Trade fair Riga Food 2026: discover the future of food industry and new tastes

The key food industry event in the Baltics, the trade fair Riga Food 2026, is set to take place at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre on 10–12 September. Three-day event will bring together food producers, industry professionals, hospitality companies, tech developers, investors and foodies from all over the world, all of whom are looking forward to learning more about trends in the food industry, discovering innovative products, gaining new insights and expanding their professional networks.


420 companies from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Egypt, Great Britain, Moldova, Nepal, India, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Sweden have chosen Ķīpsala as the place where to present their latest technologies, innovations and food, beverage production and processing techniques. Altogether 30 countries will be represented at the fair.

Riga Food 2026 will offer a wide variety of international and domestic exhibitors, competitions, masterclasses, tastings, workshops, discussions and business networking activities.

“Food industry is currently going through a phase of rapid transformation with innovations, sustainability, digital transformation and adaptability to changing consumer habits taking the centre role. Good product is not the only advantage nowadays. You also need to be able to find the right cooperation partners and competitive edge on the international markets. And Riga Food 2026 is the platform that brings together producers, tech developers, retailers and food enthusiasts, inspiring new initiatives, collaborations and cooperation that shapes the future of the food industry,” Rolands Nežborts, Project Manager of Riga Food, says.

National stand of Latvia
This year’s national stand of Latvia will offer even more extensive and diverse universe of local flavours than ever before. Local dairy and meat products, sweets, spices, eggs, canned products, jams and other exceptional quality products – all in one place. Altogether, the rich assortment of Latvian flavours will be presented by 24 local companies, such as “Abavas dārzi”, “Alūksnes putnu ferma”, Balticovo, Bianca (Mozarella Lab.), “Daugulis & partneri”, “Jaunpils pienotava”, Lat Eko Food, Mosenc coffee, Kronis Food, “Kurzemes gaļsaimnieks”, “Rāmkalni”, R Chocolate, Snack and More, “Valežs” and Very Berry. Traditional bread bakers will also be especially strongly represented by member of the Latvian Bakers Association: DONA bakery, LĀČI, Liepkalni, “Maiznīca Priekule”, “Ķelmēni”, “N.Bomja maiznīca ”Lielezers”, Puratos Latvia, Pūre and “Lanordija”, who will offer the traditional Latvian dark bread and different contemporary varieties of bread. Latvian national stand of Riga Food trade fair was coordinated by Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics and Ministry of Agriculture.

Latvian hall: local flavours, traditions and innovations
Visitors of the Riga Food 2026 Latvian Hall will have an opportunity to discover the rich culinary heritage, staple foods and modern food industry solutions from Latvian regions: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Latgale and Riga. From traditional values to new concepts: hall will reveal the culinary richness of Latvia in all of its glory. Products from artisan producers and experienced companies. Broad range of products – from organic foods to innovative solutions that reflect the development and creative power of the industry. Local governments of southern Kurzeme, Mārupe, Bauska, Rēzekne, Valmiera and other regions have already confirmed their participation. Latvian Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers Latvijas will showcase locally-made wines, which reflect the evolution and ever-growing excellence of domestic winemaking sector. Meanwhile, Latvian beekeepers will open the curtain into the marvellous world of honey – from traditional flavours to entirely new renditions of bee products.

Innovation area: place where you will find the food technologies of tomorrow
Innovations will be at the centre of the Latvian Hall. Discover food innovations is the section where Latvian companies, startups, research institutes, students and tech developers will congregate to demonstrate their latest food production, digital transformation, automation and product development solutions. There will be an opportunity to see and taste the newest products, learn more about innovative technologies and appreciate future food industry disruptions, which helps companies better understand how market and consumers will respond, and make the necessary adjustments for bringing more mature product to the market. Sustainable materials, healthy and functional products, modern production techniques and creative interpretation of traditional food products. This year’s Riga Food Innovation Area is coordinated by Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Business contacts and cooperation
Riga Food is also a key platform for business growth and partner search at the Baltic and broader international scale. This year’s fair is no exception in terms of B2B partnerships being one of its focuses. Companies have the opportunity to benefit from of the most efficient networking tools, the Riga Food B2B Matchmaking Event. After registration of the platform, companies will be able to schedule individual meetings with potential clients, distributors, suppliers and cooperation partners in various countries well in advance. B2B event will operate on all three days of the fair at the designated Riga Food VIP Lounge.

Diverse events
Throughout the fair, there will be numerous thematic events that will take place at various locations: Main Stage, GEMOSS stage, competition area, Riga Food Giest Room and booths of individual exhibitors. The official opening of the Riga Food 2026 is scheduled for 10 September and will take place on the Mains Stage in Hall 2.
On 10-11 September, Latvian Hall exhibitors will offer visitors a chance to taste various brands of tea, learn more about tea drinking culture and attend exciting tea-making masterclasses. And, on 12 September, Latvian Tea Association will host the National Tea Championship for both seasoned tea masters and enthusiasts.
Competition for the most sustainable packaging will also take place in scope of Riga Food. Winners will be announced on the Main Stage on 12 September at 15:00. This competition is organised by Latvian Packaging Association together with BT1 International Expo Company.
Full Riga Food 2026 programme of events available here: https://ej.uz/rf26_pasākumi

Exciting activities for young professionals
Future chefs from teams of Baltic vocational schools have been invited to demonstrate their sustainability and zero waste food preparation skills during the Zero Waste Challenge 2026 throughout the 10 September. Meanwhile, Riga Food Guest Room will become venue for the interactive Food Heroes masterclass, during which pupils and young people will engage in various activities centred around Zero Waste philosophy. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies will offer young people a discussion on how to develop innovative products from an idea to fruition. And let’s not forget about innovative food tastings!

BBQ, grills, cooking face-offs and grillathon
For the second time ever, on 10-11 September, Riga Food will offer the Latvian BBQ Championship – Ķīpsala Expo Centre will become the venue of Latvian Shashlik Masters’ Championship 2026 semi-finals and finals. 10 pitmasters will fight for the title of the best shashlik maker in the final round with selection rounds taking place the whole summer leading up to the fair. According to one of the organisers of the competition and championship president Toms Felkers: “If you think your shashlik is the best and you can show other BBQ cooks “how it’s actually done”, you need to go through the selection and, maybe, become one of those pitmasters who will compete for the title of the best Latvian Shashlik Master during the Riga Food 2026 in September. We, the organisers and partners, will provide all necessary resources – grills, charcoal and food products!” Latvian Shashlik Masters’ Championship is organised by grill expert portal Grils.lv and GrillHouse shop. Meanwhile, 12 September will bring food-loving visitors an interactive family BBQ day “Grillathon” and BBQ face-offs or a whole day of real BBQ festivities, fun activities and culinary adventures.

Competitions for restaurant and pastry chefs
On 11 September, chefs will come together at Ķīpsala for the Riga Food 2026 cooking competitions and opportunity to win the title of the Best Latvian Chef 2026, Best Latvian Apprentice Chef 2026 and Reaton Goolden Ladle. Competitions promise to be an exciting show of professional skills, creativity and flavour-creation inventiveness. As per usual, winner will be selected based on their professional qualities and precision. And, on 12 September, visitors will be able to follow the exciting Latvian Restaurant Pastry Chef 2026 or the Lavazza Golden Cup travelling prize for the most talented pastry chef or cook. This year’s fair will also be attended by creators of Chef’s Visit TV show (“Šefu gaidījāt”), giving visitors a unique opportunity to meet chefs and get behind the scenes of TV show where unusual and inspiring dishes are created.

Bartender, server and cake competitions
Monin Cup Latvia 2026 competition will take place on the first day of the trade fair, on 10 September, on the Gemoss Stage. Hospitality Star 2026 will be held on 11 September. Whereas on 12 September, Gemoss Stage will become the venue for the visitor’s favourite Generational Legacy competition for cake masters and confectioners who will showcase their ability to fuse traditional and contemporary pastry-making techniques.

Insightful discussions on the Main Stage
This year’s Riga Food will also offer insightful discussions for food industry professionals and foodies. Event programme on the Main Stage will be opened on 11 September by forum Own product, own strength, followed by open discussion Fermentation: back to roots or a fad? The line between science and myths. What’s in my box?, an interactive educating masterclass for children will take place on 12 September. Masterclass will focus on balanced nutrition, healthy lunches and daily eating habits. It will be followed by masterclass Healthy snacks: energy charge from Chef Ina Poliščenko. She will inform and show kids how to make healthy snacks. On Saturday afternoon, during the discussion Truth about coffee: myths, trends and reality, experts will explain the coffee quality and market trends, as well as dispelling the most common myths. 

Riga Food is organised by BT1 International Expo Company. www.bt1.lv

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Opening hours:
10–11 September: 10:00–18:00
12 September:10:00–17:00

Tickets:
Adults: €10
Students, disabled: €8
Group ticket (10+) for pupils, students: €6
Friday and Saturday only!
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children aged 7–18): €25+€2 for each next child
Children under 7 (accompanied by adult): free
Buy tickets in advance for special price: https://ej.uz/rf26_biļetes