There was much to celebrate, new courses set for the future, and above all, numerous business deals and contacts that had an immediate impact on the market. In 2025, Food Africa and pacprocess MEA had grown to a size that clearly demonstrates the development of recent years. From 9 to 12 December, around 37,000 visitors travelled to the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo. This year, for the first time, around 1,200 exhibitors presented their products and solutions. The specially expanded exhibition grounds, including an additional lightweight hall, were fully booked.
Due to strong demand, the trade fairs were held over four days for the first time. These days clearly demonstrated the significant demand from the food industry, as well as from the processing and packaging sectors, for a business platform in the region. Thanks to its growing economy, stability, and geopolitical position, Egypt is the gateway to Africa and the Middle East.
“The successful 2025 editions are a testament to the exceptional development of Food Africa and pacprocess MEA in recent years, reaching a new milestone this year,” says Wolfram N Diener, chairman and president of Messe Düsseldorf. “The growth of our trade fairs showcases the potential of Africa and the MEA region, which we are unlocking for our customers here. It is a strategic mission for Messe Düsseldorf to continue expanding this framework together with our partners.”
The trade fair duo is organised by Messe Düsseldorf together with its local partners, ifp and Konzept. Both events are part of the interpack alliance network.
Dynamic growth across all segments
With around 1,200 exhibitors from 51 countries and 50,000 square metres of exhibition space, Food Africa and pacprocess MEA saw substantial growth compared to the previous year. The number of exhibitors, exhibition area and level of international participation were all substantially higher than in 2024. This growth was driven by new country pavilions and the strong return of established exhibitors, who have attended the trade fair for many years. Alongside Egypt, the largest exhibiting nation, Turkey and India were among the top three. Furthermore, exhibitors were represented in 17 country pavilions.
Food Africa celebrates 10 years of growth
A gala evening with around 400 invited guests marked the highlight of the celebrations for the tenth anniversary of Food Africa. The event honoured those companies and institutions that have played a decisive role in shaping the development of the trade fair over the years. Awards were presented in several categories, including the “Food Africa Pioneer Exhibitor” honour, recognising exhibitors of the very first hour who had already taken part in the premiere edition in 2015.
pacprocess MEA becomes interpack MEA
pacprocess MEA has developed into a strong platform in Egypt alongside Food Africa over the past six years. It has set important course directions for the technological and industrial advancement of the region in the fields of packaging and production. From 2026 onwards, pacprocess MEA will take on a new name: interpack MEA. This strategic development will strengthen its integration within the interpack alliance, creating a clearer positioning for processing and packaging technologies in Africa and the MEA region. The joint appearance with Food Africa will remain unchanged.
Food Africa and interpack MEA will take place from 7 to 10 December 2026.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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