Top Food & Beverages events for startups in 2025
Here’s the ultimate curated list of 44 must-attend events for Food & Beverages startups in 2025. Compiled by our FoodTech experts, this comprehensive guide covers Food & Beverages events happening across Europe, Asia and the U.S in 2025. Designed for founders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, it’s your go-to resource for exploring the latest FoodTech innovations! Horecava January 13-16, Amsterdam – Netherlands Expected participants : 60000 Horecava brings together a diverse audience from hospitality, catering, and food service sectors to explore innovations in food tech, sustainability, and culinary trends, making it a vital networking and idea-sharing hub for industry professionals. Winter Fancy Food Show January 19-21, Las Vegas – United States Expected participants : 13000 The Winter Fancy Food Show highlights premium and artisanal foods from around the world, showcasing everything from small-batch creations to organic and sustainably-sourced products, connecting specialty food brands with retailers and distributors. Grüne Woche January 17-26, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 275000 Grüne Woche is one of the leading exhibitions for the agriculture and food industry, offering an ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase innovative products and solutions. This event not only highlights cutting-edge developments but also addresses critical societal issues such as climate protection, the circular economy, resource conservation, and sustainable land use. Sirha January 23-27, Lyon – France Expected participants : 200000 Sirha Lyon gathers the entire food service and hospitality ecosystem, offering a global stage for innovation, competitions, and knowledge-sharing. It’s where professionals come to discover the latest trends, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the industry. ISM Cologne February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 30000 ISM Cologne brings together industry leaders and emerging brands in the sweets and snacks sector, offering insights into the latest products, trends, and technologies shaping the global confectionery and snack markets. Pro Sweets February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 13000 Leading global event for suppliers and decision-makers in the snacks and sweets industry. This event covers the entire industrial value chain of the confectionery and snack industry, including finished products, raw materials, technology, and packaging. Fruit Logistica February 5-7, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 66000 Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading international trade fair for fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and tree nuts. Manifest February 10-12, Las-Vegas – United States Expected participants : 6000 The premiere gathering that unites the entire eco-system of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Biofach February 11-14, Nuremberg – Germany Expected participants : 35000 Biofach provides a comprehensive showcase of organic products, from raw ingredients to packaged goods. It draws a global audience of professionals dedicated to sustainability, offering insights into organic food trends and opportunities for partnerships in the green sector. Gulfood February 17-21, Dubai – UAE Expected participants : 100000 Gulfood attracts an international audience of food professionals, highlighting a wide range of products from emerging markets and offering insights into regional consumer trends, trade opportunities, and innovations in food and beverage. AFCI Con February 22-25, Dallas – United States Expected participants : 1500 AFCI Con is where frozen food industry leaders connect, showcasing new products, technologies, and strategies for sustainability and efficiency. It provides a platform for collaboration, industry insights, and exploring trends in frozen foods. Natural Products Expo West March 4-7, Anaheim – United States Expected participants : 65000 Natural Products Expo West brings together the CPG and retail ecosystem, featuring the latest in organic, natural, and sustainable products. It’s a key event for discovering emerging brands and trends focused on health, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Food Expo March 8-10, Athens – Greece Expected participants : 35000 Food Expo showcases a vast array of food products, from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat offerings. It’s an essential hub for professionals seeking to explore trends, develop partnerships, and discover business opportunities across the industry. World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit March 11-12, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 2500 The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit gathers leaders from agri-food businesses, tech providers, and investors for networking, market intelligence, and discovering startups. Attendees engage in high-level discussions on innovation and investment in agriculture. Foodex March 11-15, Chiba – Japan Expected participants : 80000 Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, emphasizing innovation and market expansion. It showcases a diverse range of Asian and international food products, focusing on food tech, sustainability, and regional specialties. It serves as a major platform for business networking, culinary trends, and market insights. Future FoodTech March 13-14, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 1450 Future Food-Tech brings together global food corporates, investors and technology start-ups from around the world to uncover the most exciting innovations in the agri-food sector, forging the right partnerships to take those solutions to market. IFE March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 IFE (International Food & Drink Event) is where food professionals come to explore thousands of products from around the world, connect with new suppliers, and discover innovative trends and solutions shaping the food and drink industry. HRC March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 Connects the industry’s most influential hospitality experts, chefs, and operators with the finest suppliers in the market, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in equipment, services, technology and more. Food Hotel Tech March 19-20, Paris – France Expected participants : 8000 Food Hotel Tech brings together digital tools, eco-friendly products, and tech innovations aimed at transforming the hospitality industry. It’s a hub for hotel and restaurant professionals to discover sustainable and tech-driven solutions. World Food Poland April 8-10, Warsaw – Poland Expected participants : 5000 World Food offers a comprehensive showcase of food products from around the world, connecting suppliers and buyers to explore emerging trends, expand into new markets, and discover innovative solutions in the food and beverage industry. FHA Asia April 8-11, Singapore Expected participants : 72000 Food & Hotel Asia brings together an international audience, featuring a wide array of F&B products, hospitality solutions, and […]
Building a sustainable future of food with Beatriz Jacoste from KM ZERO
Beatriz Jacoste, director of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, a Valencia-based organization, is on a mission to transform the way we think about food. In this episode, we explored her journey, her vision for a sustainable future of food, and the steps we can take to get there. The full episode is available on YouTube: Driven by Impact Having originally studied diplomacy, Beatriz discovered her interest in the food sector while volunteering at a food bank. As she put it, “Food is the most important and impactful sector in the world.” Building a Community of Food Heroes KM ZERO is more than a think tank; it’s a global hub for food change-makers. The community includes scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors, all united to create systems that deliver tasty and sustainable food without depleting our planet’s resources. “We believe they are saving the world through food,” Beatriz said. Innovative Trends Shaping the Future Beatriz highlighted cutting-edge trends including molecular farming, which could allow proteins to be grown directly in bananas. She also emphasized the importance of “less sexy” innovations like soil regeneration. “We’ve lost 40% of nutrients in the last 30 years. Technologies that help recover soil health excite me the most,” she noted. Educating the Next Generation KM ZERO’s Gastro Genius program engages children with food-related challenges to educate them on sustainable nutrition and inspire them to become change-makers. According to Beatriz, this is essential for driving long-term change: “If we don’t work with civil society, innovations won’t stick.” Events as Catalysts for Collaboration From summits like f_talks to initiatives in Latin America, KM ZERO leverages events to bring stakeholders together, bridging gaps between startups, corporates, and policymakers. Beatriz believes these gatherings are essential: “We don’t just want to inspire; we want to influence.” Find Beatriz on: LinkedIn: Beatriz Jacoste Lozano Twitter/X: @BeatrizJacoste Find Ben on: LinkedIn: Ben Costantini Twitter/X: @bencostantini — Be sure to follow Sesamers onInstagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!
Emerging Food & Beverages trends expected to shape 2025
Pinterest has released its annual trend report, revealing 20 key trends for in 2025 across various industries, including home décor, fashion, beauty, and food & beverage. Known for spotting trends early, Pinterest analyzes billions of searches and uses visual technology to identify emerging patterns. In this article, we’ll focus on how these trends are impacting the food & beverage sector, with visual moodboards to bring them to life. Whether you’re in marketing, product development, or strategy, understanding these F&B trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation ! Cherry Coded Cherries are expected to be popular in 2025, with everything from cherry toppings on desserts to cherry martinis, sodas, and sweet-savory combinations like cherry-glazed meats. Keep an eye out for more cherry-flavored cakes, tartlets, and sauces appearing on menus. Aura Beauty The “aura effect” trend may inspire food and drink presentations with glowing, pastel colors and shiny finishes. This could also influence packaging, with products featuring soft, pastel shades and a playful, multicolor look. Rococo Revival Elegant desserts will take inspiration from Rococo and Baroque styles, with pastel-colored cupcakes, macarons, and meringues. Expect detailed cakes and beautiful table setups with white and soft pink tones, as well as treats like choux pastries and wedding cakes. Sea Witchery Ocean-themed dishes will likely dominate menus, featuring seafood, seaweed, and fun creations like blue and purple cakes. Look for dreamy, ocean-inspired desserts like madeleines with sea-inspired twists, creating a magical underwater feel. Surreal soirees The “Surreal Soirees” trend may lead to bold, artistic dining experiences. Lobster, champagne, and fruits could be arranged in dramatic, art-like displays—think extravagant presentations and eye-catching food layouts that look like still-life paintings. Castle Core Rustic, hearty meals with ancient vegetables like artichokes, raw ingredients, and rich cheeses are expected to grow in popularity. Picture cozy, candlelit dinners with red wine and dishes that evoke a sense of old-world comfort and simplicity. Dolled Up Miniature, playful foods are becoming a trend, with tiny lollipops, fruit-shaped charms, and colorful tableware inspired by a “dinette” style. These small treats will bring a sense of fun and joy to any event. Fisherman Aesthetic The coastal vibe remains strong, with seafood-inspired menus featuring tinned fish, artisan butters, and Mediterranean-style picnic foods. Beer pairings and fresh, simple flavors will capture the relaxed, seaside spirit. Goddess Complex Luxe, shimmering foods—like edible gold, sparkling drinks, and cocktails decorated with jewelry—are set to become a highlight of high-end dining. This trend will celebrate luxury and indulgence, adding a touch of glamour to the table. Rebel Floats Creamy custom sodas are making a comeback, with ice cream floats, fruity soda mixes, and whipped cream taking the spotlight. These fun and indulgent drinks will give a modern twist to classic sodas. Terra Futura Sustainability continues to rise in importance, with fermented foods, pickles, and homemade preservation methods gaining popularity. Garden-to-table dining is likely to grow, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Primary Play Bold, colorful dishes made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, lemons, and apples will take the spotlight. Hand-painted table settings and vibrant, eye-catching food presentations will turn simple ingredients into works of art. Pickle Fix Pickles will find their way into nearly everything—cocktails, sandwiches, and even sweet dishes and desserts. Moto Boho A fusion of biker chic and bohemian style will emerge, offering premium, on-the-go meals like iced coffee lattes and matcha lattes, served in minimalist, cool spaces that blend a sense of rebellion with relaxation. Travel Peak Mountain-inspired dining will become the next big trend, with hot chocolates, après-ski cocktails (like spritz), fondue, raclette, and portable meals such as sandwiches and tupperware-friendly dishes taking center stage. Chaos Cakes Bold, playful cakes are set to make waves, with designs featuring animal shapes, quirky faces, and kitschy creations. These unconventional desserts will add a fun, surprising element to any occasion. Player One The “Y2K” aesthetic returns, bringing kawaii-inspired designs and avatar-style dishes. Expect futuristic food packaging and fun, nostalgic touches that reference the early 2000s pop culture. Mix & Maximalist Packaging will embrace mixed patterns, vibrant colors, and vintage-inspired designs with bold typography. Seeing Double It’s about mixing and matching flavors and visuals : expect creative food pairings, bicolored products or packaging designed for two. Nesting Parties Food for welcoming new arrivals—like baby showers. Think pastel-colored dishes, cute cakes, and easy meal preps perfect for cozy, intimate gatherings. Subscribe to our FoodTech newsletter here for weekly insights on the latest trends and news from the F&B industry !
5 Key Insights into Food Tech Investment Trends
In this episode, Nadav Berger of PeakBridge Ventures shares insights into food tech investment trends, the evolution of alternative proteins, and how startups and investors can collaborate to drive meaningful change in the food industry.
Alternative Proteins: Innovations and Challenges
In this episode, Sirli Rosenvald shares her insights into the evolving field of alternative proteins, highlighting innovations in mycoproteins, challenges in scaling production, and the role of global markets in shaping FoodTech.
Food Ingredients Europe 2024 : What to expect for this edition ?
Food Ingredients Europe is just one week away in Frankfurt, and it promises to be a significant event for both F&B professionals and innovative startups in the food ingredients sector. We spoke with Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Food Ingredients, to preview what makes this event unique and what attendees can expect. What sets Food Ingredients Europe apart from other global food and nutrition innovation events? Fi Europe is unique as Europe’s premier event dedicated exclusively to food ingredients. It is part of a global series with ten Fi events across the world. As the flagship event in Europe, it draws leading industry players and top experts. The event highlights the critical role of the ingredient supply chain—a pivotal stage between raw production and manufacturing—where much of a product’s nutritional value is developed. What emerging trends in food ingredients can attendees look forward to exploring? While many trends reveal themselves on-site, several key themes are expected to shape this year’s event: How do new spaces like the expanded Food Technology area and the Petfood Suppliers Hub address industry demands? How will the new Tasting Bar enhance engagement between exhibitors and attendees? The Tasting Bar brings an interactive experience to Fi Europe. As an ingredient show, it can be hard for attendees to imagine the taste an ingredient can deliver. By sampling finished products that feature these ingredients, buyers get a clearer sense of their flavour and potential applications. Are there any standout projects or breakthrough innovations to watch for? Fi Europe brings innovation from all sides, with both big corporations and smaller companies unveiling groundbreaking concepts. Products launched at the event often reach shelves within 3 to 4 years, positioning Fi Europe as essential for exploring food’s future. What role does Fi Europe play in fostering industry partnerships and opportunities? Fi Europe is a key meeting point for the industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, startups, and organisations to foster collaborations. Key areas like country pavilions and specialised commodity sectors offer targeted networking opportunities. In addition, platforms such as EIT Food Accelerator give startups valuable exposure, helping to strengthen the overall food innovation ecosystem. What’s in store for startups at FI this year ? This year, the Fi Europe Startup Challenge will showcase 20 finalists competing in categories such as plant-based solutions or digital services. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday. The competition offers startups valuable exposure, networking with industry leaders, and the chance to connect with potential partners. It helps them accelerate their growth in the food and beverages sector. For a great overview of the competition check out the 2024 Fi Europe Startup Challenge eMag. Additionally, you can find out who the finalists are this year here. How is Food Ingredients Europe working toward sustainability and environmental responsibility? Fi Europe has taken several steps toward sustainability, including: Environmental Initiatives: Social Initiatives: If you are a startup exhibiting at a Food trade show soon, check out our top tips here to make the most of your experience !
Italy’s plant-based market : a growing opportunity
Italy’s plant-based market is booming, with consumer demand for sustainable, plant-based foods driving record growth. In 2023, retail sales reached €641 million, reflecting a significant 16.1% increase since 2021. Felippe Fontanelli has been aggregating these observations into a report that showcases the trends highlighting Italy’s growth potential. This insightful report is available for free download here. Meet the Author Felippe Fontanelli is the founder of the Virtuous Food Revolution Alliance and has worked with innovative startups like Wicked Foods and Future Farm. With nearly two decades in the FMCG industry, he has established a strong network across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, positioning him to provide valuable insights into the evolving plant-based market. Key Insights from the Report Market Growth Italy’s plant-based market is thriving, with sales reaching €641 million in 2023. Plant-based meat and milk dominate, accounting for 49% and 31% of total sales, respectively. The cheese segment has also seen substantial growth, with a 77% increase in sales volume from 2021 to 2023. Demographic Shifts Young Italians are leading the plant-based movement, with 82% adopting more sustainable diets for health and environmental reasons. This generational shift, coupled with a strong preference for sustainability—66% of Italians prioritize it when purchasing food—positions Italy to compete with established markets like Germany and the UK. Out-of-Home Expansion The out-of-home food sector in Italy, valued at €80.8 billion in 2023, is gradually embracing plant-based options. Major players like Autogrill and Eataly are expanding their plant-based offerings, driven by a growing consumer demand for healthier dining choices. Companies such as Compass Group are focusing on sustainable sourcing, particularly in university dining, which opens up further opportunities for plant-based brands. Regulatory Challenges Despite its growth potential, the Italian plant-based market faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles influenced by meat lobbies. Recent regulations restrict cultivated meat production and limit plant-based products from using meat-related terms. However, public sentiment shows strong support for reducing meat consumption as a means to combat climate change. Partnerships and Collaboration Collaborations between traditional food producers and plant-based brands are vital for expanding options in Italy. By integrating plant-based alternatives into classic dishes, companies can build consumer trust while promoting sustainability. Successful partnerships, such as Planted with Artico for ready meals and Stupiscimi for snacks, demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Retail Opportunities While large chains like Aldi and Carrefour are expanding their plant-based offerings, smaller retailers lag behind. There’s a significant opportunity for Italian retailers to collaborate with startups, dedicate special sections for plant-based products, and focus on sustainability to capture this growing market. Local Innovation Italy’s culinary heritage provides a strong foundation for innovation. Local giants like Nestlé and Granarolo are adapting to meet rising consumer demand, while startups like Heaven and DreamFarm are creating products that honor Italy’s food culture while embracing sustainability. This report paints a compelling picture of Italy’s potential as a leader in the plant-based sector. For those looking to explore the findings in greater detail, the full report is accessible for free and can be downloaded here.
Top Tips for Food Trade Show Success: Insights from SIAL Paris 2024 Startup Exhibitors
If you’re considering exhibiting at a future trade show, the insights shared by exhibitors at SIAL Paris 2024 can be incredibly valuable. They offer their advice based on their overall experiences as exhibitors and during their pitch sessions in front of a jury. Here are some key takeaways to help you maximize your experience: Torg: Plan ahead Start your planning well in advance. Create a to-do list and a timeline based on insights from previous events to streamline your preparation. Avoid relying too heavily on external logistics, as managing these can be challenging if you’re not experienced. Ensure that everything is organized and in place to meet your needs. Pitching tips: Keep your pitch short and focused. If you have multiple products or topics, concentrate on one and explore it in-depth within 90 seconds. Use minimal text in your presentations. This helps maintain the audience’s attention on your message rather than distracting them with written content. Lebrin Cbd: Be spontaneous Balance preparation with spontaneity. While practicing your pitch is important, over-rehearsing can create unnecessary pressure and dissatisfaction. Allow yourself to connect more genuinely with your audience by going with the flow during your presentation. VgFryer: Stay proactive Engage actively with attendees and maintain communication with your contacts even after the event. Being persistent and keeping an optimistic outlook can help you foster lasting connections that extend beyond the trade show. Freshjt: Engage through experience Let your products speak for themselves by allowing visitors to sample them before explaining their features. This approach keeps attendees engaged and encourages interaction. Remember that trade shows are about sharing experiences and discovering market opportunities, not just selling products. Networking tips: Create a list of key exhibitors that match your target customer profile to visit during your free hours at the exhibition. While some exhibitors may not have their purchasing or business development managers present, their sales representatives can provide valuable contact information for future connections. Pitching tips: Bring your products to your pitch. If possible, allow attendees in the front rows to try them out to enhance engagement. Avoid technical jargon and focus on key values such as innovation and unique production technology. Most attendees may not fully grasp complex information in just 1-2 minutes. Credits : Biz Today If you’re planning to attend a Food trade show, don’t miss our latest article on maximizing your ROI at these industry gatherings !
Must-see startups at MIF Expo 2024: a guide to the future of Food & Beverage trends
Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups: Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com.
How Sports Nutrition is Going Mainstream
Sports nutrition has expanded beyond the athletic niche, conquering new customers looking for a wide range of benefits with one key goal in mind: Healthier living.
BiteMe Nutrition: Indulgent, Healthy Snacks
BiteMe, a Croatian startup, is reshaping the snack industry with its healthy, delicious vegan snacks. Rejecting unhealthy industry practices, their products offer a fun, nutritious alternative for health-conscious snackers, gaining traction with consumers and B2B buyers across Europe.
Croatian VG Fryer: Delivering Farm-Fresh Dried Vegetables to Your Table
VG Fryer, a Croatian company, produces nutritious, additive-free dried vegetables with a unique low-temperature drying method. These long-lasting products, along with their ready-made rice and vegetable mixes, cater to health-conscious consumers seeking convenience and a taste of Croatia’s culinary heritage.