Guida essenziale: WorldFood Istanbul 2025 - Scopri i Segreti della Gastronomia Turca

The "Istanbul food" scene will shine brightly once again when over 1,000 brands gather during WorldFood Istanbul 2025, the most important international meeting point for Turkey's food industry. This prominent trade fair will take place from September 2-5, 2025 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.

Recognized as the leading trade fair for the food industry in Turkey and throughout the Middle East region, WorldFood Istanbul has driven the growth of the food sector for the past 32 years. Furthermore, this international event serves as a business platform for Eastern Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. With visitors from 155 countries and over 72,864 attendees at its latest edition, this is undoubtedly a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends in quality food and beverage products.

What is WorldFood Istanbul 2025

WorldFood Istanbul represents the pinnacle of international food fairs in the Eurasian region, established as an effective tool to increase sales, promote products and attract new customers. This B2B platform facilitates direct contact with representatives of retail chains and wholesale businesses interested in purchasing food products.

Event dates and location

The 2025 edition of WorldFood Istanbul will take place September 2-5 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey. During these four days, the venue will transform into the epicenter of the international food industry, hosting thousands of sector professionals. The Tüyap convention center, known for its modern infrastructure, will provide approximately 40,500 square meters of exhibition space, creating the ideal environment for exhibitors and visitors to interact in a professional setting.

Istanbul's strategic location between Europe and Asia makes this fair a privileged meeting point for companies from both continents, leveraging Turkey's potential as a global logistics power in the Middle Corridor, thanks to its current stability, solid transportation infrastructure and projects contributing to the global logistics network.

Organizers and trajectory

WorldFood Istanbul is organized by ICA Events, a company specialized in producing international trade fairs. With 32 years of history, this exhibition has established itself as the premier meeting point for international food and beverage producers and Turkey's main buyers.

Throughout its three-decade history, WorldFood Istanbul has evolved to become the longest-running and most prestigious food sector fair in Turkey. In its previous edition, the fair reached record numbers with 1,276 exhibitors representing 2,889 brands from 43 countries, demonstrating its continuous growth and relevance in the global market.

The organizers' commitment to quality and innovation has allowed WorldFood Istanbul to maintain its leadership position, constantly adapting to new market trends and expanding its offerings to include all relevant sectors of the food industry.

Importance in the food industry

In the current economic landscape, WorldFood Istanbul plays a crucial role for Turkey's and the international food industry. As a B2B platform, it offers exceptional opportunities to expand sales and capture new customers in a food import sector valued at €0.95 billion. Imports have steadily increased in Turkey over the past decade, driven by new social trends like busier lifestyles, urbanization and higher middle-class incomes.

During the 2023 edition, WorldFood Istanbul generated €650 million in business volume, and for 2025 this figure is estimated to exceed one billion euros, solidifying its position as one of the most important events for the sector's economy.

The fair covers the entire food industry value chain, including:

• Food and beverage products
• Processing technologies
• Packaging and logistics solutions
• Food ingredients and additives
• Organic and healthy products

Additionally, WorldFood Istanbul facilitates the exchange of updated information on consumption trends and technological advances, allowing participants to anticipate market changes. With 72,864 visitors from 155 countries at its latest edition, including 19,040 international visitors, the fair has established itself as a barometer of the latest industry trends, consumer preferences and market dynamics, influencing product development and commercial strategies worldwide.

Featured sectors and products at the fair

At WorldFood Istanbul 2025, visitors will be able to explore a wide range of sectors representing the entire food and beverage industry. This comprehensive fair spans from food and beverage products to transportation solutions and health-related goods.

Food and beverages

Gastronomic diversity will be the main attraction in the 2025 "Istanbul food" scene. Exhibitors will present an extensive catalog including alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, carbonated drinks, mineral water and fresh fruit juices. Likewise, sections dedicated to dairy products will showcase high-quality ice creams, yogurts and fermented milks.

Among the most prominent sectors we'll find:

• Fresh and processed meats, poultry and seafood
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, including processed mushrooms
• Frozen and ready-to-eat foods
• Dairy products and derivatives
• Oils, flours and bakery products
• Sweets, chocolates and dried fruits

On the other hand, beverages will have special prominence, with international brands presenting innovations in soft drinks, mineral waters and natural juices that will set trends in the Eurasian market.

Ingredients and additives

The food ingredients sector will occupy a privileged place at WorldFood Istanbul 2025, showcasing flavors, acidity regulators, emulsifiers, humectants and hardeners. Food ingredient and preservative manufacturers will take advantage of this international platform to establish commercial connections with buyers from over 161 countries.

However, the most interesting aspect will be discovering how these ingredients are evolving to meet growing demand for more natural products with clean labels, adapting to new consumer preferences.

Processing technology

Technological solutions for food processing will represent a fundamental part of the fair. Visitors will be able to explore food handling equipment and protective clothing that ensures food safety throughout the production chain.

Additionally, the latest innovations in compression systems for refrigeration and specialized equipment that optimize production processes will be exhibited, allowing companies to improve their operational efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Packaging

The packaging sector will stand out with customized solutions for the constantly evolving food industry. Companies will present packaging materials and equipment that not only guarantee product safety and freshness but also help brands stand out on shelves with vibrant, eye-catching designs.

Among the most anticipated innovations are high-quality, durable customized food bags suitable for various products from snacks to dry foods. Likewise, innovative materials offering superior protection against moisture, oxygen and other elements, extending product shelf life.

Trends in natural products

The trend toward natural and healthy products will have its own space at WorldFood Istanbul 2025. Organic products, foods for diabetics and gluten-free options will respond to growing demand for healthier choices.

During the fair, a significant increase in sustainable and ecological options will be observable. Environmentally friendly packaging options will also gain prominence, showing the industry's commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising quality.

Ultimately, WorldFood Istanbul 2025 will reflect the latest trends in the global food market, offering a comprehensive view of the industry's evolution and consumer preferences across all represented sectors.

Key facts and figures

The numbers behind WorldFood Istanbul 2025 reveal the magnitude and importance of this event for the global food industry. Analyzing figures from previous editions, we can anticipate the exceptional reach of the upcoming international food fair in Istanbul.

Number of exhibitors and brands

The 2024 edition of WorldFood Istanbul set an impressive record with 1,276 exhibitors from 43 countries representing 2,889 brands. This significant growth confirms the event's relevance as a key platform for Turkey's and the international food industry.

The growth is notable when comparing with previous editions. In 2023, the fair hosted 1,117 exhibitors from 38 countries, while in 2022 there were 835 exhibitors from 25 countries. This evolution represents steady growth expected to continue for the 2025 edition, with projections pointing to over 1,300 exhibitors.

The diversity of participating brands spans the entire food sector value chain, from raw material producers to processing and distribution companies. Moreover, 90% of new exhibitors generated commercial agreements or potential contacts directly during the event, demonstrating the tangible value of participating in this international fair.

Visitors and represented countries

The fair attracted 72,864 visitors from 155 countries in its 2024 edition, representing a 14% increase over the previous year. This clearly reflects growing global interest in the "Istanbul food" scene and its commercial potential.

A notable aspect is the event's internationalization, with 19,040 international visitors representing 26% of total attendees. This geographic diversity makes WorldFood Istanbul a true hub for international food trade, connecting producers and buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and America.

Comparisons with previous years show a constant upward trend:

• 2023: 64,146 visitors from 161 countries
• 2022: Approximately 38,358 visitors from 163 countries

This sustained 67% growth between 2022 and 2023 positions WorldFood Istanbul 2025 as a reference event in the international food fair calendar.

VIP buyers and business opportunities

The VIP Buyers Program represents one of WorldFood Istanbul's greatest attractions. In 2024, over 900 VIP buyers from 90 countries participated in this program, including representatives from Germany, Egypt, France, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam.

This specialized program generates concrete business opportunities through:

• 38,000 B2B meetings scheduled in 2024, of which 1,500 were conducted through the ICA Connect platform
• An average business volume of €1.1 million per exhibitor
• Direct connections with key retailers, wholesalers and distributors

Consequently, the program facilitates access to strategic markets, especially in the MENA region, Europe, CIS countries and Africa. Invited buyers include high-profile distributors, retailers and wholesalers seeking new opportunities to offer their customers.

For WorldFood Istanbul 2025 participants, these figures translate into tangible international expansion opportunities. Companies can establish direct contacts with representatives of retail chains and wholesale businesses specifically interested in purchasing food products, thus maximizing their return on investment in this global event.

Parallel activities and networking

A complete experience beyond exhibition booths awaits WorldFood Istanbul 2025 participants. The fair will offer a program packed with activities to foster knowledge exchange, promote innovation and generate new ideas in the food sector.

Seminars and conferences

The FOOD ARENA, specially established in Hall 12A, will be the knowledge hub during the fair. This space will host over 20 thematic events organized around 4 main axes during the four event days. More than 70 experts will share their knowledge in panels addressing crucial topics like:

• "Export opportunities and market potential"
• "Sustainability: climate food, innovation and alternative production methods"
• "Health and wellness standards with innovation in reliable flavors"
• "Artificial intelligence and new food technologies for the taste of the future"

During the previous edition, sustainability, reliability and solidarity were highlighted seminar topics, setting a precedent for content we can expect in 2025.

Business matchmaking

The most productive aspect of WorldFood Istanbul is reflected in its business meetings. The latest edition saw 38,000 business meetings conducted, a significant increase from 27,000 the previous year. This platform facilitates direct connections between exhibitors and potential buyers worldwide.

Likewise, the Food Tech Garage program, now in its fifth year, will connect pioneering startups in innovative and sustainable technologies with industry professionals, offering marathon presentations on the event's final day.

Tasting events and showcooking

The Turkish Cooks Association will actively participate in the fair, presenting famous chefs who will share their culinary knowledge with visitors. These professionals will offer a visual feast with different flavors and products from local manufacturers.

On the other hand, creative workshops at the Food Arena Kitchen will allow expert chefs to prepare special dishes inspired by questions like "What will we eat at home and out in 2054?" or "How will menus evolve?" Additionally, they'll conduct special tours of the exhibition to obtain ingredients directly from exhibitors.

These events not only enrich attendees' experience but solidify WorldFood Istanbul as an information, inspiration and connection point for all food sector stakeholders.

How to participate in WorldFood Istanbul

Participating in the prestigious WorldFood Istanbul 2025 fair is a straightforward process for both visitors and exhibitors. To begin, those interested in attending as visitors must complete the registration form on the official website, using their individual corporate email address as mandatory. It's important to note that the ticket cost is 500 TL and, after processing payment correctly, the ticket will be sent to the registered email address.

On the other hand, exhibitors have various tools to maximize their participation:

• Exhibitor Portal: Centralized platform where they'll find all relevant information about the exhibition
• Company Profile: Essential for attracting visitors to the stand
• Credentials: Creation and printing of badges through the portal
• Technical Services: Request for necessary stand services
• ICA Connect App: Allows scheduling meetings with tourism operators and buyers worldwide

Additionally, the VIP Buyers Program represents an exceptional opportunity to establish direct business contacts. In the previous edition, this program facilitated over 38,000 scheduled B2B meetings, generating an average business volume of €1.1 million per exhibitor.

Those needing registration assistance can contact ticket@icaevents.com.tr directly. However, early registration is recommended to avoid long lines, take advantage of online discounts and receive updated information about exhibitors, seminars and business meetings.

Finally, for exhibitors wanting to stand out from competitors, there are digital and physical sponsorship opportunities during the event. The checklist available on the portal is an indispensable tool to ensure all preparations are complete before WorldFood Istanbul 2025 begins, thus consolidating successful presence at this leading food sector platform in Turkey.

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