MARCH 2028
MARCH Press release – Kortrijk Xpo, 23 March 2026
After three days brimming with inspiration, Tavola once again concluded on a high note. At Kortrijk Xpo, 15.977 fine food professionals from Belgium and abroad gathered to discover the latest products, trends and concepts in the world of premium food and delicacies, and to network with colleagues and suppliers in a wonderfully dynamic atmosphere.
Tavola thereby reaffirmed its status as a leading B2B platform for high-quality food, where producers, retailers and buyers – i.e. all professionals in the food sector – come together, sparking new collaborations.
With 484 exhibitors representing 15 countries and trade visitors hailing from 25 countries, Tavola clearly attracts an international audience. This time, the trade fair focused on craftsmanship, authenticity, innovation and, above all, the taste experience offered by premium products, artisanal specialities and innovative food concepts.
Exhibitors praised the calibre of the visitors and the tangible business opportunities. For many producers, Tavola continues to be a key event for launching new products and connecting directly with buyers from the retail, wholesale, delicatessen, restaurant, catering and food service sectors.
This year's event made it clear how rapidly and radically the sector is evolving. We are seeing, among other things, an increase in demand for authentic and artisanal products, a growing emphasis on sustainable and transparent production, and the rise of both premium convenience foods and innovative flavour combinations. The event also revealed a strong interest in international delicacies. Taken together, these developments demonstrate how producers are responding to changing consumer expectations.
In addition to the range of products on display at the trade fair, the Inspiration Talks offered visitors a chance to gain inspiration, with influential professionals – in collaboration with Gault&Millau, Gondola Academy, Foodservice Alliance and 20/CENT Retail – sharing their insights on topical issues in the sector. Furthermore, the Tasting Classes provided participants with practical tips and a deeper understanding of how to use various types of drinks and olive oil.
For many visitors, Tavola's main appeal lies in the opportunity to network with current suppliers and meet both well-established companies and start-ups. Discovering new products and taking the time for meaningful personal conversations – that's what this event is all about. As Luc Van Der Rasieren and Lieve Hillaert from Solucious put it so well:
“For us, Tavola is a trade fair where we can see a lot of innovations. It's a great place to meet people whom, as buyers, we hardly ever get to see during the rest of the year.
Here, we have the opportunity to explore these products together with the exhibitor. Seeing, discovering and tasting innovations, and having meaningful conversations – that's what matters most to us. We consider Tavola to be the one event we simply must attend.
It's all about meeting suppliers, and this is the perfect place to do so, as it would be impossible for us to visit a hundred suppliers individually. Here, we can see them all in one place, and we get to see not only their existing products but also their new offerings. This gives us the chance to really explore their product ranges and learn more about them.”
CRU also sees added value in the combination of current partners and new discoveries, as Eldrid Vindevogel and Steve Maes explain:
“For us, Tavola is the perfect place to efficiently reconnect with our current partners. But there are also many small stands offering a wide range of artisanal products that appeal to us. This combination brings together a wealth of quality products under one roof.”
The international appeal of the trade fair can be seen through the attendance of visitors from countries such as the Netherlands. Pieter Meeuwessen of Sligro Food Group comments:
“We always make a special trip from the Netherlands to Tavola because this is where we always find the best products for the food service sector.
It is not the largest trade fair, and it does not feature only large companies; there are also smaller businesses, which means you often come across more attractive and innovative products that tend to get lost in the crowd at the bigger trade fairs. Here, however, they are given the attention they deserve. For us, Tavola is one of the finest trade fairs, and that is precisely why we keep coming back.”
Golden Tavola: the trade visitor's choice award
Tavola also continues to be a key launchpad for new products. And the Golden Tavola innovation contest is a big part of this. Even before the start of the event, the panel of experts awarded a Golden Tavola to these four producers: Guy Troch Import / San Salvatore, Gutlings, Le Tendenze and Didden
On the Golden Tavola stand, visitors were given the opportunity not only to taste the 10 shortlisted products but also to cast their votes for the people's choice award.
This was won by a clear margin by Renett from Beernem thanks to their ' Sprankelend Appelsap'.
By the way, the very same product was also previously ranked third in the TASTE & CRAFTSMANSHIP category.
This is a sparkling apple juice made from pure fruit, using 100% home-grown apples combined with natural fruit blends that give each of the eight varieties its own distinct character. Every apple is used, regardless of its shape or size, so that nothing goes to waste, making the product highly sustainable.
With a strong international turnout, an impressive line-up of exhibitors and an inspiring range of products, Tavola reaffirmed its status as Europe's leading trade fair for delicacies and premium food. The next edition of the event will take place in March 2028 at Kortrijk Xpo.
