Horeca Expoforum 2026: Innovation and Sustainability Take Center Stage in Turin
Turin, Italy is currently hosting the third edition of Horeca Expoforum, a key event for professionals in the hospitality, restaurant and food service industries. The trade show, which opened on March 15th and continues through March 17th, 2026, at the Lingotto Fiere exhibition center, showcases the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the sector. With over 300 Italian and international brands participating, Horeca Expoforum serves as a vital hub for networking, collaboration, and driving innovation within the HoReCa ecosystem. The event highlights not only culinary advancements but also a growing commitment to sustainability, particularly in addressing food waste.
The opening of Horeca Expoforum 2026 underscored the importance of the event for the Piedmont region and Italy as a whole. Krisztina Szilvasi of GL events, the organizing company, emphasized the trade show’s role as a strategic center for innovation, and expertise. Paolo Bongioanni, a regional assessor, highlighted the opportunity to showcase Piedmont’s robust agro-food supply chain, which currently leads Italy in the number of products with protected designations of origin (Doc, Dop, Docg, and Igp). The city of Turin itself is also benefiting from the event, with Assessor Paolo Chiavarino noting its contribution to strengthening the city’s appeal as a thriving business and innovation hub. The inaugural session also brought the critical issue of food waste to the forefront, with Italian Member of Parliament Maria Chiara Gadda advocating for food donation as a socially responsible way to add value and combat waste within the HoReCa sector.
Innovation on Display: From Tech Startups to Sustainable Practices
Horeca Expoforum 2026 isn’t just a showcase of established brands; it’s also a platform for emerging startups. The “Startup Village” within the expo features innovative solutions ranging from advanced technologies and robotics to financial platforms and smart menu systems. A significant focus is placed on environmentally friendly practices, with companies like Aqua Farm and LangaPonica demonstrating circular aquaponics systems – a method of agriculture that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) – designed to minimize pesticide leverage and water consumption. The event also provides a platform for regional producers to shine, with the Azienda Agricola Musso (from Vercelli province) presenting its Baraggia Dop rice, Panero Group (from Cuneo province) returning with its beverage offerings, and Rangoni Spirits (from Turin) debuting its export-focused distilled spirits. The beer sector is also well-represented, with Filodilana (from Avigliana, Turin) and the Versoprobo cooperative (from Vercelli province) showcasing their products.
Combating Food Waste: The “Surprise Bag” Initiative and Banco Alimentare Partnership
A central theme of Horeca Expoforum 2026 is the urgent necessitate to address food waste. To that end, the event has partnered with Banco Alimentare, Italy’s leading food bank, and Too Quality To Proceed, a global marketplace dedicated to reducing food waste, to launch the “Surprise Bag” initiative. Exhibitors are encouraged to donate surplus food items, which are then packaged into “Surprise Bags” and sold to the public. The proceeds from these sales will be entirely donated to Banco Alimentare, supporting their efforts to combat food poverty and reduce waste. This initiative provides a tangible way for attendees to contribute to a more sustainable food system and support those in need. Too Good To Go, founded in 2015, operates in several European countries and North America, connecting consumers with restaurants and stores that have surplus food at the end of the day. Too Good To Go reports that over 150 million meals have been saved through its platform.
Looking Ahead: Continued Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
The remaining days of Horeca Expoforum, March 16th and 17th, promise a continued stream of content, demonstrations, tastings, and professional networking opportunities. The event’s comprehensive program covers all facets of the HoReCa industry, from cutting-edge technologies to emerging culinary trends. The trade show’s organizers, GL events Italia, have created a space where industry professionals can connect, learn, and collaborate to shape the future of hospitality and food service. The event’s focus on sustainability, exemplified by the “Surprise Bag” initiative, reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and social responsibilities within the sector. The full event schedule is available on the official Horeca Expoforum website. Horeca Expoforum is positioned as a key event for the North-West Italy region, attracting both domestic and international participants.
Horeca Expoforum’s commitment to addressing food waste aligns with broader European Union initiatives to reduce food loss and waste across the supply chain. The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, launched in 2020, aims to produce food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly. A key target of this strategy is a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030. The event in Turin provides a practical example of how businesses and consumers can contribute to achieving this goal.
Key Takeaways
- Innovation Hub: Horeca Expoforum 2026 showcases the latest technologies and trends in the hospitality and food service industries.
- Sustainability Focus: The event emphasizes sustainable practices, particularly in reducing food waste through initiatives like the “Surprise Bag” program.
- Regional Importance: Horeca Expoforum is a key event for the Piedmont region and the broader North-West Italy area, promoting local products and businesses.
- Industry Collaboration: The trade show fosters collaboration between exhibitors, attendees, and organizations like Banco Alimentare and Too Good To Go.
The final days of Horeca Expoforum 2026 promise further insights into the evolving landscape of the HoReCa industry. Attendees and industry observers alike will be watching for emerging trends and potential collaborations that could shape the future of hospitality and food service. Further updates and detailed event coverage can be found on the official Horeca Expoforum website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences from the event in the comments below.
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