RIGA FOOD 2026

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Hall 1, Main stage

11.00–11.30
Riga Food 2026 opening ceremony
Uldis Augulis, Minister of Agriculture
Rolands Nežborts, Project manager of Riga Food
The International Exhibition Company BT 1
11.30–11.50
Award ceremony: New Dairy Product competition
Latvian Dairy Committee
13.00–14.00
LULST discussion “What makes a product innovative?”
Moderator: Sandra Muižniece-Brasava, Professor at the Food Institute, head of the Technology and Knowledge Transfer Center, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Jūlija Pehtereva, Co-founder and Creative Director of the start-up “Tara Energy Drink”
Ralfs Arājums, participant of LULST TE-D Nature Lab incubator, developer of sustainable drink tablets
Dr sc ing Dalija Segliņa, senior researcher, Institute of Horticulture
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
14.10–15.10
Discussion: “The High-Protein Era: Consumer Demand or a Marketing Wave?”
Moderator: Monika Diāna Cālīte, journalist, certified trainer
Olga Stepnova, product creator at Fiteg² Latvia, Agrova R&D expert
Sandija Šplīta, qualified nutrition specialist, head of weight management programmes at the Anti-Aging Institute
Kārlis Matisāns, personal trainer
Fiteg2 Latvia
15.20–16.30
Discussion on reducing food waste
Association “Zaļā brīvība/Green Freedom”
17.00–17.30
Baltic professional culinary school team competition Zero Waste Challenge 2026
Pavāru klubs
10.30–14.00
Forum Own Product – Our Strength
Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre
14.10–15.30
Discussion “Fermenting. Back to the roots or merely a fad? The difference between science and esoteric”
Moderator: Rūta Beirote, content creator of “Rūta meklē garšu”, owner of the Zutiņi farm, former participant of the TV show Īstās latvju saimnieces
Ansis Zauers, nutrition scientist, nutritionist, founder of Preimmu
Rūta Mūrniece, Owner and manager of the bakery Ķelmēni
Dr. sc. ing. Asnate Ķirse-Ozoliņa
Iveta Galēja, journalist and cookbook author
15.40–16.40
Discussion on fair trade labels
Association “Zaļā brīvība/Green Freedom”
10.30–11.30
Lunch box challenge — a practical and educational мастерclass for children “What’s in my lunch box?”
Viāna Kuļša, nutrition specialist
The International Exhibition Company BT 1
“Mums’ Club”
Tramontina
Latvian Bakers Association
Fiteg2 Latvia
Very Berry
POPHOUSE
11.40–13.00
Chef Ina Poliščenko workshop for children “Healthy snacks — energy balls”
Ina Poliščenko, chef, culinary expert, founder of Confectioners’ Association
The International Exhibition Company BT 1
“Mums’ Club”
Tramontina
Latvian Bakers Association
Fiteg2 Latvia
Very Berry
POPHOUSE
13.30–14.30
Discussion “The Truth About Coffee: Myths, Trends and Reality”
Ilze Laukalēja-Broka, food science expert and coffee researcher
Martins Drungilas, founder of Closer Coffee, roasting and specialty coffee expert
Laura Zemļicka, representative of Löfbergs Latvia, quality manager specialising in coffee quality and product development
15.00–15.30
Sustainable Packaging 2026 packaging competition award ceremony
Latvian Packaging Association
The International Exhibition Company BT 1
15.30–16.00
Award ceremony: Latvian Tea Championship
Latvian Tea Association
16.10–16.30
Award Ceremony for "Cake for My City"