Tokyo Announces New Food Zones at Foodex 2026 Fair

Undoubtedly, this is one of Asia’s largest food trade shows, and this year, it will surprise attendees with new culinary zones in Tokyo.  

During this prominent food industry gathering, taking place from March 19 to 22, 2026, participants will have the chance to explore the innovative culinary areas that the organizers have designed to enhance the Foodex Japan experience. Additionally, it’s important to note that this food fair will operate under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, offering exceptional opportunities for Spanish companies looking to expand into the Asian market.  

‍

Tokyo Introduces New Culinary Zones at Foodex 2026  

The Japanese capital will not only host the 50th edition of the renowned Foodex 2026 but will also unveil an ambitious expansion of its food exhibition spaces. The iconic Tokyo Big Sight venue will be the stage for these innovative additions, promising to transform the experience for professional visitors.

‍

‍

What New Areas Are Being Added This Year?  

Four new themed zones will set this edition apart. FOODEX WINE 2026 will continue its trajectory as a platform dedicated exclusively to the wine sector, under the guidance of the prestigious Japanese sommelier Shinya Tasaki. Meanwhile, FOODEX FROZEN 2026 will double in size compared to the 2023 edition, solidifying its position as the world’s only exclusive space for the frozen food industry.  

Additionally, two brand-new sections will debut. FOODEX LOGISTICS 2026 will emerge as a vital sector within the food fair, focused on strengthening the global supply chain. Meanwhile, FOOD × AI 2026 will introduce a revolutionary platform centered on artificial intelligence and digital technologies to address the chronic labor shortage in the food industry.  

‍

Location and Design of the New Zones  

The Tokyo Big Sight complex, one of Tokyo’s largest exhibition centers, will house these new culinary zones. Its modern, spacious facilities will provide the ideal setting for this prestigious event, accommodating the expected 70,000 professional visitors and 3,000 exhibitors from 70 countries and regions.  

The design of these zones has been carefully planned to maximize business opportunities, with dedicated spaces for buyer-seller meetings, tasting areas, and specialized exhibition sections for each sector.  

Objectives Behind the Culinary Expansion  
This expansion serves multiple strategic goals. On one hand, FOODEX WINE aims to foster valuable connections with Japanese importers and highlight the unique value of wine through pairings with Japanese cuisine. FOODEX FROZEN seeks to support business expansion into Japanese and Asian markets, while FOODEX LOGISTICS aspires to bring together pioneering companies specializing in extending shelf life and maintaining product freshness.  

Finally, FOOD × AI will focus on presenting AI-driven solutions for store and factory operations, product development, and selection processes. All of this aligns with the demands of Japanese consumers, who highly value quality, traceability, and health benefits in products.  

‍

Organizers Highlight Foodex Japan’s Regional Impact  

Since its first edition in 1976, Foodex Japan has established itself as an essential hub for international food trade. With nearly 50 years of history, the event has become a key platform for expansion strategies into Asian markets.  

‍

Foodex as the Leading Platform in Asia-Pacific  

This food fair is not just another event on the trade calendar—it’s the preferred gateway to Japan and the wider Asian region for global agri-food exporters. Over the years, it has solidified its position as the largest food and beverage trade show in the Asia-Pacific, exclusively catering to professionals, including wholesalers, retailers, supermarkets, catering businesses, beverage importers, and foodservice industry experts.  

Moreover, Foodex has earned the prestigious distinction of being one of the world’s top three food exhibitions. This recognition reflects its ability to attract leading buyers from diverse sectors, making it a strategic meeting point for the global food industry.  

Visitor and Exhibitor Numbers from Past Editions  
The numbers speak to Foodex Japan’s magnitude. Over half a century, this event has facilitated business between producers and buyers, featuring 80,000 exhibitors and over four million cumulative visitors. The most recent edition welcomed more than 72,000 professionals, while other sources report even higher attendance, with over 80,000 buyers.  

In terms of exhibitors, recent editions have maintained impressive international participation. The fair typically spans 85,000 m², hosting around 3,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions.  

‍

Institutional Support from ICEX and International Organizations  

ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in Tokyo, coordinates Spain’s participation annually with a dedicated Spain Pavilion. This institutional backing has significantly contributed to the growth of Spanish agri-food exports to Japan, which reached €1.3 billion in 2024.  

‍

Meanwhile, regional bodies like the Xunta de Galicia increased their 2024 budgets by 30% to boost market dynamism and promote high-quality products. Similarly, entities such as the Institute for Business Competitiveness of Castilla y León coordinate regional companies’ participation within the Spain Pavilion, maximizing the business opportunities offered by Foodex 2026.  

‍

Spanish Companies Will Have Access to Exclusive Spaces  

The Spain Pavilion will serve as the focal point for agri-food participation at Foodex 2026. ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, alongside the Economic and Commercial Office in Tokyo, facilitates Spanish companies’ presence at this high-profile international event.  

‍

Participation Terms for the Spain Pavilion  

Registration for Foodex Tokyo 2026 closes on July 8, 2024. Exhibitors can request a minimum space of 9 m², with options to expand to 18, 27, or 36 m², subject to availability. Payment is split into two installments: 50% upon registration and the remainder after space allocation. Selection criteria, scored up to 5 points, include first-time participation (2 points), sustainability and organic certification (2 points), and products with unique differentiators (1 point).  

‍

Benefits for Brands With or Without a Presence in Japan  

Participation is open to both companies looking to introduce their products for the first time and those already distributed in Japan. Foodex provides access to new contacts and potential clients, as well as promotion within the Spain Pavilion. It also allows businesses to observe emerging trends in Japan’s food sector and assess whether new products would fit this market.  

‍

Turnkey Services for Associations and PDOs  

ICEX offers a full-service package for trade promotion organizations, sector associations, and Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs). This includes a space within the Spain Pavilion to increase visibility for represented companies. Additionally, regulatory bodies like the La Mancha PDO can host specialized seminars with tastings in the Gastronomic Space. For example, the La Mancha PDO previously participated with an informational stand featuring meeting areas and a tasting section with 18 selected wines.  

‍

Registration and Business Opportunities at the Food Fair  

For professionals interested in the Japanese market, registration for Foodex 2026 will remain open until the third week of September. The event will take place from March 10 to 13 in Tokyo, turning the city into the epicenter of Asia’s agri-food trade.  

‍

Key Deadlines for Exhibitor Registration  

Companies should plan ahead, as early registration ensures prime placement at this convergence of tradition and modern innovation. Additionally, businesses affected by the October 2024 DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) can benefit from cost-free participation.  

‍

How to Leverage the New Zones for Networking  

‍
Foodex offers a Business Matching system to schedule B2B meetings before the event. Participants can select up to 20 key buyers and arrange personalized appointments, maximizing business opportunities in the new themed zones.  

‍

Business Prospects in the Japanese Market  

‍
Japan represents an exceptional opportunity, with 126 million high-income consumers. As the world’s fourth-largest economy by GDP, Japan imported €1.3 billion worth of Spanish agri-food products in 2024.  

‍

Japanese consumers particularly value quality, traceability, and health benefits, creating opportunities for companies that meet these standards. Without a doubt, Foodex Japan remains the ideal platform for entering one of the world’s most demanding markets.  

‍

Conclusion  

Foodex 2026 is poised to become a milestone in the international food industry. The four new culinary zones will undoubtedly transform the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, offering specialized spaces that align with current market trends. Notably, FOOD × AI stands out as the most innovative addition, presenting technological solutions to the sector’s challenges.  

Historical data confirms the event’s relevance. After nearly 50 years, Foodex Japan remains the preferred gateway to Asian markets for Spanish companies. The numbers speak for themselves: over 72,000 professionals and roughly 3,000 exhibitors from 70 countries will participate in this edition.  

Interested companies should seriously consider participating. The Business Matching system is a key tool for maximizing networking opportunities. Meanwhile, registration deadlines are approaching quickly, making early planning essential.  

Japanese consumers highly value quality, traceability, and health benefits—traits that align perfectly with Spain’s agri-food offerings. Thus, our presence at Foodex 2026 will open doors not just to Japan but to the entire Asia-Pacific region.  

Ultimately, the event, taking place from March 19 to 22, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight, is more than just a trade fair. Foodex Japan symbolizes the convergence of tradition and innovation, serving as a strategic meeting point where Spanish companies can showcase their excellence to a highly qualified international audience.  

‍

‍

‍