According to the International Exhibition Centre BT1, the largest food industry exhibition in the Baltics, Riga Food 2026, will take place from September 10 to September 12 at Kipsala International Exhibition Centre, gathering more than 400 companies from 30 countries and global food industry professionals for three days of competitions, discussions, and business meetings.
Global Exhibitors and National Stands at Kipsala
Exhibitors from 30 countries will present the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in food and beverage production, according to BT1. Confirmed participating nations include Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czechia, South Africa, Egypt, Greece, Great Britain, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, India, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Sweden. National joint stands will represent Latvia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, as reported by BT1.
Showcasing Regional Producers and Latvian Flavors
Visitors can explore products from experienced Latvian manufacturers, medium-sized producers, and small home producers. According to BT1, offerings will be displayed in the Latvian national joint stand, Fishery and Aquaculture joint stands, “Novadu garšas” and the Central Union of Latvian Milk Producers stands, as well as various regional expositions. Municipalities including Bauska, Rezekne, Salaspils, Marupe, Ludza, Valmiera, and South Kurzeme will present authentic local gastronomic traditions in the Latvia hall.
Pro Tip: Industry professionals looking to build international partnerships can participate in the Riga Food B2B Matchmaking Event, which currently features registered company representatives from 20 countries, as stated by BT1.
Food Innovations and Student Startups
The "Discover Food Innovations!" exposition will gather Latvian enterprises, startups, research institutions, students, and technology developers to demonstrate advancements in food production, digitalization, automation, and product development, according to BT1.
Master Competitions and Championships
The event program features professional culinary showdowns and championships across multiple categories. According to BT1, the Monin Cup Latvia 2026 cocktail competition will take place on September 10 on the Gemoss stage, while the Latvian Shashlik Masters Championship 2026 semifinal and final will run on September 10 and 11. Additional events include the Latvia’s Restaurant Pastry Chef 2026 competition on September 11, alongside contests for Latvia’s Chef 2026 and Latvia’s Assistant Chef 2026, where the top competitor will be awarded the Reaton Golden Ladle.
Tea Culture and Specialized Masterclasses
The Riga Tea Days program offers traditional and modern tea preparation approaches, including Japanese Chakabuki tasting games, Fujian tea masterclasses, matcha preparation, buckwheat tea and hojicha tastings, and functional kombuchas based on herbal teas, according to BT1. Plant world storyteller Anna Grase will host a masterclass on September 10, followed by Ilva Sakne from Tea House Gaba on September 11.
Family Activities and Charity Events
Families can attend children’s masterclasses on September 12, featuring nutritionist Viāna Kuļša guiding participants on balanced lunchboxes and chef Ina Poliščenko teaching healthy energy snack preparation, as reported by BT1. Confectionery events include the Latvian Cake Parade on the Gemoss stage and the final of the TV3 and Rimi project “Cake for My City.” Additionally, culinary blogger Pipars will organize Latvia’s first charity grill brunch outside the exhibition center entrance on September 12, with all proceeds donated to the Poga rehabilitation center.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Riga Food 2026 held?
The exhibition takes place from September 10 to September 12 at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia, according to BT1.
What are the opening hours for visitors?
According to BT1, the exhibition is open on September 10 and 11 from 10:00 to 18:00, and on September 12 from 10:00 to 17:00.
How many countries are participating in the event?
Over 400 companies from 30 countries are participating in Riga Food 2026, according to BT1.