together to establish new business connections, foster collaborations and stay updated on industry innovations but it will also serve as a crucial platform for enhancing the global visibility of the Turkish confectionery, Turkish delight and halva sectors, helping them adapt to global demands.”

The Future of the Food Sector Will Be Discussed at WorldFood İstanbul!
WorldFood Istanbul, a “regional and international vision platform” supported by the Türkiye Food Platform and brought together through a historic collaboration among the food sector’s umbrella organizations, will open its doors for the 32nd time on September 3-6, 2024. The event will not only create new business and partnership opportunities but also offer a productive exhibition experience with its insights and inspiring events.

At the exhibition, where over 20 thematic events will be organized under 4 main themes during 4 days, more than 70 experts will be at FOOD ARENA specially established in Hall 12A. The focus will be on “Export Opportunities exploring Market Potential”, “Sustainability Calling for Food for Climate, Innovation and Alternative Production Ways”, “Standards for Health and Well-being offering Innovation in Trusted Flavors”, and “Artificial Intelligence and New Generation Food Technologies” creating innovative processes for the Taste of Future”.

Workshop Kitchen, Master Class, Food Tech Garage will be at FOOD ARENA…
Through the sessions, workshops and entrepreneur presentations held during the exhibition, industry stakeholders will be able to follow the latest developments which will shed light on the industry at the FOOD ARENA event area, the point of information, inspiration and connection.

Within this framework, FOOD ARENA will host 5 different programmes. These programmes will include industrial sessions at Conference Stage, start-ups meetings at Food Tech Garage, exclusive live chats and podcast talks at Interview Corner, practical presentations and shows of chefs at Workshop Kitchen and exhibition tours with chefs through Master Class.

This year’s supporting collaborations of FOOD ARENA Events include leading institutions and organizations such as the Food Platform of Türkiye (TGP), Esmiyor Podcast, Yeni Çiftçi (New Farmer) Platform, Unilever Food Solutions (UFS), DexCook Innovative Kitchen Solutions and Food, Beverage and Agricultural Policy Research Center (GIFT).

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