Coming in Autumn: Riga Food, the Baltics’ biggest food industry fair!

On 8–10 September, the International Exhibition Centre in Kipsala will host Riga Food 2022, the most important event for the food industry in the Baltic States, featuring exhibitions by local and international companies, presentations of innovations and the latest products, chef and food competitions, exciting shows, educational master classes, as well as tastings.

For three days in Ķīpsala, food industry professionals will discover the current state of the industry, find new contacts, work on building partnerships and fostering the development of their business, as foodies enjoy the shows, taste the latest products and get ideas for their menus.

‘We see that Russia’s repression and the war in Ukraine are causing a number of problems for food companies in many parts of the world due to rising energy prices and the shortage of raw materials. Although they won’t come out of this unscathed, the companies refuse to let go: they are looking for new solutions, customers, and partners. We are pleased that even in such circumstances they are creating new and innovative products, which you will see at the fair in September,’ Rolands Nežborts, head of Riga Food, said.

Riga Food 2022 will become a place for more than 400 companies from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Canada, Moldova, Germany, Poland, the USA, Mexico (a total of at least 25 countries) to present their latest products and services.

The fair’s guests will get a chance to take a gourmet trip through at least 11 countries, at the joint national exhibitions of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Canada, and Moldova. Riga Food will also present the achievements of the Baltic states in the food industry: in the Innovation part of the fair you will discover the latest products and solutions developed by Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian businesses and scientists.

The grand opening of Riga Food 2022 will take place in Conference Hall 3 on 8 September, at 11:00. Immediately after the opening, Riga Food medals will be awarded to the winners of the excellent-quality-food competition.

Lots of Latvian producers!
At Riga Food 2022, you will find out about and enjoy the colours, hospitality, and traditional foods of Latgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Zemgale. Home producers, artisanal producers, small and medium enterprises will present honey and dairy products, as well as smoked foods, confectionery, and other delicious treats.

Find out the best chef!
The Latvian Chef of the Year 2022 and Latvian Assistant Chef of the Year 2022 competition will take place at the fair on 9 September, to determine Latvia’s best chef, and to promote growth, sharing of experience and cooperation in this profession in the country. Latvia’s leading chefs will bring their talent, skills, and expertise to win the title of Latvian Chef of the Year. The motto of this year’s competition is: Zero Waste (no waste in the kitchen).

About the philosophy of zero-waste cuisine
The Zero Waste Challenge competition for Baltic professional school teams will take place between 10:00 and 16:00 on 10 September, the last day of Riga Food 2022. Six schools are expected to take part in the competition, two for each of the Baltic states. The Zero Waste Challenge invites young chefs to think about food and food industry waste, and one of the tasks of the competition will be to leave as little waste as possible.

Apply and join!
We ask businesses that have not yet applied for participation in this huge food-industry event not to leave it to the last minute, and to contact project manager Rolands Nežborts by phone: 67067550 or e-mail: rolands.nezborts@bt1.lv

A look back at Riga Food 2021
Although last year’s Riga Food took place under the green-mode pandemic restrictions, with a number of difficulties related to foreign participant arrival, border crossings, and getting services, 300 companies from 15 countries presented their goods and services at the fair. In three days, 14,720 people came to Riga Food 2021, 10% of whom were from abroad. Registered professional guests from 20 countries joined as well. There was solid representation of store chains from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

”Riga Food” is held by the International Exhibition Company BT 1 in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia, Institute of Agrarian Resources and Economics, Latvian Technology Centre, EEN Latvia, Chefs’ Club, Diplomatic Economic Club Latvia and other partners.

Read more about “Riga Food”: www.rigafood.lv
Follow the “Riga Food” news: facebook.com/rigafood