Over 420 companies from 16 countries will take part in the largest agricultural exhibition AGRA, which started today and will continue until February 21 on the territory of the Plovdiv International Fair. During it, two more exhibitions will be held: “Vinaria“ and “Foodtech“.
“Vinaria“ reports a 20% growth, with 150 exhibitors from 10 countries participating. The number of exhibitors at “Foodtech“ is also more than last year's edition - 153 manufacturers and traders from 8 countries.
AGRA retains its status as the largest agricultural exhibition, with over 420 companies from 16 countries participating this year, spread across four halls. This was announced at a press conference before the official opening of the international exhibitions AGRA, “Winery“ and “Foodtech“ 2026, which start today and will continue until February 21 at the International Fair - Plovdiv.
“This is the eleventh edition of the event since the three exhibitions have been held jointly, with which the business platform of the International Fair - Plovdiv for creating opportunities for the development of the industry works. The accompanying program includes over 30 events - various business forums, where new products and innovations will be presented. This means that the entrepreneurial spirit works and seeks innovations so that companies can have a market share, capture a new one and, with their participation in various similar forums, gather strength for international competition, which also exists here“, said during the press conference, before the official opening ceremony, Prof. Ivan Sokolov, General Director of the Fair.
“What you will see today practically reflects the real situation – the moment is not very easy for farmers, and we go hand in hand with them. Despite the difficulties, the number of exhibitors has not decreased“, said Nikolay Mitev, Chairman of the Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Agricultural Equipment and Technologies in Bulgaria (AGROTECH). According to him, each of the members of AGROTECH has prepared interesting and innovative proposals in order to be able to help agricultural producers in the difficult times of high cost, climate change and others. Modernization, digitalization and generally automated processes actually provide added value that makes them competitive, concluded Mitev.
FOODTECH 2026 brings together producers, traders and professionals from the food and beverage sector from February 17 to 21 at the Plovdiv International Fair. The 30th anniversary edition of the forum aims to outline the leading trends in the industry – from pure ingredients and traditional recipes to automation and sustainable production solutions.
The dairy sector with premium and gourmet offerings
Among the most attractive highlights of the exhibition is traditionally the dairy sector. Visitors have the opportunity to taste farm products and artisanal specialties – fresh and yogurt, ayran, cottage cheese, zarella and white brined cheese.
Strong interest is expected in mature yellow cheeses and modern flavor combinations with truffles, pistachios and dried fruits, as well as smoked cheeses and limited editions with spicy additives.
Meat delicacies and original recipes
FOODTECH 2026 offers a wide variety of meat products - from classic lukanki and sudzhuks to gourmet appetizers and meat and vegetable mousses according to original recipes. Producers from the Elena Balkan will present their full range of traditional specialties, and truffle products will add a premium accent to the exhibition.
Healthy and functional foods on the rise
One of the most dynamic segments remains that of nut and functional products. Natural tahini, nut butters and creams without additives reflect the growing interest in balanced nutrition. Complementing this line are olives, olive oils and pastes from the Mediterranean, as well as international culinary exhibits.
Natural drinks and energy from nature
In response to the demand for healthy alternatives, the exhibition includes a wide range of 100% natural juices and fruit-based drinks, as well as energy solutions with natural ingredients, aimed at the active urban consumer.
Technology, automation and sustainability
In addition to product stands, the forum also presents the latest technological solutions for the food industry - equipment, automated lines, packaging and labeling. The emphasis is on production efficiency, cost reduction and an ecological approach, which increasingly determines the competitiveness of companies.
A strong business program accompanies the exhibition
In parallel with the exhibitions, the 11th edition of the joint forum AGRICULTURE, WINERY and FOODTECH is being held, which brings together science, business and institutions in a series of seminars, conferences and discussions. Topics include the future of Bulgarian wine, organic farming, financing farms through innovation, climate change and carbon agriculture.
The program includes national meetings of industry organizations, scientific presentations and initiatives for training personnel for the agro-industry. Special interest is expected in the national conference on organic farming and the scientific and practical meeting for the food industry.
On February 18, the winners of the International Tasting Competition “Winery 2026“ will be honored, and on February 19 - the best developments in the Innovation Competition. The finale will be held on February 20 with the announcement of the results of the "Consumer Choice" competition, in which visitors determine the best quality products at the exhibition.
With its large-scale international participation and wide thematic scope, FOODTECH 2026 strengthens Plovdiv's position as a leading meeting center for businesses in agriculture, winemaking and the food industry.