WorldFood Istanbul 33rd Edition Achieves Record-Breaking Success with Historic Participation!
In its 33rd year, the International Food Products and Processing Technologies Exhibition – WorldFood Istanbul opened its doors on September 2, marking the most successful edition in its history. Held at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center until September 5, 2025, the exhibition welcomed a record-breaking 78,341 visitors from 153 countries over four days. Bringing together nearly 1,400 exhibitors and 3,200 brands from 40 countries, WorldFood Istanbul once again proved itself as a leading hub for global trade and collaboration.
WorldFood Istanbul, which reached historic records in the number of visitors, exhibitors, and international purchasing professionals, increased the number of visitors by 7.5% compared to last year, continuing its growth for the second consecutive year. In the organization that brought together a record number of exhibitors and visitors, more than 25% of the visitors were international guests. WorldFood Istanbul showcased its leadership on the global trade stage once again by hosting 20,182 international visitors and welcoming over 900 buyers from 100 countries.
WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition Director Semi Benbanaste highlighted that these achievements reflect a long-term commitment to customer orientation and close alignment with market needs: "Our greatest goal at WorldFood Istanbul is to contribute to our country's economy by creating new opportunities for producers and exporters. This year, we achieved the highest visitor numbers in the history of the exhibition, making it the most successful edition in our 33-year journey. Since the pandemic, we have grown nearly 400% by seizing opportunities effectively, proof of the depth and sustainability of our success. This achievement is not only a reflection of our exhibition, but also of the global strength of Türkiye's food sector. The diversity of our exhibitors, the strong interest of our visitors, and the high level of participation from international buyers are what make WorldFood Istanbul an unmissable event on the international calendar. Year after year, this growing interest is the clearest evidence that we are moving with the right vision and truly keeping pace with the pulse of the food industry. Behind this lies a strong team, constant renewal, and a commitment to creating sustainable value for our stakeholders."
Benbanaste also highlighted the stable development of the exhibition, adding, "We are proud of the steady development of WorldFood Istanbul, which for the past 33 years has worked to increase the export potential of Turkish producers. Sustaining such an organization requires closely following the market, remaining customer-oriented, understanding demand, adapting to changing economic conditions, making sound decisions during challenging times, and investing sustainably. These are the factors that ensure long-term success. The steady rise in our visitor numbers year after year is the clearest demonstration of this. Last year, we hosted 72,864 visitors; this year, we reached a historic record of 78,341. More than a quarter of our visitors were international, and by welcoming 20,182 guests from abroad, we once again proved the global impact and strength of our exhibition."
WorldFood Istanbul, which hosted exhibitors from regions including the United States, Brazil, Italy, France, Poland, China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Georgia, and Albania, not only generated significant business opportunities in Türkiye and beyond but also helped boost trade activity and the export potential of domestic producers. The exhibition further strengthened its role as a "regional and international vision platform" with expert-led sessions where industry leaders shared their perspectives on the future of Türkiye's food and food technologies sector.
At the exhibition, where more than 30 thematic events took place, over 80 leading figures from the food industry addressed a wide range of topics on the FOOD ARENA stage, from climate-friendly solutions and AI-powered food innovations to next-generation agriculture and ethical production.
FOOD ARENA Events informed and inspired visitors under four main themes. On Tuesday, September 2, the theme was "The Big Picture: The Awakening of Food and Agriculture". On Wednesday, September 3, the theme was "Planet on a Plate: Climate-Friendly Smart Food". On Thursday, September 4, the theme was "The Code of Tomorrow: From Data to Dish". Finally, on Friday, September 5, "The Entrepreneur's Kitchen: What Will We Eat Tomorrow?" brought together distinguished industry professionals at WorldFood Istanbul.
The Pulse of the Food Sector Will Beat at the Istanbul Exhibition Center in 2026!
WorldFood Istanbul will welcome its exhibitors and visitors to a new venue in 2026: the Istanbul Exhibition Center (İFM). The exhibition, scheduled for December 15-18, 2026, is set to provide the industry with a stronger and more efficient business environment, thanks to its modern infrastructure, central location, and spacious facilities.
This new era will not only be a change of location; it will further enhance the diversity of commercial opportunities offered by WorldFood Istanbul, the scope of international collaborations, and the value it adds to the industry. Continuing its vision as the platform where the heart of global food trade beats, the exhibition will once again serve as a unique meeting point for producers, brands, buyers, and industry professionals in 2026.
WorldFood Istanbul, which reached historic records in the number of visitors, exhibitors, and international purchasing professionals, increased the number of visitors by 7.5% compared to last year, continuing its growth for the second consecutive year. In the organization that brought together a record number of exhibitors and visitors, more than 25% of the visitors were international guests. WorldFood Istanbul showcased its leadership on the global trade stage once again by hosting 20,182 international visitors and welcoming over 900 buyers from 100 countries.
WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition Director Semi Benbanaste highlighted that these achievements reflect a long-term commitment to customer orientation and close alignment with market needs: "Our greatest goal at WorldFood Istanbul is to contribute to our country's economy by creating new opportunities for producers and exporters. This year, we achieved the highest visitor numbers in the history of the exhibition, making it the most successful edition in our 33-year journey. Since the pandemic, we have grown nearly 400% by seizing opportunities effectively, proof of the depth and sustainability of our success. This achievement is not only a reflection of our exhibition, but also of the global strength of Türkiye's food sector. The diversity of our exhibitors, the strong interest of our visitors, and the high level of participation from international buyers are what make WorldFood Istanbul an unmissable event on the international calendar. Year after year, this growing interest is the clearest evidence that we are moving with the right vision and truly keeping pace with the pulse of the food industry. Behind this lies a strong team, constant renewal, and a commitment to creating sustainable value for our stakeholders."
Benbanaste also highlighted the stable development of the exhibition, adding, "We are proud of the steady development of WorldFood Istanbul, which for the past 33 years has worked to increase the export potential of Turkish producers. Sustaining such an organization requires closely following the market, remaining customer-oriented, understanding demand, adapting to changing economic conditions, making sound decisions during challenging times, and investing sustainably. These are the factors that ensure long-term success. The steady rise in our visitor numbers year after year is the clearest demonstration of this. Last year, we hosted 72,864 visitors; this year, we reached a historic record of 78,341. More than a quarter of our visitors were international, and by welcoming 20,182 guests from abroad, we once again proved the global impact and strength of our exhibition."
WorldFood Istanbul, which hosted exhibitors from regions including the United States, Brazil, Italy, France, Poland, China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Georgia, and Albania, not only generated significant business opportunities in Türkiye and beyond but also helped boost trade activity and the export potential of domestic producers. The exhibition further strengthened its role as a "regional and international vision platform" with expert-led sessions where industry leaders shared their perspectives on the future of Türkiye's food and food technologies sector.
At the exhibition, where more than 30 thematic events took place, over 80 leading figures from the food industry addressed a wide range of topics on the FOOD ARENA stage, from climate-friendly solutions and AI-powered food innovations to next-generation agriculture and ethical production.
FOOD ARENA Events informed and inspired visitors under four main themes. On Tuesday, September 2, the theme was "The Big Picture: The Awakening of Food and Agriculture". On Wednesday, September 3, the theme was "Planet on a Plate: Climate-Friendly Smart Food". On Thursday, September 4, the theme was "The Code of Tomorrow: From Data to Dish". Finally, on Friday, September 5, "The Entrepreneur's Kitchen: What Will We Eat Tomorrow?" brought together distinguished industry professionals at WorldFood Istanbul.
The Pulse of the Food Sector Will Beat at the Istanbul Exhibition Center in 2026!
WorldFood Istanbul will welcome its exhibitors and visitors to a new venue in 2026: the Istanbul Exhibition Center (İFM). The exhibition, scheduled for December 15-18, 2026, is set to provide the industry with a stronger and more efficient business environment, thanks to its modern infrastructure, central location, and spacious facilities.
This new era will not only be a change of location; it will further enhance the diversity of commercial opportunities offered by WorldFood Istanbul, the scope of international collaborations, and the value it adds to the industry. Continuing its vision as the platform where the heart of global food trade beats, the exhibition will once again serve as a unique meeting point for producers, brands, buyers, and industry professionals in 2026.