Expo FoodTech 2027 – Food Technology Expo Spain

What to expect in 2027

Expo FoodTech 2027 will bring together food and beverage manufacturers, technology providers, startups, investors, researchers, engineers and industry decision-makers at Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain. The event is positioned as an innovation platform for the food and beverage industry, focusing on technologies that can improve production, processing, automation, sustainability, safety, logistics and competitiveness. The 2027 edition is confirmed for 26–27 May 2027 in Bilbao.

The exhibition is closely connected with the Food 4 Future World Summit, creating a combination of technology displays and conference content. Visitors can expect solutions covering artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, digitalisation, food processing, packaging, traceability, cybersecurity, sustainability and supply-chain technologies.

Expo FoodTech is designed for professionals throughout the food and beverage value chain. The visitor profile extends from agriculture, farming and livestock through food processing, bakery and snacks, seafood and beverages, while also attracting professionals working in research and development, production, quality, maintenance, logistics, purchasing, marketing and sales.

The 2027 edition will also include technology demonstrations, startup activities, industry-specific forums and opportunities to meet companies developing technologies for real food-industry applications.

Event dates

Expo FoodTech 2027 will take place on 26–27 May 2027 at Bilbao Exhibition Centre in the Bilbao metropolitan area of Spain. The dates are published on the official Expo FoodTech website.

The event is organised around an exhibition and a professional congress programme. Detailed 2027 session times and the final agenda are still being developed, although the organisers have already published a number of speakers and activities for the new edition.

The previous edition used a two-day format with general visitor access beginning in the morning and continuing through the afternoon. The Food 4 Future World Summit operated alongside the exhibition, while selected sessions required particular pass categories.

Visitors should use the official 2027 agenda once the complete programme is released because session rooms, access requirements and individual presentation times can vary.

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Venue & event site

Expo FoodTech 2027 will be held at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, commonly known as BEC, in Barakaldo, within the Bilbao metropolitan area. The venue address used by the organisers is Azkue Kalea 1, 48902 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.

BEC is a major exhibition and conference complex with multiple halls, meeting spaces, auditoriums and professional visitor facilities. Expo FoodTech uses the venue to combine its technology exhibition with conference stages, demonstration areas and networking spaces.

The event site is designed to make it possible to move between technology exhibitors and educational sessions during the same visit. Depending on the final 2027 layout, visitors can expect exhibition areas, conference auditoriums, demonstration spaces and dedicated startup or networking areas.

Bilbao’s location also makes the event accessible for international visitors through Bilbao Airport, rail connections and the city’s public transport network.

Full technology programme

The complete Expo FoodTech 2027 programme has not yet been published, but the event’s established technology focus provides a clear picture of the subjects visitors can expect.

The official event describes Expo FoodTech as a platform for innovations in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, packaging, logistics and sustainability.

The programme can include:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Industrial automation
• Robotics
• Digital transformation
• Digital twins
• Food processing technologies
• Food safety and quality control
• Traceability
• Supply-chain technology
• Packaging technology
• Sustainability and circularity
• Energy and resource efficiency
• Data-driven manufacturing
• Cybersecurity
• Smart production systems
• New food technologies
• Research and development
• Foodtech startups
• Industrial demonstrations

The previous programme also included Digital Demos where technology companies presented practical solutions and real-world applications.

For 2027, the emphasis is expected to remain on technologies that can move from innovation into practical industrial implementation.

Key speakers & industry leaders

Expo FoodTech has already begun publishing speaker information for the 2027 edition. One confirmed speaker is Takeshi Yoshida, Executive Director of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, who is scheduled to participate in a CDTI-NEDO workshop focused on food technologies.

Eduardo Cotillas, RDI Director at FIAB, is also listed among the 2027 speakers. His published programme includes participation in the CDTI-NEDO workshop, a CEO-level sustainability session and a session examining digital twins in the food sector.

Mauricio García de Quevedo, General Manager of FIAB, is another published 2027 speaker. His programme includes a CEO Summit session addressing the promotion and value of the food industry and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.

Rebeca Mella of Ecoembes is also listed as a 2027 speaker, with a session focused on packaging as a strategic competitiveness tool within the agri-food chain.

More speakers and industry leaders are expected to be added as the 2027 programme develops.

Technology sectors & themes

Expo FoodTech covers technology across practically every stage of the food and beverage production chain.

Major themes include:

• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics and automation
• Digital transformation
• Industry 4.0
• Food processing
• Food safety
• Quality control
• Packaging
• Logistics
• Supply-chain management
• Sustainability
• Circular economy
• Bioeconomy
• Data and analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Operational efficiency
• Consumer technology
• New ingredients
• Foodservice technology

The official programme framework also separates content into industry-specific forums for beverages, dairy, fruit and vegetables, ingredients, meat and seafood. Professional leadership tracks include CEO, CIO, CTO and purchasing, operations and logistics, and R&D-focused sessions.

This structure allows visitors to concentrate on either a specific food category or a particular technological and managerial responsibility.

Sessions, talks & presentations

The Food 4 Future World Summit provides the main conference component of Expo FoodTech. Previous programmes have included keynote presentations, executive discussions, technology sessions, vertical forums and specialist talks.

The conference programme is organised around subjects such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, food safety, market trends, operational efficiency, supply-chain management and technology.

Previous sessions included discussions on digital twins, food safety, supply-chain management, automation, robotics, AI, sustainable food production and changing consumer demand.

The 2027 programme is expected to continue this format while addressing emerging technology and the evolving requirements of food manufacturers.

Some sessions are available to general pass holders, while selected high-level sessions may require Premium VIP access. Visitors should check the official agenda for the access requirement attached to each presentation.

Workshops & demonstrations

Hands-on technology demonstrations are an important part of Expo FoodTech. The Digital Demos programme gives technology providers an opportunity to show how their systems work rather than relying only on exhibition displays.

Technological Tours are another feature of the event. The organisers describe these as guided tours through innovative solutions, live demonstrations and practical applications in areas including automation, AI, packaging, food safety and sustainability. The activity has been available to Business Pass and Premium VIP Pass holders.

The 2027 programme also includes the CDTI-NEDO Joint Workshop on Food Technologies. The published programme lists Takeshi Yoshida and Eduardo Cotillas among the participants.

Workshops and demonstrations give visitors a more practical way to evaluate technologies and understand how they can be applied in production environments.

Ticket types & registration

Expo FoodTech is a professional event and registration is required. The organiser currently identifies Business Pass and Premium VIP Pass categories, with the precise benefits depending on the pass purchased.

The previous edition’s pass structure included:

• Business Pass
• Premium VIP Pass
• Speaker Pass
• Press Pass
• Other professional access categories

The official 2027 ticket pricing has not yet been published in the available registration information. The latest published virtual access product for the previous edition was $70.20 after conversion from the listed €60 price, but this is a post-event video-on-demand product rather than the standard 2027 physical admission price.

Because the organisers have not published a reliable previous-edition standard physical ticket price in the accessible current material, it would be misleading to invent a dollar figure for the 2027 Business or Premium VIP Pass.

Registration is completed through the official Expo FoodTech system, where visitors select their pass and number of attendees.

Startup & investor opportunities

Startups are an important part of Expo FoodTech’s innovation ecosystem. The FoodTech Startup Forum is designed to connect emerging companies with established food businesses and potential corporate partners.

The previous programme developed this concept further through the Open Innovation & Corporate Venturing Summit, organised with Eatable Adventures. The programme was designed to connect high-potential startups with real challenges from major agrifood corporations and create opportunities for pilots, proof-of-concept projects and longer-term partnerships.

The programme is particularly relevant for startups developing solutions in areas such as:

• AI
• Automation
• Circularity
• Food security
• Sustainable agriculture
• New ingredients
• Digital supply chains
• Food processing
• Resource efficiency
• Industrial technology

The 2027 edition is expected to provide additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to present solutions, meet corporate innovation teams and develop business relationships.

Exhibitors & technology companies

Expo FoodTech brings together technology providers serving the food and beverage sector. The 2027 exhibitor list is still developing, so the final list should be checked through the official exhibitor directory.

The previous edition featured more than 250 exhibiting companies, according to the organiser’s 2026 press material. Major food-industry companies represented in the wider programme included Ferrero, Nestlé, Danone, Deoleo, Kellanova, Campofrio and PepsiCo.

The exhibition can include companies working in:

• Automation
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence
• Industrial software
• Food processing equipment
• Quality-control systems
• Packaging technology
• Sensors
• Traceability
• Logistics
• Digital platforms
• Sustainability technology
• Food safety
• Manufacturing systems
• Energy and resource management

The exhibitor area is particularly useful for buyers and technical professionals who want to compare suppliers and discuss possible industrial applications directly with technology providers.

Networking & business meetings

Business networking is central to Expo FoodTech’s professional format. The event brings together senior executives, technology specialists, purchasing teams, production managers, R&D professionals, logistics experts and food-industry decision-makers.

The visitor profile includes professionals responsible for research and development, design and manufacturing, production, quality control, maintenance, labour, logistics, purchasing, marketing and sales.

Startup programmes create additional opportunities for business development. The Open Innovation & Corporate Venturing Summit has been designed around connections between startups and established food companies, including potential pilot projects and technology partnerships.

The exhibition floor also provides informal opportunities to meet suppliers, compare technologies and arrange follow-up discussions.

For companies evaluating new technology, the combination of exhibition meetings, conference sessions and demonstrations can make it possible to move from an initial introduction to a more detailed technical conversation.

Event rules & visitor information

Expo FoodTech is a professional trade event. Visitors must register through the official system and follow the organiser’s visitor terms and conditions.

The event is primarily designed for industry professionals rather than general consumers. The organisers may request evidence of professional status for access to certain areas, including VIP facilities.

The event is primarily in-person. The organisers have stated that Food 4 Future World Summit sessions are not streamed live, although eligible attendees can receive access to the post-event video-on-demand platform.

Ticket purchases are subject to the organiser’s terms. The published visitor conditions state that completed ticket purchases are generally non-refundable except in circumstances covered by the event terms, such as cancellation.

International visitors requiring a visa should allow sufficient time for their application. A Premium VIP Pass has been required for an official visa invitation letter under the published policy.

How to get there

Bilbao Exhibition Centre is located in Barakaldo, within the Bilbao metropolitan area. The venue address is Azkue Kalea 1, 48902 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.

The venue is accessible by road from several directions, including routes connecting Bilbao with Madrid, Vitoria, Santander and San Sebastián.

Bilbao Airport is approximately 13 kilometres from BEC, making the venue relatively accessible for international visitors.

Visitors arriving from central Bilbao can use the city’s metro system, while those staying in Barakaldo can use local transport services.

For international visitors, Bilbao is the principal arrival point, with onward connections to the exhibition centre available by metro, bus, train and taxi.

Public transport & parking

The Ansio metro station on Line 2 is located next to the BEC site and provides one of the easiest connections from Bilbao. The station has an exit directly toward the exhibition centre.

Bus connections include Bizkaibus Line 3136 from Bilbao through Cruces and Barakaldo, while the KBus network provides local connections from Barakaldo.

The nearest RENFE railway station is Barakaldo. Visitors arriving by train can continue toward the exhibition centre using local public transport.

BEC also provides parking for visitors arriving by car. Parking arrangements and charges can vary according to the event, so visitors should check the official 2027 information before travelling.

For drivers, road access is available from the A-8 and N-637, with BEC clearly signposted from the surrounding motorway network.

Accommodation areas

Bilbao is the main accommodation base for international visitors attending Expo FoodTech. The city offers a large range of hotels and provides convenient access to BEC through Metro Line 2.

Barakaldo is another practical option, particularly for visitors who want to stay close to the exhibition centre and reduce their daily travel time.

Recommended areas include:

• Bilbao city centre
• Abando
• Indautxu
• Casco Viejo
• Barakaldo
• Cruces
• Ansio
• Getxo

Visitors who plan to attend evening networking events may prefer central Bilbao, where there is a broader selection of restaurants and hospitality options.

Those travelling primarily for the exhibition may find accommodation in Barakaldo or near Ansio particularly convenient because of the proximity to BEC and the metro.

Accessibility

Bilbao Exhibition Centre is designed as a modern exhibition venue with visitor facilities suitable for professional events. Visitors who require specific accessibility assistance should contact the organisers before attending so that their requirements can be addressed.

The venue’s direct connection to Ansio Metro Station is useful for visitors arriving without a car, while the surrounding transport network provides additional options.

Visitors with mobility requirements should check the latest venue access arrangements, entrances and parking information before the 2027 event.

International visitors with disabilities should also consider the accessibility arrangements of their accommodation and airport or rail connections when planning the trip.

For registration-related problems, the organiser lists registration@expofoodtech.com as its registration support contact. General event enquiries can be directed to info@expofoodtech.com.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous Expo FoodTech edition brought together thousands of food-industry professionals and a substantial group of technology exhibitors. The organiser’s 2026 press material projected more than 8,000 professionals and more than 250 exhibiting companies, with leading businesses such as Ferrero, Nestlé, Danone, Deoleo, Kellanova, Campofrio and PepsiCo represented in the programme.

The 2026 programme covered a wide range of subjects, including AI, digital transformation, food safety, sustainability, supply-chain management, operational efficiency, packaging and technology.

The conference featured dedicated forums for beverages, dairy, fruit and vegetables, ingredients, meat and seafood. It also included CEO, CIO, CTO and purchasing, R&D and operations-focused content.

The FoodTech Startup Forum developed an open-innovation focus, connecting startups with corporate challenges and opportunities for practical collaboration.

Digital Demos provided short technology presentations, while technological tours gave selected pass holders the opportunity to see practical applications of automation, AI, packaging, food safety and sustainability solutions.

The FoodTech Innovation Awards also recognised companies working on technologies related to water optimisation, plant-based proteins, industrial robotics, circularity and other areas of food-industry innovation.

These previous features provide an indication of the scale and structure expected around the 2027 edition, while the final 2027 programme will determine the confirmed companies, sessions and activities.

Official registration & tickets

Official registration for Expo FoodTech 2027 should be completed through the event’s official website when the registration system for the new edition is available.

The event uses professional pass categories, including Business Pass and Premium VIP Pass. Different sessions and activities can have different access requirements, so visitors should review the benefits attached to each pass before registering.

The official 2027 ticket prices have not yet been published in the currently available information. The previous edition offered professional passes and a separate virtual video-on-demand product priced at approximately $70.20 after conversion from the listed €60 amount. The virtual product should not be confused with physical admission to the 2027 event.

Visitors requiring a visa support letter should pay particular attention to the pass requirements because the published policy requires a Premium VIP Pass for an invitation letter.

The official Expo FoodTech website is the appropriate source for 2027 registration, ticket releases, exhibitor information, programme updates and visitor terms.

For general enquiries, the organiser lists info@expofoodtech.com, while registration problems can be directed to registration@expofoodtech.com.