Four days of advanced meat cutting, preparation, and cooking techniques

nternational event already 80% booked three months ahead

“The inviting aroma of grilled meat,” notes renowned food historian Massimo Montanari, “transcends mere gastronomy. The robust flavor of charred food speaks to something more primordial—a call of the wild, if you will.” It’s a ritual that weaves together tradition, passion, and cultural heritage.

From March 29 to April 1, 2025, the Brixia Forum in Brescia will transform into the epicenter of outdoor cooking as it hosts the second edition of BBQ Expo, the premier trade fair in Italy dedicated exclusively to the art of outdoor cooking. The event promises to bring together leading exhibitors from both domestic and international markets, offering four days of advanced culinary techniques and meat preparation demonstrations. For industry professionals, an important business showcase. For enthusiasts, four days dedicated to taste.

“BBQ Expo 2025 is positioning itself as an industry cornerstone,” explains Mauro Grandi, CEO of Area Fiera. “We’re creating a comprehensive experience that seamlessly combines education, competition, and innovation in this rapidly expanding market. With three months still to go, we’ve already secured bookings for 80% of our exhibition space, projecting a 20-30% growth over our 2024 event. Following last year’s impressive turnout of 24,000 visitors, we’re confident in achieving even stronger numbers this time around.”

The outdoor cooking sector continues to show remarkable growth. Market analysis from Mordor Intelligence reveals that Italy’s outdoor cooking industry reached approximately €118 million in 2024, with projected annual growth of 4.69%, targeting €150 million by 2029. These figures reflect the growing enthusiasm among consumers for outdoor cooking and barbecue culture.

The exhibition is divided into four key areas—Equipment, Fuel, Meat, and Food & Beverage—giving attendees comprehensive access to cutting-edge cooking techniques, diverse meat selections, emerging technologies, and innovative outdoor kitchen designs from leading manufacturers.

Visitors can look forward to an extensive program featuring over 14 live cooking demonstrations and 30 masterclasses, designed for everyone from novices to seasoned grill masters. Highlight events include:
– The Authentic Mexican Taco
– B.O.B. (The Battle of the Burgers)
– Sausages of the World
– The Art of Brisket
All events require advance online booking and paid admission.

The 2025 edition will showcase an impressive lineup of talent, including renowned pitmasters and Michelin-starred chefs. Notable personalities include Marco Agostini, a specialist in grilling and smoking techniques, and Davide Bigarella, known for his unconventional approach” to traditional cooking.

The popular BBQ Expo Master’s Challenge returns in 2025, featuring 30 teams competing across classic barbecue categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork (Boston Butt), and brisket. Beyond trophies and prizes, competitors will earn points toward the TOY Europe (Team of the Year) 2025 rankings, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the world’s largest barbecue competition organization.

For tickets and complete event information, visit bbqexpo.it.

(*) Market values sourced from Mordor Intelligence, originally reported in USD: $128.6 million (€118 million) and $163 million (€150 million). Exchange rates as of December 19, 2024.

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