Athens Hosts Major Food & Beverage Expo
Athens is hosting FOOD EXPO 2026, a major gathering for the food and beverage industry. The event showcases the latest trends in healthy eating and gourmet products from Greece and around the world. It aims to draw food lovers from across Europe, solidifying the city's status as a culinary tourism hub.
Billed as the largest food and beverage trade show in Southeastern Europe, the annual FOOD EXPO has been a fixture in Athens since its inception in 2014. The 2026 edition, running from March 14-16 at the Metropolitan Expo, is expected to draw more than 1,350 Greek and international exhibitors and over 34,000 trade visitors from across 80 countries. The event is organized by FORUM S.A., a major Greek trade show organizer that is now part of the NürnbergMesse Group, one of the world's largest exhibition companies. This partnership has helped elevate the expo's international profile, attracting a significant number of foreign exhibitors and buyers. In 2025, the event facilitated over 15,000 business-to-business meetings. Exhibits will span the entire food and beverage spectrum, from meat, seafood, and dairy to bakery, confectionery, and organic products. A significant focus is placed on products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, highlighting unique Greek and Mediterranean goods like olive oil, cheese, and honey. The expo serves as a critical platform for a Greek food and beverage market projected to be worth €9.5 billion in 2026. The industry is increasingly focused on the global demand for healthy, organic, and sustainably packaged products, aligning with the worldwide recognition of the Mediterranean diet. This event is a key driver for Greek food and drink exports, which are forecast to reach $304 million by 2026. Alongside the main exhibition, FOOD EXPO hosts specialized workshops, seminars, and the International Culinary Forum, offering insights into global food trends and culinary innovation. It also runs concurrently with OENOTELIA, a specialized trade show for the burgeoning Greek wine and spirits sector, creating a comprehensive showcase for the nation's gastronomic offerings. This focus on gastronomy is a strategic asset for Greece's tourism sector. Culinary tourism is seen as a way to combat seasonality, which sees over half of all foreign visitors arriving in just three months. Gastronomy currently receives the highest satisfaction score (9.2 out of 10) from tourists visiting Greece.
