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PRESS KIT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2026

Press kit updated as of February 13, 2026

Press Releases

ILARIA CICERO IS THE NEW GLOBAL EXHIBITION DIRECTOR OF ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP’S FOOD & BEVERAGE DIVISION

· Cicero will lead SIGEP WORLD, BEER & FOOD ATTRACTION, BB TECH EXPO, MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION, and the Group's abroad food-related trade shows.

Rimini, March 13, 2026 – IEG – ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP is focusing on outstanding professionalism for the Italian and international development of a key area of its business: food & beverage.

Ilaria Cicero is the new global exhibition director of IEG's Food & Beverage Division, which includes the great SIGEP WORLD—which showcases the excellence of artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, and coffee worldwide—, BEER & FOOD ATTRACTION, BB TECH EXPO, MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION, and the international food-related events in Asia and the United States.

In addition to this new role, she will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia in Singapore. Ilaria Cicero holds a law degree and a Ph.D. in European Community Law, an LL.M. from the University of London, and several specialized master's degrees. Prior to leading IEG Asia, she served as Group General Counsel, M&A Executive Director, and Head of the Corporate & International Development Division of the Fiera Milano Group. In the trade fair and conference sector, she has also gained experience in areas such as Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Retail, Oil & Gas, and Interior & Design.

Throughout her career, Cicero has led successful transactions, acquiring expertise in areas such as M&A, Venture Capital, IPOs, and closing joint venture agreements not only in Italy, but also in Germany, France, the United States, Brazil, Turkey, the Middle East, Russia, China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Before entering the Trade fairs industry, she worked at a US law firm, handling projects involving private equity funds.

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali| press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management’s current opinions (“forward-looking statements”), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Comunicato n. 16 del 13/03/2026

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2026, EUROPE’S BEVERAGE&BAR INDUSTRY LEADER: VISITORS UP +7% WITH A HIGHLY QUALIFIED INTERNATIONAL ATTENDANCE

In Rimini, Europe’s most complete quality beer offer: the main craft breweries, mainstream companies, major importers of foreign beers and the brewing world’s big multi-nationals

145 buyers from 45 countries: focus on internationality with the support of the Italian Trade Agency

“Mixology” the magnet of the 2026 edition: area extended by 39%, important flow of international experts and bartenders. Rimini on the stage of contemporary drinking. New conviviality driven by low & no alcohol that looks to Gen Z but also conquers the adult audience

Food plays a strategic and complementary role to the beverage world with the best proposals for casual dining and aperitifs

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 17^th February 2026 – The eleventh edition of Beer&Food Attraction, organised by Italian Exhibition Group, came to a close today at Rimini Expo Centre with a +7% increase in professional visitors and 145 buyers from 45 countries, exceeding initial expectations. The strategic and decisive collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency bolstered the incoming programme and meetings between foreign companies and operators, increasing business opportunities.

The 2026 edition, with over 600 exhibitors from 16 countries, distributed across 14 halls, was also enhanced by a focus on the Mixology sector with 39% more exhibition space. The debut of Mixology Attraction had a direct impact on the overall turnout, contributing to the increase in visiting professionals. The event saw national and international distributors and bartenders attracted by the new area dedicated to beverage and the art of mixing and by the programme of events and professional meetings. The Mixology Circus - with 9 cocktail bars, seven Italian and two foreign from London and Miami - spotlighted three different interpretations of the contemporary bar: from urban and creative language to exotic atmospheres and the elegance of the international hotel industry. The role of food (which represented about 20% of the exhibition offer) also acted as a strategic complement to the beverage universe with the best proposals for casual dining aperitifs, moments of consumption that are gaining more and more attention. To complete the beer&beverage supply chain, the most innovative technologies and raw materials for the production of beer and drinks were on display at BBTech Expo.

Government representatives also attended the halls to underline the sector’s strategic importance in the agri-food supply chain. Alessandra Locatelli, the Minister for Disabilities, signed the memorandum of understanding with the Italian Chefs Federation (FIC) and the Solidarity and Emergencies Department to promote work inclusion in catering and hospitality, attending the Italian Cuisine Championships, where more than 500 competitors took part. The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, was also present in the FIC Arena where the competitions took place. Lollobrigida underlined the importance of the horeca channel as well as the need to enhance the supply chains connected to it. He also recalled the Italian Cuisine’s recognition as UNESCO heritage and the need to ensure the industry’s companies with the right economic return by increasingly encouraging consumption and the protection of what is authentically Italian.

THE NO-ALCOHOL BOOM, GEN Z LEADS THE CHANGE: CRAFT BEER UP 5% AND CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

The beer sector, the cornerstone of the show, featured a solid and attractive craft component alongside the big brands in the year the Italian craft beer movement is celebrating its thirtieth birthday. A journey that, now in full flow, began in 1996 and was celebrated in Rimini with the 21^st edition of the Unionbirrai Beer of the Year Award. The title of Brewery of the Year 2026 was won by Birra dell'Eremo di Assisi, chosen from among 212 competing breweries (with 1,746 beers evaluated in 46 categories) by an international jury made up of 73 experts. In general, the beer industry, which, according to Assobirra, is now worth 10.4 billion euros, is experiencing a double evolution: craft beers are on the increase with 183 million purchases, while non-alcoholic beers are no longer a niche and have gone from 28 to 49 million purchases. A change also driven by young people: 25% of Gen Z always choose non-alcoholic and over half of consumers evaluate this alternative based on the occasion. Curiosities that emerged at the show included the new generation of ready to drink beverages: recipes inspired by the brewing tradition and mixology, including hop-based waters and shandy reinterpreted with citrus fruits and botanics. Furthermore, in a context in which 89% of Italians claim to behave responsibly by avoiding drinking before driving or working, the market is rapidly recalibrating towards conscious consumption and quality (Circana).

THE HORECA CONGRESS

Central to the show was the distributor circle, represented by numerous visitors due to Italgrob’s Horeca Congress as part of the International Horeca Meeting. The strategic role of distribution in the out-of-home consumption system was a core topic. Industry numbers show a turnover of over €100 billion, 382,000 consumption points between bars, restaurants, pizzerias and hotels, and an approximately 1.5 million workforce, of which more than 55% are female.

LORENZO CAGNONI AWARD: THE AWARD FOR IDEAS THAT CHANGE OUT-OF-HOME

The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award 2026, sponsored by ANGI - Association of Young Innovators, and the Italian Trade Agency, recognises sector companies’ and start-ups’ most dynamic ideas. First place went to Crave Srl (Trieste) for its digital platform that can read data in real time to help venues and suppliers optimize orders and reduce waste. Beverage industry sustainability and digital solutions that simplify payments and customer loyalty were also key among the other finalist startups.

THE 2027 DATES

Beer&Food Attraction will be back at Rimini Expo Centre from 21^st to 23^rd February 2027.

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP:
head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pierfrancesco Bellini; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION - BBTECH EXPO:
Mind the Pop - Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Comunicato n. 14 del 17/02/2026

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2025: LEADER IN EUROPE FOR THE BEVERAGE&BAR INDUSTRY

An edition that proves the event’s European appeal with +4% of total visits

Europe’s most complete beer excellence offer on display: 115 craft breweries and leading mainstream references, the largest foreign beer importers, and the brewing world’s major multinationals

Mixology a top feature with +30% more exhibition space specifically for the spirits sector and the art of mixing

New addition announced for 2026: Mixology Attraction, an event dedicated entirely to the sector, will accompany Beer&Food Attraction next year

Strategic role of Food to complement the beverage world with the best proposals for the casual dining and aperitif channel

www.beerandfoodattraction.it

www.bbtechexpo.com

Rimini, 18^th February 2025 – With the 10^th edition just concluded, Italian Exhibition Group's Beer&Food Attraction event (inaugurated by the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli, and the Honourable Mirco Carloni, President of the Chamber of Deputies’ Agriculture Commission), decisively affirms its position as European leader for the Beverage & Bar Industry by registering a +4% increase in total visits, a highly positive sign given the over 20% leap forward already achieved in 2024. 600 exhibitors (and 170 new companies), with 1,217 brands covering an exhibition area extended by 14% compared to 2024. And 302 accredited journalists (+38%).

The event gathered the foodservice world’s trends, starting with those of the beer supply chain and presenting innovations and the European continent’s most complete offer: from craft beers (with 115 craft breweries) to the mainstream, leading importers of foreign beers and the brewing universe’s big multinationals. The considerable development of the Mixology world deserves underlining: with +30% of exhibition space dedicated to the spirits sector, the 2026 edition will feature the already announced new Mixology Attraction, which will become an event in itself, with the aim of extending the focus to the cocktail sector on a par with that given to beers. Lastly, highlighting the success of this edition was the strategic role of food (which accounts for about 20% of the exhibition offer) as a complement to the Beverage universe, with the best proposals for the casual dining and aperitif channel, a moment of consumption which will be paid increasing attention.

EXHIBITION OFFER INTERNATIONALITY

European visitors grew by 11% with an increase of +55% from Northern European countries and with Eastern European countries accounting for 21% of the total number of foreign visitors. The top 10 countries included Germany, UK, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, Albania and Belgium. The presence of non-European countries was also significant, the most represented being Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Georgia.

With 130 buyers from 47 countries, mainly from Spain, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Sweden, the trade show is becoming increasingly international thanks to partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency. Groups, from the American Brewers Association to Scottish Development International, provide examples. Exhibitors came from 15 countries with Germany and Spain leading the way. A consolidated presence of distributors, wholesalers, venues and top pub and pizzeria chains represented a unique networking opportunity for encounters between operators and buyers, generating considerable optimism in the sector. The 2025 edition of the event therefore signalled a breath of positive energy, confirming the show as a catalyst of opportunities for the beverage and catering world. The 10^th edition of IEG's B2B show was accompanied by BBTech Expo on process technologies and Filling & Packaging to complete the Beverage supply chain offer.

FROM THE WORLD OF BEER TO THE GRAND OPENING TOWARDS THE MIXOLOGY SECTOR

One of the main themes of this edition was the strong focus on beers with content dedicated to trends, innovation and consumption evolution. The exhibition hosted the sector’s leading events, such as the Italian Craft Beer Conference organised by Unionbirrai, the Beer of the Year Award, the highest-ranking beer competition with a jury of 81 expert tasters from all over the world. Alongside these were Assobirra events. Of particular note at Beer&Food Attraction 2025 was the focus on the Mixology sector and new out-of-home trends, themes that are now central to a sector in constant transformation, which put the increase in the art of fine drinking (spirits, soft drinks, wines for mixing) in the spotlight. In this context, the Mixology Village, one of the great new entries for 2025, showcased the most prestigious spirits labels, together with the Sparkling&Mix area, with top exhibitors from the world of sparkling wine in mixology. Moreover, the Mixology Circus, which presented the evolutions of the best-known bartenders, continued to be one of the show’s most successful areas, highlighting the talent and creativity that characterises this discipline.

SECTOR ASSOCIATION EVENTS AND THE HORECA MEETING

For three days, Beer&Food Attraction was the reference point for every out-of-home supply chain thanks to the collaboration of the sector’s main associations and organisations. A leading role for Italgrob - Italian Federation of Ho.re.ca. Distributors, which organised the much-awaited International Horeca Meeting, a crucial event for the out-of-home sector with the sector’s leading operators. The Ho.re.ca. channel has reached a total value of 72 billion euros with over 3.4 million employees, thus playing a key role within the Italian food industry, which, according to Italgrob data, is worth 261 billion euros, of which 185 billion within the food&beverage sector. Beer&Food Attraction hosted numerous associations and institutional stakeholders, including Assobirra, Unionbirrai, Assobibe, Mineracqua, and FIPE – Italian Federation of Public Establishments, consolidating the strategic importance of the exhibition for networking and growth in the sector.

SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN CULINARY COMPETITIONS

Numerous events to celebrate culinary talent and passion were held during Beer&Food Attraction, including the Global Chefs Challenge - European Grand Prix, organised by Worldchefs, with 55 competitors from 20 European countries, for an international performance of the best culinary skills. At the same time, the Italian Cuisine Championships, organised by the Italian Chefs’ Federation (FIC) and accredited by Worldchefs, saw 500 competitors compete in different categories, from hot kitchen cooking to restaurant patisserie and vegan cooking, to celebrate the country's talents. The show also staged unique events such as the Burger Battle Italia, which crowned the best gourmet hamburger chef, focusing on the trend of high-quality fast food.

THE INDUSTRY TRENDS THAT EMERGED AT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2025

In 2024, the spirits market recorded 343 million purchases with cocktails accounting for the largest share (146 million) [Circana data]. Consumption was mainly concentrated in the aperitif segment, which grew to 46% of the total, while dinner and after-dinner drinks dropped slightly with consumers opting for cheaper solutions (“trading down”). Alcoholic aperitifs and gin dominated the spirits segment (55%), followed by digestive spirits (10.2%), vodka (8.7%), rum (4.8%) and whisky (2.6%). In the beer sector, according to Assobirra, business exceeded 2.5 billion euros in 2024 with about 109,000 workers involved and a total value of more than 10 billion euros. However, economic difficulties related to costs, excise duties and inflation could accentuate the downturn already recorded in 2023 when beer production in Italy was 17.4 million hectolitres. Despite rising prices, positive signs are emerging from craft beer with a trend that could establish itself in 2025 towards beers with less alcoholic content.

THE 2026 EDITION OF THE SHOW

The Mixology sector’s growing importance for the trade show is a direct response to the evolution of the out-of-home market, which in recent years has seen a surge of interest in the art of fine drinking. Hence the decision to stage an entire event dedicated to this segment next year: Mixology Attraction.

The 2026 appointment with Beer&Food Attraction will be from 15^th to 17^th February, together with the new Mixology Attraction.

ABOUT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2025

Dates: 16 – 18 February 2025; Organization: Italian Exhibition Group SpA; edition: 10^th; frequency: annual; info: https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/

ABOUT BBTECH EXPO 2025

Dates: 16 – 18 February 2025; Organization: Italian Exhibition Group SpA; edition: 7^th; frequency: annual; info: https://www.bbtechexpo.com/

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pierfrancesco Bellini; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri;

international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY MEDIA AGENCY BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION-BBTECH EXPO: Mind The Pop - Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management’s current opinions (“forward-looking statements”), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Comunicato n. 14 del 17/02/2025

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION 2026, THE 11TH EDITION OPENS AT RIMINI EXPO CENTRE

· Integration between the brewing and distilling worlds is growing

· Mixology Attraction makes its debut between smart bars, cocktails in a barrel and a boom in Low & No Alcohol

· The cutting of the ribbon with institutions and Italgrob, Assobirra, Unionbirrai, FIPE and FIC leaders. Minister Locatelli at the FIC “Special Children” contest, tomorrow Minister Lollobrigida

· Until 17^th February, the out-of-home event in 14 halls with over 600 exhibitors from 16 countries and 130 buyers from 45 nations

· The Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards crown the most innovative start-ups: digital platforms for real-time sales and consumption monitoring and to reduce waste, sustainability also on the podium

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 15^th February 2026 – The 11^th edition of Beer&Food Attraction, Italian Exhibition Group’s B2B event that, until 17^th February, will bring the out-of-home world to the Riviera, was inaugurated this morning at Rimini Expo Centre. A system of supply chains, occupying 14 halls, that includes over 600 exhibitors from 16 countries and 130 international buyers from 45 nations - selected through the Italian Exhibition Group and Italian Trade Agency’s network - while the contemporary bar wins space and centrality with the debut of Mixology Attraction and the consequent 39% growth of the mixology area.

The opening ceremony - introduced by greetings from Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, president of Italian Exhibition Group, Roberta Frisoni, Emilia-Romagna’s Regional Councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Sport, and Mattia Morolli, Rimini Municipality’s Councillor for Public Works - was attended by Antonio Portaccio, president of Italgrob, Federico Sannella, president of Assobirra, Vittorio Ferraris, president of Unionbirrai, Rocco Pozzulo, president of the Italian Chefs Federation, and Aldo Mario Cursano, national deputy vice-president of FIPE - Italian Federation of Public Enterprises.Shortly afterwards, still at the Expo, the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli, attended the Italian Chefs Federation’s Italian Cuisine Championships, confirming her interest in the “Special Boys” contest. The speech by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, will also be held in the FIC Arena tomorrow.

LORENZO CAGNONI AWARDS: THE INNOVATION PODIUM

The cutting of the ribbon was followed by the Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards 2026 prize-giving ceremony - awards that recognise the most innovative solutions for the Out of Home sector, organised in partnership with ANGI - National Association of Young Innovators and the Italian Trade Agency. The initiative, aimed both at start-ups - whose pioneering vision and disruptive approach are a driving forces of innovation - and at all exhibiting companies committed to the development of cutting-edge products and services, thus contributing to the Food & Beverage sector’s progress. In reference to start-ups, first place went to Crave Srl and its data intelligence for foodservice: a digital platform that can read data in real time to help venues and suppliers understand what to sell, when and how much to order, thereby reducing waste. Second place went to Mountain's Goat GmbH, a project that aims to make beverage more sustainable by working on production processes with low environmental impact and on more circular and responsible models. The third step of the podium was filled by Voucherly Srl, which transforms classic loyalty programmes into smart digital tools able to bring new customers into the venues and gain their loyalty with targeted and measurable promotions.

Here are the most innovative exhibiting companies awarded, divided by category. Beer category: FKV Srl (Milestone); Spirits: recognition to Rossi d'Angera Distillatori; Soft Drinks, Low & No Alcohol: ALCOL-SEELE; Food: victory for Il Giardino delle Luppole; Technology: Maselli Misure; Service & Digital Innovation: recognition to Made in App.

HYBRID MODELS, DESIGN AND NO-ALCOHOL: THE BAR INDUSTRY ENTERS A NEW ERA

A clear message emerges from the halls: the bar is no longer just a place for consumption, but a system that must be smart and sustainable. Integration between the beer and distillation worlds is growing: breweries that are expanding their offer with their own spirits, distillates obtained from brewery bases, proposals that combine craft culture and mixology. Ready-to-drink cocktails in barrels are multiplying, designed for high-turnover venues: standardised quality, reduced service times, greater cost control. And then the design of experience: new glasses conceived to enhance aromas and textures, and advanced tapping systems. At the same time, low and no alcohol is making a leap in maturity: no longer simple alternatives, but products with their own aromatic identity. Botanics, infusions, citrus fruits, light fermentations: responsible consumption becomes a style choice.

BETWEEN COCKTAIL SHOWS, MARKET ANALYSES AND MAJOR COMPETITIONS

One of the most eagerly awaited areas is the Mixology Circus, where nine top cocktail bars alternate in a dynamic and different format each day. New for 2026 are three types of bar - Hip Urban, Tiki and Luxury Hotel - three different ways of interpreting contemporary drinking: from metropolitan and creative cocktails to exotic atmospheres and the elegance of high-end hotels.

This afternoon, the Beer&Tech Arena is hosting the awards ceremony of the 21^st Unionbirrai Beer of the Year Award: an edition with symbolic value since 2026 is the year in which Italian craft beer celebrates 30 years. A generational transition that, reflected in the numbers - 212 breweries and 1,746 beers competing - makes the ceremony even more significant.

Beer&Food Attraction is also a place to understand the economic scenarios that are affecting out-of-home. Tomorrow, Monday 16^th February at 10.30 in the Neri Room, Italgrob’s 15^th International Horeca Meeting will be hosting the Horeca Congress, a moment of discussion on the dynamics that are redesigning the market. At the same time, in the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3), Circana’s analysis will offer a precise snapshot of what happened in 2025 and the prospects that await beer and foodservice in 2026.

Until 17^th February, the FIC Arena will be hosting the Italian Cuisine Championships and the Burger Battle Italia, organised in collaboration with Lantmännen Unibake.

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP:
Head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pierfrancesco Bellini; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

Comunicato n. 12 del 15/02/2026

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THE BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION & MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION 2026 LAYOUT

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – The Beer&Food Attraction & Mixology Attraction layout has been designed to offer operators an immediate overview of the exhibition areas and a smooth visitor experience throughout the entire Rimini Expo Centre. The event will be divided into 6 main exhibition sectors – Beer, Craft Beer, Mixology Attraction (new!), Food, International Horeca Meeting and BBTech Expo. These will be accompanied by the Innovation District, an area for start-ups and the out-of-home sector’s most innovative projects.

Immagine che contiene testo, schermata, diagramma, Parallelo

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Entry to the show will be through the South and East Entrances, which lead directly to the heart of the exhibition itinerary.

FOOD

Entering from the South Entrance, visitors will encounter the Food area which, occupying halls B1, B2, B3 and B4, will be exhibiting a range of products for catering, casual dining and aperitifs. This section will also include Aperitivo Land (Hall B1), a special project designed to promote food and beverage combinations through a flexible exhibition format, enriched with demo areas and tasting opportunities.

Located in Hall B3, the FIC Arena will host the Italian Cuisine Championships organised by the Italian Chefs Federation, with over 500 competitors taking part in the various competitions. This area strengthens the link between gastronomic culture, professional training, and the Ho.re.ca. world.

INNOVATION DISTRICT

Hall B4 will host the Innovation District, created in partnership with ANGI (National Association of Young Innovators) and ITA (Italian Trade Agency), where businesses engaged in Research and Development will be located. The same Hall will also host the Start-Up Area with 16 young Italian and international companies selected in collaboration with ITA and ANGI, and the Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards for the most innovative solutions for the Out of Home sector.

MIXLOGY ATTRACTION (B5-B6-D4-D5)

Continuing along the route, halls B5 and B6 will host Mixology Attraction, the main new feature of the 2026 edition. This area will involve the world of bars and contemporary mixology. Here, spirits, soft drinks and waters, juices and syrups, wine, ready-to-drink beverages and low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options will provide a complete overview of the latest trends in mixed drinks. This section will also include the Horeca Arena (Hall B5), where the 15^th edition of the International Horeca Meeting will be holding its programme of talks and workshops on trend analysis, market scenarios and the sector’s future opportunities.

The exhibition will continue in halls D4 and D5, where Mixology Attraction will be further developed. To be more precise, hall D5 will host Mixology Circus, an arena for the world of spirits and signature cocktails, alongside Mixology Village, an area for companies that promote premium labels and professional bartending equipment. Mixology Attraction will also include the Sparkling&Mix area for wineries with mixology proposals.

BEERS AND CRAFT BEERS

Halls D1, D2 and D3 will showcase the entire craft beer supply chain, from raw materials (malts and hops) to production and bottling technologies, right through to the finished product with leading independent breweries and specialist suppliers in attendance. An itinerary that offers a comprehensive overview of the craft beer world, from research to production.

Hall D3 will be the home of BBTech Expo and its solutions and systems for beverage production, packaging and distribution, as well as the Beer&Tech Arena, a reference point for talks, workshops and in-depth discussions on innovation and technologies for the beverage industry.

Halls D7 and B7 will house the beer sector with medium and large breweries in attendance, completing the event’s exhibition offer for the beer industry and providing a comprehensive representation of national and international brewing excellence. A wide and high-quality offer that will see Italy’s leading players, and a significant number of foreign brands, presenting their products both directly and through top importers.

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP:
Head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pierfrancesco Bellini; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

Comunicato n. 10 del 09/02/2026

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HOW TO GET TO BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION, MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION AND BBTECH EXPO 2026: OPENING TIMES, TICKETS AND SERVICES

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – Getting to Beer&Food Attraction, Mixology Attraction and BBTech Expo is easy thanks to the services that Italian Exhibition Group provides for operators and visitors.

Entry: entry is from Rimini Expo Centre’s WEST entrance (via San Martino in Riparotta, at the corner of via Turchetta) and SOUTH entrance (via Emilia, 155).

Opening times: from Sunday 15^th to Tuesday 17^th February, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Tickets: The trade show is only for professional operators of 18 years of age or older and subject to online registration.

Ticket price: A day ticket costs €39 until 15 January 2026 and €49 from 16 January 2026 onwards. A two-day pass is also available at a cost of €59 until 15 January 2026 and €69 from 16 January 2026 until the end of the event.

Helpdesk ticket office: For assistance, please call +39 0541 744555 Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 1 pm, visit the website at https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/link/helpdeskticket, or send an email to helpdesk.rn@iegexpo.it

Train. The trade show can be reached directly by train thanks to the railway station (Milan – Bari line) located inside the Expo Centre, 50 metres from the south entrance. Trains stop at the station inside the Expo Centre every day, travelling in both northbound and southbound directions. (Check the timetable on the www.trenitalia.it website by inserting Riminifiera as arrival or destination).

RFI provides assistance to passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility (PRM) at RiminiFiera station. Detailed information on how to book the service, with at least 12 hours' notice, is available on the RFI website in the Station Accessibility section. The service is only available for assistance in boarding/alighting from the train and does not include accompaniment inside the Expo Centre. The meeting point is at the Riminifiera railway station ticket office.

Plane. The most convenient airports are Rimini’s "Federico Fellini" Airport, which is linked to the Expo Centre by bus line 9; and Forlì Airport, which is about 50 Km from Rimini Expo Centre (motorway A14). Bus line 7 runs from Forlì Airport to Forlì railway station where a train to the Riminifiera stop takes about 30 minutes. A Shuttle Bus service is operational from Bologna’s “Guglielmo Marconi” Airport connecting to Rimini centre. Tickets can be bought online at a cost of €27, or directly at the desk in the Arrivals Hall at Bologna Airport and on board the bus at a cost of €30.

To check the latest updated timetables and purchase tickets online, go to the following website https://www.shuttleitalyairport.it/. Visitors can also book their journey quickly and easily on the Shuttle Italy Airport app.

Public transport. From Rimini Centrale railway station, take bus line no. 9; from Rimini Sud (Miramare), line no. 10; from Rimini Nord (Torre Pedrera), line no. 5. The Rimini-Riccione Metromare line (a 23-minute journey) is also available with daily services every 15 minutes.

For further information: https://www.startromagna.it/servizi/metromare/

Special buses. The trade show can be reached from hotels in Rimini and the surrounding area with the following FREE Special Buses:

Special Bus AB

Rimini Marina Centro ⇄ Rimini Expo Centre

Download the timetable – Download the route

Special Bus CE

Bellaria ⇄ Rimini Expo Centre

Download the timetable – Download the route

Special Bus D

Miramare ⇄ Rimini Expo Centre

Download the timetable – Download the route

Parking, car hire, car with driver and taxis

The Rimini North exit on the A14 motorway is the most convenient way to get to Beer&Food Attraction. The Expo Centre is just 6 km away. Rimini Expo Centre has 11,000 parking spaces.

Parking fees can be paid at the manned ticket offices at the South and East entrances, or at the automatic ticket machines at the South entrance. Both accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. If you require an invoice, please ask at the manned ticket offices when paying. After payment, drive to the exit: the barrier will open automatically when the number plate is scanned. We recommend keeping the ticket right to the exit, only in case of reading problems. In car parks SOUTH 1–3, automatic payment via Telepass and UnipolMove is also available, so that visitors can enter and exit without having to stop at the ticket office. Charges and any invoices can be viewed directly in the respective reserved areas or official apps. For those with a parking pass, we recommend temporarily deactivating the automatic devices to avoid unwanted charges.

Parking fees:

Cars and vans up to 3.5 t: €15
Campervans: €20
Buses: €30
Mopeds and motorcycles: free of charge

To rent a car, AVIS Autonoleggio offers discounts to and from Rimini Expo Centre: (+39) 199 100 133 - www.avisautonoleggio.it/.

For information on taxi services, including the option of sharing the journey with other visitors, please go to the following link: http://www.radiotaxirimini.it/Taxi_Sharing/taxi_sharing.html.

NCC – Car hire with Driver: a service is available for Cars, Minivans and Coaches. For further information: www.limogreenservice.it

Electric mobility. Visitors can hire Lime and Bit Mobility electric scooters and bicycles with which to move easily between the city centre and the Expo Centre. Simply download the appropriate app from Google Play Store or App Store, register, locate a nearby device and unlock it using the QR code.

Special rates will be available during the show as well as the day before and the day after:

with Lime and the promotional code LIMEXFIERA, users will receive a 1 euro discount on unlocking the device (up to 2 trips per day);
with Bit Mobility, the code BEERBIT2026 will give new users a free 20-minute trip that can be used in several routes until the time runs out.

The parking areas, marked with special signage, are located near the Expo Centre’s South Entrance. The infrastructure for private electric mobility is also active, with 19 charging stations for electric vehicles, for a total of 38 sockets, distributed between the South, East and West Entrances and the station car park.

For further information: https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/it/visitare/come-arrivare

Comunicato n. 9 del 09/02/2026

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AT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION, AN ECONOMIC “SNAPSHOT” OF THE MARKET

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

BEER: STABLE VALUE, CONSUMPTION MODELS ARE CHANGING

According to data from Assobirra, the beer sector in Italy is currently worth a total €10.4 billion and generates 112,000 jobs throughout the supply chain.

The non-alcoholic beer trend is particularly significant with purchases increasing by +79% between the pre-Covid period and 2025, going from 28 to 49 million with a further +18% increase in the last year. A trend that reflects a structural change: 25% of Generation Z say they always choose non-alcoholic products, while over half of consumers evaluate consumption based on the occasion.

Craft beer is also doing increasingly well, confirming its vitality and appeal. Purchases went from 159 million before COVID to 183 million in 2025 with a +15% increase, showing that interest is still steady despite the complex macro-economic context.

The sector is also supported by the question of responsible consumption: 89% of Italians say they behave responsibly, avoiding drinking before driving or working (65%), and paying attention to their mental clarity (52%), thus favouring the popularity of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options.

COCKTAILS, SPIRITS AND SOFT DRINKS ARE DRIVING THE MARKET: MIXOLOGY RETURNS TO THE FORE OF OUT-OF-HOME CONSUMPTION

Alongside beer, Beer&Food Attraction will be accelerating its focus on the world of mixology, which will take centre stage in 2026 with the debut of Mixology Attraction, a specific area for spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and low & no alcohol beverages.

Total out-of-home purchases of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are now worth €2.2 billion, returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The main increase was in non-carbonated soft drinks (+24%) and alcoholic cocktails (+32%, from 69 million to the current 91 million) as well as liqueurs and spirits, which rose from 58 million in 2019 to 76 million last August (+30%) with significant growth in the last year (+23% compared to 2024).

According to Circana data, in the first few months of 2025, mixability categories continued to increase in importance, reaching almost 57% of the entire spirits market. In this context, alcoholic aperitifs and tequila stood out for their dynamism with solid and steady growth, while gin underwent a period of adjustment after years of considerable expansion.

Comunicato n. 8 del 09/02/2026

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INVENTIVE START-UPS AND SMES WILL BE KEY PLAYERS AT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION IN THE INNOVATION DISTRICT TOGETHER WITH EXHIBITING COMPANIES’ MOST INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

· At Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February 2026, Beer&Food Attraction will dedicate an entire exhibition area to innovation: the Innovation District, featuring companies, start-ups and inventive SMEs engaged in Research and Development for the out-of-home channel and exhibitors' innovative projects

· 16 Italian and foreign start-ups are ready to present technologies, services and new business models to innovate the Food & Beverage sector

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – Innovation as a strategic lever for growth in the Bar & Beverage Industry will find a special structured area at Italian Exhibition Group’s Beer&Food Attraction trade show. At Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February, the event will devote a special exhibition area to innovation: the Innovation District, an authentic district designed to give visibility to companies that invest in Research & Development, thus contributing to technological progress and the continuous improvement of the Out-of-Home channel.

The area will host innovative companies, start-ups and SMEs engaged in developing technologies, services and solutions able to impact the sector’s evolution and will give visibility to all those exhibitors that have submitted their most innovative projects.

The Beer&Tech Arena, located in Hall D3 and one of Beer&Food Attraction’s cultural hubs, will be part of this ecosystem. Here, beer culture will meet technological innovation in an in-depth exploration in the form of meetings and training sessions organised in collaboration with universities, consortia and industry associations.

Beer&Food Attraction will also consolidate its role as an incubator of innovation by confirming the Start-Up Area within the Innovation District, created in collaboration with ANGI – National Association of Young Innovators and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). The area will host 16 young companies, 3 of which from Austria, Germany and Romania, ranging from start-ups to innovative SMEs, all engaged in developing technological solutions, services and business models for the sector.

LORENZO CAGNONI AWARDS: SPACE FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURAL IDEAS FOR OUT-OF-HOME

The role of the Innovation District as an observatory on the sector’s future will be further strengthened by the Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards, which will be back at Beer&Food Attraction for their second edition. The awards are given to the most innovative solutions for the Out-of-Home channel and involve exhibiting companies and selected start-ups called upon to present projects that can make a concrete impact on the Food & Beverage industry’s evolution.

The sectors in which the start-ups are engaged range from food tech to production waste valorisation, the digitalisation of services for bars and restaurants, and the new frontiers of beverage. 6 projects will be awarded, one for each of the categories Beer, Spirits, Soft Drinks and Low & No, Food, Technology, Services and Digital Innovation. The start-ups in the Innovation District, an expression of a new entrepreneurship that is helping to redesign processes, products and services for the out-of-home sector, will also be competing. The projects involved will be assessed by a Jury composed of representatives from the institutional, academic and industrial worlds. Jury members will include Annamaria Pastore, head of private sector relations at the FAO with extensive international experience in sustainability and development issues; Carlo Corazza, Director of the European Parliament Offices in Italy; Alessandro Coppola, Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer at ENEA; Domenico Nuzzo, researcher at the National Research Council; and Pasquale Pignalosa, expert in subsidised finance and business development at Invitalia. The panel will be completed by Alessandro Pastore, entrepreneur and Executive Director for Business Development at the Bologna Business School.

Comunicato n. 7 del 09/02/2026

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THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL HORECA MEETING AT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION: INDUSTRY, DISTRIBUTION AND RESEARCH UP FOR DEBATE

· At Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February, Beer&Food Attraction will host the 15^th edition of Italgrob's International Horeca Meeting with a programme of talks and debates.

· The Horeca Congress, scheduled for Monday 16^th February at 10.30 am, will focus on the evolution of out-of-home consumption amid rising costs, inflation and sector revival strategies. Sustainability, new consumption patterns, beverages, distribution and AI will drive the discussion between industry, distribution, Horeca operators and the research world

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – Italgrob's International Horeca Meeting will be back for its 15^th edition as part of Beer&Food Attraction, scheduled to take place from 15^th to 17^th February at Rimini Expo Centre. Three days of meetings, analyses and debates will involve industry, distribution, Horeca operators and the research world, called upon to read and interpret the transformations taking place in the market.

The Horeca Congress represents the moment of greatest synthesis and vision at the 2026 edition of the International Horeca Meeting. In an economic context marked by inflation, rising prices and profound changes in consumer behaviour, the Congress, scheduled for Monday 16^th February at 10.30 am in the Neri Room, will focus on “The out-of-home consumption market between rising costs and inflation. Trends and best practices to overcome the crisis”, offering an up-to-date overview of the sector's current situation and prospects.

The International Horeca Meeting’s entire agenda will revolve around this key event, offering a comprehensive programme of meetings, analyses and discussions on the strategic drivers that are reshaping the out-of-home sector, held either in the Horeca Arena (Hall B3) or the Neri Room over the three days of the event, with the participation of the supply chain’s main players.

TALKS TO MAKE A NOTE OF

The programme will kick off on Sunday 15^th February in the Horeca Arena (Hall B3) with a series of talks on the main issues facing the sector today. At 2.30 pm, the talk entitled “Food & Beverage and ecological transition: are we really ready?” will open the debate on the relationship between sustainability and competitiveness. Umberto Napoli, Co-founder and COO of Fourgreen, will introduce a reflection that aims to act as a laboratory of ideas for out-of-home.

At 3.30 pm, attention will shift to a key issue in out-of-home consumption with “Microfiltered water in venues: the consumers’ perspective between perception and knowledge”. Andrea Manusardi, Senior Director at Ipsos Doxa, will present research on consumer perceptions of microfiltered water served in restaurants and the impact that the way it is offered has on customer experience and the venue’s image.

The afternoon will end at 4.30 pm with “The new style of the out-of-home consumer: from remodulation to affirmation”. Antonio Faralla, CEO of Formind, will analyse consumer behaviour evolution from 2023–2024 to 2025, highlighting the shift towards a more selective model, oriented towards well-being, sustainability and the search for experiences. A change that varies depending on the generational cluster and requires operators and distributors to rethink their offer and their customer relationship strategies.

The discussion continues on Monday, 16^th February, a day that will feature some of the most important moments of the entire event. In the morning, at 10.30 am in the Neri Room, the Horeca Congress will examine the out-of-home sector’s economic situation, analysing consumption trends in the context of inflation and the high cost of living.

In the afternoon, the agenda will return to the Horeca Arena. At 2.30 pm, “Stories, visions and ambitions for the Horeca of tomorrow” will see students from the 11^th edition of the Master Degree in Sales Account Management at Luiss Business School, created in collaboration with AFDB, presenting their personal experiences on stage. Young professionals will be called upon to share their expectations, skills and visions in a constantly evolving market. Next, Febo Leondini, president of AFDB, will officially present the new edition of the Executive Programme in Horeca Business (EPHOB), an executive course designed to offer entrepreneurs and managers advanced tools and innovative strategies.

At 3.30 pm, focus will shift to the beverage sector with “Beverage in out-of-home consumption: between evolving consumption patterns, innovation, channel dynamics and new distribution models”. Marco Colombo, Global Solutions Delivery EMEA/APAC Media & Analytics at Circana, will provide an analysis of the trends that are reshaping the sector, including consumption under pressure, greater focus on value, the growth in non-alcoholic/low-alcohol and functional solutions, and new consumption opportunities. The discussion will continue with industry and distribution managers.

At 4.30 pm, the debate entitled “Away from home distribution: from coverage to service, from offering to consulting!” will address the evolution of the Horeca distributors’ role in an increasingly complex supply chain. Bruna Boroni, Director of Industry Away From Home at Tradelab, will lead a discussion on how distribution is being called upon to strengthen its advisory role, offering added value to the industry and to the over 350,000 independent establishments, also through the use of digital tools.

The last day, Tuesday 17^th February, will open at 11.30 am with the talk “Artificial Intelligence, Distributors and Industry: new strategies and alliances on the horizon”, organised by GBI magazine, Italgrob’s official publication. Matteo Sasselli, GBI journalist and Founder & Project Leader of Hooron, will analyse the role of Artificial Intelligence in supporting marketing and distribution decisions, from assortment simulation to packaging testing and market scenarios, highlighting how the adoption of these technologies is fostering new forms of collaboration among producers and distributors.

In “Let's talk about it over a coffee” at 2 pm, Dino Di Marino, General Manager of Italgrob, will close the three-day show by reviewing the highlights of the International Horeca Meeting, analysing the findings that emerged from the Horeca Congress and outlining the operational lines that will guide the Federation's actions in 2026.

Comunicato n. 6 del 09/02/2026

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION: THE BEST OF THE FOOD SECTOR AT THE SERVICE OF CASUAL DINING

20% of Beer&Food Attraction exhibitors will be presenting the food world’s latest innovations
A packed programme of talks on trends, consumption and innovations in the out-of-home sector
High-level competitions, such as the renowned Italian Cuisine Championships organised by the Italian Chefs Federation, and Burger Battle Italia

https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/

www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 - Beer&Food Attraction, the Italian Exhibition Group event (15-17 February, Rimini Expo Centre) specifically for the Eating Out experience, will offer a format that takes an all-round look at the entire Horeca sector. The Beverage & Bar Industry will be accompanied by a large number of companies specialising in the food sector offering a complete range of products and technological solutions for casual dining, quick service restaurants and aperitifs. This year, companies in the food sector will account for about 20% of the entire exhibition, confirming this segment’s importance for the event and for the out-of-home market.

COMPANIES INVOLVED IN FOOD AND FOODSERVICE TECHNOLOGIES

Beer&Food Attraction confirms its status as the ideal showcase for the food sector with a varied and innovative range of exhibits. Products on display will include pizza bases, hamburger buns, frozen foods, appetisers, sauces, ready-to-eat products, oils, fillings, a strong presence of meat and cold cuts, as well as gluten-free products for the Horeca channel.

The sector’s top companies, including: Ab Mauri, Baldi, Barilla, Dallagiovanna Holding, Demetra, Ferrarini, Menù, Molini Agugiaro & Figna, Mowi Italia and Surgital, together with METRO Italia and Top Single Service (the latter two specialise in organised catering and casual dining), will be presenting their latest products. Also noteworthy in this context is Dolcitalia, which will be bringing the confectionery world to Beer&Food Attraction with “The Hub” format, designed to foster contact between the confectionery sector and the bar and out-of-home sectors. The area will feature Ferrero, Perfetti, Loacker, Zaini, Caramella Mania and Foodness alongside Di Marco Pinsa, together with Stefano Bottega and Cantine Scolari for beverages. The exhibition will also feature collective stands representing companies from the Calabria and Sicily regions. Leading Italian companies will be flanked by a significant presence of international players such as Bonduelle, Develey, Farm Frites, Lantmännen Unibake, Vion Food Service Italy, Danish Crown Italy, Farm Frites, Heinz Italia, Aviko, Colona S.A. and LWM International.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

The 2026 edition will be further enriched with new special areas designed to favour the encounter between supply and demand, such as “Aperitivo Land” (Hall B1), Beer&Food Attraction’s new themed area specifically for the those operating in the aperitif world, to promote food companies with a particular focus on fast food. Brands will be able to present their products not only through traditional displays, but also in an area for live demonstrations and experiential moments. Show cooking, guided tastings and demo activity areas will be provided for professionals. The aim is to favour concrete meetings between food and beverage distribution buyers and qualified operators in the Ho.re.ca channel, creating useful connections between supply and demand.

TRENDS AND PROFESSIONAL UPDATES ON THE OUT-OF-HOME MARKET

The Beer&Food Attraction 2026 programme will feature a series of talks designed to explore the evolution of food and beverages in the out-of-home sector with a focus on major market trends and practical combinations. On Saturday 15^th February, from 2.30 to 3.30 pm, Italgrob will be presenting “Food & Beverage and ecological transition: are we really ready?”, a meeting on environmental and social sustainability applied to the out-of-home sector with success stories and corporate responsibility strategies to harmonise profit and the planet. Also on Saturday, at 4.30 pm in the FIC Arena, AssoBirra and the Italian Chefs Federation will be staging a show cooking in which beer sommelier Fabio Mondini and chef Antonio Danise will give a live demonstration of how beer can enhance the flavours of dishes, thus offering concrete ideas for food pairing.

On Monday 16^th February, at 10.30 am, the Beer&Tech Arena will be staging a talk entitled “What has 2025 taught us? Habits, trends and expectations in out-of-home beer and food consumption”, organised by Circana with Matteo Figura, executive foodservice director, who will analyse the out-of-home consumption trend recorded in 2025 and the future prospects for beer and food based on consumption habit monitoring data.

Lastly, also on Monday, from 11.30 am to 12 noon in the Beer&Tech Arena, the talk organised by FOOD magazine “Food pairing & restaurant chains: beer with pizza, hamburgers, street food and ethnic cuisine”, will explore how the right pairing between beer and food can help improve the customer experience and positively influence average spend and margins in the main organised catering formulas.

The programme will continue on Tuesday 17^th February at 12.10 pm in the FIC Arena with the meeting “Italian cuisine becomes Unesco World Heritage”, a focus on technique, creativity and contemporary vision in cuisine.

COOKERY COMPETITIONS

Beer&Food Attraction will also host some of the most famous culinary competitions, where talent and passion find their utmost expression.

The Italian Cuisine Championships, promoted by the Italian Chefs Federation as part of Beer&Food Attraction and now at their 10^th edition, are the most important national cuisine contests and are scheduled to take place from 15^th to 17^th February 2026 at Rimini Expo Centre. More than 500 competitors will be competing in the FIC Arena in Hall B3 in the main competition categories, including team hot cooking, individual hot cooking (K1), restaurant pastry (K2), vegan hot cooking (K3), “special kids” contest, “best professional lady chef” contest, “best catering school student” trophy, “mystery box” contest and “street food” contest. Each category foresees technical and creative tests that will put skills, speed of execution and the ability to interpret mandatory ingredients in recipes to the test, with chefs from all over Italy ready to compete under the auspices of Worldchefs.

And Beer&Food Attraction would not be the same without Lantmännen's Burger Battle, the only Italian competition specifically for gourmet burgers, which takes the form of a national selection tour that stopped off in three major Italian cities: Rome, Venice and Naples. The final will take place from 15^th to 17^th February 2026 at the Lantmännen stand in Hall B1, where the qualified competitors will challenge each other by presenting the winning burgers from the local contests to the jury and, in the final stage, by creating a hamburger invented on the spot with mandatory ingredients and surprise combinations. A distinctive feature of the competition is the dual interpretation of the recipe, which must work with both beef and salmon burgers without making any changes to the other ingredients. Each competitor must make a total of six burgers, three for each version, which will then be evaluated comparatively by the jury. The six Burger Battle Italia 2026 finalists are: Pietro Diodato and Lorenzo Gauzzi from Rome, Antonino Contino and Tatiana Maccacaro from Venice, Edoardo Coroni and Francesco Agrusta from Naples. The event involves leading partners in the food supply chain, such as Lantmännen Unibake with the Pastridor brand for bread, Develey, a leader in the world of sauces, Farm Frites for chips, MOWI for the salmon-based proposal, and Ceres for beer.

Comunicato n. 5 del 09/02/2026

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION BRINGS EUROPE’S LARGEST BEER EXHIBITION TO RIMINI. THE SECTOR IS WORTH €10.4 BILLION IN ITALY

· The beer sector will take centre stage at the 11^th edition of the Italian Exhibition Group event, scheduled from Sunday 15^th to Tuesday 17^th February at Rimini Expo Centre. From microbreweries to large industrial groups, the event confirms its role as a benchmark for the brewing community, a sector worth €10.4 billion in Italy with 112,000 employees.

· Top talks on the world of beer will be staged. Every day, trends, innovation, consumption and production techniques will be explored in depth. Focus on Unionbirrai's Italian Craft Beer Conference

· In the Beer&Tech Arena, the 21^st edition of the “Beer of the Year” Award: 212 breweries and 1,746 craft beers will be competing.

https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – The largest beer exhibition in Italy in a sector that, according to AssoBirra data, generated €10.4 billion in 2025, employing over 112,000 people throughout the supply chain. This is what Beer&Food Attraction, Europe’s leading event for the beverage and bar industry, represents. Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), it is set to take place from 15^th to 17^th February 2026. From microbreweries to large industrial groups, the trade show confirms its role as a reference point for the brewing community, highlighting the latest consumer trends, the sector’s evolution, the high quality of the products and the main market scenarios in three days of business, updating and networking. An event that will see the presence of long-standing strategic partners such as Unionbirrai and Assobirra – Confindustria contributing to the creation of a programme of high-level meetings and content. Beer&Food Attraction's exhibition area will be showcasing Italian and international proposals, thanks also to associations in attendance (such as the Brewers Association and Euskal Garagardo Elkartea Basque Beer) and brands from abroad. The offer will be completed by the “Beer of the Year” award, which, for this edition, will also include a category dedicated exclusively to low/no alcohol beers, and the Italian Craft Beer Conference on production techniques and technological innovations, organised by Unionbirrai. The Beer&Tech Arena will be a reference point for talks.

EVENTS AND CONTENT: BETWEEN NEW TRENDS, PRODUCT CULTURE AND MARKET SCENARIOS, FOCUS ON THE FUTURE OF BEER

Beers will take centre stage with a packed programme of talks, conferences and tastings to highlight the sector’s latest trends: from emerging trends such as the growing interest in non-alcoholic beer and new frontiers in food pairing, to the challenges of sustainability for responsible production and strategies to boost consumption. Operators will be able to explore key issues, such as the promotion of professional figures in the sector, from the art of tapping to the role of the publican and taster, innovation in the Italian hop supply chain and the evolution of the craft beer market.

Sunday 15^th February 2026, at 2 pm in the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3), will see the talk “Raw materials and brewing technology: state of the art and future developments. The floor to the protagonists.” The meeting will review the national and European brewing ecosystem by addressing structural issues such as the evolution of raw materials, technological innovation, the issue of excise duties and the development of non-alcoholic beer. The discussion will involve the sector’s main associations including Assobirra and Unionbirrai.

On Monday 16^th February, from 12.15 to 12.45 pm, the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3) will be staging a talk entitled “The strategic role of CERB: research and experience at the service of the brewing industry”, organised by CERB – Centre for Research into Beer Excellence at Perugia University, one of the sector’s most important scientific centres of reference. During the meeting, the research, analysis and technical consultancy activities carried out in support of breweries will be presented, together with the main technological and qualitative challenges facing the supply chain and future strategies based on scientific data and applied experimentation. Also on the agenda for Monday 16^th, from 3.30 to 4.15pm in the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3), “The value of beer in Italian out-of-home consumption: trends, consumption and the role of draft beer”. The talk will include a presentation of the Beer Information Centre’s (CIB) first 2026 edition. This periodic observatory is promoted by Assobirra in partnership with BVA Doxa and will provide a snapshot of the Italian beer world’s evolution. The content will include data on consumption, Horeca channel dynamics, the supply chain, and the strategic role of draft beer with a continuous and updated interpretation of the main market trends. Lastly, from 3.30 to 4 pm, the Horeca Arena (Hall B5) will be holding a talk entitled “Beverage in out-of-home consumption: between evolving consumption patterns, innovation, channel dynamics and new distribution models”. The meeting will provide an up-to-date snapshot of the beverage sector in the out-of-home market with references to the growth of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol solutions. The analyses will be supported by data and insights from Circana.

The programme will come to a close on Tuesday, 17^th February 2026 from 11.30 am to 12 noon in the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3) with “The Italian supply chain of hops and barley for the brewing sector (F.I.L.O. Project)”. The talk will present a joint research project between universities and companies with scientific contributions from the Universities of Udine and Parma and the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa. The focus will be on building an Italian hop and barley supply chain based on sustainability, technological innovation and reduced environmental impact with useful data and results for understanding the future evolution of malting and beer production.

BEER COMPETITIONS

Excitement is building for the 21^st edition of the Beer of the Year Award, the prestigious competition organised by Unionbirrai, which annually celebrates the excellence of Italian craft beer. The event, hosted in the Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3), will see 212 breweries competing with a total of 1,746 craft beers, divided into 46 categories. The winners will be decided by a jury of 73 expert tasters from 19 countries. The highlight will be the award ceremony, scheduled for Sunday 15^th February at 3.45 pm, when the best Italian craft beers and the Brewery of the Year, i.e. the producer with the best results in at least three different categories, will be announced. Two special awards have also been confirmed: Best Collaboration Brew, for beers created through brewing collaborations in Italy; and Best 100% Italian Beer, for beers produced with raw materials grown entirely in Italy with the aim of promoting the national agricultural supply chain.

TOP PLAYERS AND CRAFT BREWERIES AT THE SHOW

Beer&Food Attraction confirms its status as the most comprehensive showcase for small, medium and large breweries, offering a representative overview of the entire national and international brewing scene. Leading producers and craft breweries will be presenting their new products, the latest consumer trends and development strategies for the sector at the show.

Large groups and main players in the market will include names such as Birra Forst, Birra Peroni, Bitburger Braugruppe, Carlsberg Italia, Krombacher Italia, Kulmbacher Brauerei, Paulaner Distribuzione, Swinkels Family Brewers Italia and Warsteiner Italia. The presence of leading importers of international brands, including Brewrise, Interbrau, K. Kiem and Ales&Co, is also worth mentioning.

The offer will be completed with an important representation of the distribution world with leading operators such as Partesa, Doreca Italia and San Geminiano, thus demonstrating the event’s strategic role throughout the supply chain.

Ample space will also be given to the craft sector with the participation of some of the industry’s most renowned companies including Baladin, Birrificio Italiano, Mastri Birrai Umbri, Birra dell'Eremo, Birra Flea, Birra Salento, Birrificio Lambrate, Birrificio Otus, Birrificio Artigianale Napoletano, Birra Artigianale Impavida and Granda.

A qualified selection of large groups, importers, distributors and independent breweries that makes Beer&Food Attraction a privileged observatory on the brewing market’s dynamics and evolution.

Press Release n. 4 of 09/02/2026

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BBTECH EXPO IS BACK WITH BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

· BBTech Expo in a joint event with Beer&Food Attraction at Rimini Expo Centre from 15^thto 17^th February, bringing together the entire beverage and beer supply chain to present the most advanced technologies

· Updates and networking for the beverage industry with the industry’s big names and a programme of talks on strategic trends and the sector’s future

https://www.beerandfoodattraction.it/

www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 - BBTech Expo, organised by Italian Exhibition Group from 15^th to 17^th February at Rimini Expo Centre, will be held in conjunction with Beer&Food Attraction, creating a single large event to encompass the entire beverage industry supply chain. A leading event for the beverage and beer production sector, BBTech Expo will offer a comprehensive exhibition covering equipment, raw materials, packaging, logistics, process technologies and solutions for production, packaging and distribution.

The fact that it coincides with Beer&Food Attraction is one of the event’s main strengths: operators and exhibitors from the beverage world attending the show will be able to meet directly with technology companies, discover the latest innovations in production systems, and find solutions to streamline, optimise and improve their plants, thus promoting targeted investments and competitive development.

BBTech Expo and Beer&Food Attraction confirm their status as European hubs for industry professionals: the 2026 edition will see 600 exhibitors in attendance from 16 countries with a strong international presence led by Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Spain and Austria, alongside new entries such as Greece, Poland and Switzerland. Overall, the event will act as a strategic platform for international business and networking, strengthening Rimini's role as a meeting point for innovation and development in the beverage industry.

FROM RAW MATERIALS TO TECHNOLOGIES: THE BIG NAMES IN BEVERAGE AT THE SHOW

The Raw Materials sector will feature leading names such as Mr. Malt, Corimpex and Uberti, offering essential ingredients – from hops to malts, yeasts and water – to guarantee high-quality beer.

The Production Technologies area will be the beating heart of innovation where leading players such as Easybräu-Velo by Omnia Technologies, Lasi, Spadoni, Vinext and Enomet Impianti will be presenting cutting-edge systems for all stages of production, from fermentation to quality control.

The Filling & Packaging sector will host leading companies such as Gai, Cimec, Emma, Nuove Etichette and new entry Polikeg with advanced bottling and packaging technologies. P-ink by Pelliconi, on the other hand, will offer innovative solutions for beer preservation and freshness.

As for Tapping Equipment, leading companies such as Celli Group, Vinservice Micromatic, Tebs Draft and Cis will be offering cutting-edge dispensing systems designed to enhance the taste and organoleptic characteristics of beer.

In the Analysis Systems and Services area, Finlogic and Piramide will be proposing precision instruments for quality control, while the Equipment and Glassware sector will feature Rastal, Cerve, Vetro Due and Vd Glass, with solutions that combine design and functionality to enhance the tasting experience.

A complete and specialised trade show where BBTech Expo will be the ideal stage for discovering the very latest innovations and meeting the sector’s key players.

BEER&TECH ARENA: INNOVATION, TRAINING AND SECTOR TRENDS

The Beer&Tech Arena (Hall D3) will be the reference point for talks, awards ceremonies and workshops specifically for the world of beer and technology with the involvement of industry associations, media partners and the academic world. Key events for the craft beer world will include the return of Unionbirrai's Beer of the Year Award, a nationally recognised competition with an international jury, to be held on Saturday 15^th February, while on Monday 16^th February, the Beer Academies will celebrate establishments and operators that have excelled in quality, passion and beer culture. In terms of content, on Monday 16^th February, Assobirra will be presenting “The value of beer in the Italian out-of-home market: trends, consumption and the role of draft beer” with the release of data from the Beer Information Centre’s first 2026 edition, produced in partnership with Ipsos Doxa, to analyse market, consumption and supply chain evolution. Also on 16^th February, the CERB - Centre for Research into Beer Excellence will be giving a talk entitled “The strategic role of CERB: research and experience at the service of the brewing industry” on scientific activities, lines of research and future challenges in support of breweries. On Tuesday 17^th February, focus will shift to agricultural production with “Italian supply chain of hops and barley for the brewing sector (F.I.L.O. project)”, an in-depth look at the joint efforts between universities and companies to develop a sustainable and innovative national supply chain.

MEDIA AGENCY BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION - BBTECH EXPO: Mind the Pop - Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

Press Release n. 3 of 09/02/2026

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AT BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION, FOCUS ON MIXOLOGY AND SPIRITS: MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION, THE BIG NEW ENTRY AT THE EXPO

The 11^th edition of the show organised by Italian Exhibition Group, to be held at Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February, will be a European reference point for the beverage and bar industry

The new Mixology Attraction brand aims to promote the beverage offer with a focus on mixology and spirits, a sector which, according to Circana data, compared to pre-Covid levels, has seen increases in alcoholic cocktail purchases (+32%) and liqueurs and spirits (+30%)

Mixology Attraction will develop around three special focuses: the Mixology Circus, with 9 Italian and international bars, the Mixology Village, with the best liqueur and spirit labels, and Sparkling&Mix for mixology wines, within a format that will see 29% more exhibitors than 2025

beerandfoodattraction.it | mixologyattraction.com

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – Alongside beer, the exhibition layout will feature a new central area to give even greater prominence to the world of beverages, mixology and spirits. Mixology Attraction will be the big new entry at the 11^th edition of Beer&Food Attraction, the leading European event for the beverage and bar industry, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and scheduled to take place at Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February. The new brand was created to promote the sector by bringing together bartenders and industry professionals to discuss contemporary mixology techniques, thus completing the Beer&Food Attraction offer alongside beers, food and technologies for the out-of-home sector.

Mixology Attraction will tap into a rapidly growing sector: according to Circana data, purchases of alcoholic cocktails have increased by 32% compared to the pre-Covid period, while those of spirits and liqueurs have grown by 30%. Circana's Horeca Panel also recorded a 39% growth in value in the beverage sector from 2019 to 2024. In this context, Mixology Attraction will complete the trade show experience by offering an integrated view of the beverage world, covering spirits, soft drinks, juices and syrups, wine, ready-to-drink and low/no alcohol beverages, as a concrete response to the out-of-home offer and consumption evolution.

MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION’S THREE FOCUSES: THE MIXOLOGY CIRCUS IS CONFIRMED

Mixology Attraction will be one of the pillars of Beer&Food Attraction’s 11^thedition and will feature three complementary focuses, designed to depict mixology as culture, product and professional experience. The numbers also reflect its success: the show’s mixology area will be 39% larger than the previous edition with a 29% increase in exhibitors.

Now at its 4^th edition, Mixology Circus, the top event, will focus on the most vibrant and contemporary aspects of mixology. Internationally renowned bartenders will take centre stage in masterclasses, talks and discussions on the sector’s latest trends, transforming mixology into storytelling, performance and training, in direct dialogue with the professional community.

9 of the sector’s top venues will be in attendance, seven Italian and two from London and Miami.

Three special set-ups, three days of shows and a common thread linking every proposal:

Hip Urban Bar – the metropolitan and contemporary style between global contamination and street vibes.

Tiki Bar – the exotic and colourful energy of the tropics between rituals and escapist suggestions.

Luxury Hotel Bar – the timeless elegance of high hospitality with sophisticated drinks and service experience.

The bars will alternate from day to day, creating a unique narrative in which each venue will become a theatre for performances, tastings and new mixology interpretations.

· L’Antiquario, Naples. A classic cocktail bar and landmark on the Neapolitan scene with an offer that combines technique, elegance and the story of bars as places of identity. The person of reference is Alex Frezza.

· Vesper Bar at the Dorchester Hotel, London. An international cocktail bar known for its rigorous approach to contemporary mixology, based on balance, precision and research into iconic cocktails. The person of reference is Lucia Montanelli, bar manager at the Vesper Bar at the Dorchester Hotel - one of the global luxury hotel industry’s most prestigious bars.

· Rita Tiki’s Room, Milan. A tiki-style cocktail bar that offers an immersive experience inspired by Polynesian culture with tropical drinks and a strong focus on atmosphere. The key figures are Alessandro D'Alessio and Edoardo Nono.

· Grande Hotel Fasano – Ramas Lounge, Gardone Riviera. A bar within the context of luxury hospitality, where mixology is an integral part of the guest experience. It offers a refined selection, consistent with the identity of the venue. The person of reference is Rama Redzepi.

· Volare, Bologna. A cocktail bar that has developed a contemporary vision of mixology based on socialising, the straightforward simplicity of the drinks and consistency between the location, service and offer. The key figures are Giuseppe Doria and Roberto De Leonardis.

· Hawaiki, Igea Marina. A cocktail bar inspired by the world of tiki and exotic imagery offering a combination of creative mixology and tropical drinking rituals. The person of reference is Samantha Migani.

· Moebius, Milan. A multifunctional venue that combines cuisine, music and cocktails, offering contemporary mixology linked to seasonality and research into flavour. The key figures are Lorenzo Querci and Andrea Giraldo.

· Kaona Room, Miami. An international cocktail bar that interprets mixology as a cultural and narrative experience with a conceptual approach to drink building. The person of reference is Daniele Dalla Pola.

· The Bar at Aman Venice, Venice. The Aman Venice hotel bar, an expression of international high hospitality, offers tailor-made cocktails and pays close attention to service and the quality of the spirits. The person of reference is Antonio Ferrara.

Further information on all the bars can be found on the site.

Sponsor Mixology Circus - Bonollo · Caffo · Distilleria Marzadro · Epta · F.lli Branca Distilleria · Fredd Ice · Montenegro · Nonino · Osborne · Rastal · Tassoni · Velier

THE MIXOLOGY VILLAGE

The experiential dimension of Mixology Circus will be accompanied by Mixology Village, an exhibition area featuring a qualified selection of the best brands of distillates, liqueurs and spirits. An area designed to enhance every aspect of the product offer, giving visibility to established brands as well as small producers and the most innovative companies, alongside premium and exclusive proposals.

The Village will therefore act as a comprehensive platform for the market, where companies and operators will be able to meet and new business opportunities will be fostered through a structured and representative overview of the sector's excellence, responding to the needs of a constantly evolving industry.

SPARKLING&MIX

Great attention will also be paid to Sparkling&Mix, an area that will spotlight sparkling wines, prosecco and semi-sparkling wines as protagonists of mixed drink culture, exploring the role of bubbles in contemporary mixology and broadening the dialogue between the different beverage worlds.

Part of Mixology Attraction, the Sparkling&Mix area has recorded particularly significant growth with twice as many exhibitors as last year, reflecting the growing interest in the mixology world on the part of wineries. This attention can be seen in increasingly varied offerings, ranging from cocktail bases to pre-mixed solutions, as well as products designed specifically for the professional channel and new consumption models.

THE SECTOR’S MAIN TALKS

Mixology Attraction will also stage key industry talks. The venues participating in the Mixology Circus will be involved in a programme of masterclasses on contemporary mixology techniques, comparing visions, bar models and new mixology trends, accompanied by in-depth discussions on spirits, consumption and market scenarios. Other highlights will include:

· 15^th February 2026 – 4 to 5 pm and 16^th February 2026 - 1.45 to 2.45 pm – Mixology Circus, hall D5

The ABC of aperitif, Carpano 240 years of history: guide to Vermouth tasting organised by Fratelli Branca Distillerie, narrated by global brand ambassador Nicola Olianas

· 16^th February 2026 – 2.45 to 3.45 pm – Mixology Circus, hall D5
Beyond the glass: the new paradigm of mixology between alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Masterclass organised by Tassoni on the global trend of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks with a focus on creativity, conscious consumption and integrating new trends into industry strategies through the voices of marketing, consultancy and production.

· 16^th February 2026 – 4.45 to 6.15 pm – Mixology Circus, hall D5

Blue Blazer will stage a focus on new trends in mixology at European level with the participation of special guests and influential international journalists. This will be followed by a presentation of the 2026 edition of the guide to the best cocktail bars in Italy with the relative award ceremony.

SPIRIT SECTOR EXHIBITORS AT THE SHOW

Leading Italian and international players will be representing the spirits sector at the show, confirming Mixology Attraction's central role as a platform of reference for the sector. A qualified and authoritative attendance, ready to present the latest product innovations, emerging trends and the most innovative solutions for the market to an audience of beverage distributors, industry operators, cocktail bars and bartenders.

Participating companies will include: Brown-Forman, Campari, Cedral Tassoni, Coca-Cola Spirits, Diageo, Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio, Distillerie Bonollo Umberto, Fratelli Branca Distillerie, Fratelli Martini Secondo Luigi, Illva Saronno, Mixer, Molinari, Nonino Distillatori, Pallini, Pernod Ricard, Red Bull, Stock, Velier.

Comunicato n. 2 del 09/02/2026

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BEER&FOOD ATTRACTION STRENGTHENS ITS ROLE AS A EUROPEAN HUB FOR THE BAR AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY. MIXOLOGY’S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IS GROWING

· From 15^th to 17^th February 2026, at Rimini Expo Centre, Beer&Food Attraction (11^th edition), Europe's leading beverage and bar industry event, organised by Italian Exhibition Group, with over 600 exhibitors from 16 countries occupying 14 halls, and 130 international buyers from 45 countries

· Driving the evolution of the event is Mixology Attraction, the big new entry for 2026. The beverage and mixology exhibition area will be 39% larger than the previous edition

· Food, mixology and beer will also play leading roles in the content with a calendar of events and sector competitions ranging from Italgrob's International Horeca Meeting to brewing world and food challenges

www.beerandfoodattraction.it
www.mixologyattraction.com/it

Rimini, 9^th February 2026 – Beer&Food Attraction will be back at Rimini Expo Centre from 15^th to 17^th February for its 11^th edition. The event, a European reference point for the Beverage & Bar Industry and the Out of Home channel, will showcase a comprehensive and integrated range of beers, beverages, food and consumer trends.

Organised by Italian Exhibition Group, Beer&Food Attraction will occupy 14 halls on the east side of the Expo Centre. The format will provide a uniform vision of the sector, connecting products, content and technologies across the entire bar and out-of-home supply chain. With the introduction of Mixology Attraction, Beer&Food Attraction 2026 will extend the mixology and spirits area, strengthening its position in the bar & beverage sectors. The beverage and mixology exhibition area will, in fact, be 39% larger compared to the previous edition, highlighting the strategic role of Mixology Attraction in the exhibition layout.

THE 2026 EDITION NUMBERS

The event will host over 600 exhibitors from 16 countries with Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Spain and Austria leading the international presence, joined by new countries such as Greece, Poland and Switzerland.

The beer sector, the mainstay of the event, will offer products ranging from craft beers to mainstream brands. Food, which accounts for 20% of the exhibition, will be integrated with beer, beverages and mixology, with a particular focus on proposals for the casual dining channel. Beverage technologies (BBTech Expo) will complete the supply chain with solutions for systems, equipment and raw materials.

In addition to companies, Beer&Food Attraction will also host leading organisations and institutions in the beverage and out-of-home sector, including Italgrob, Assobirra, Unionbirrai, Assobibe, Mineracqua, FIPE – Italian Federation of Public Enterprises and FIC – Italian Federation of Chefs. On the international front, leading organisations such as the American Brewers Association and Euskal Garagardo Elkartea Basque Beer, representing the Basque Country's brewing sector, will also be in attendance.

BUSINESS AT THE CORE: EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL BUYERS IN RIMINI

Beer&Food Attraction will reinforce its international and business flair in 2026. The trade show will welcome 130 foreign buyers from 45 countries, selected through Italian Exhibition Group’s network and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). The largest delegations will arrive from Spain, Great Britain, Canada, Poland and Estonia.

This targeted incoming will bring importers, distributors, beverage wholesalers, casual dining chains and technology operators to Rimini, offering exhibiting companies a context for discussion and new commercial opportunities on international markets.

MIXOLOGY, FOOD AND BEERS: NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EVENTS

The exhibition area at Beer&Food Attraction 2026 will be accompanied by a calendar of talks, competitions and professional meetings in the event’s main arenas with bars, beverages, food and out-of-home as the key topics.

The main issues related to the out-of-home debate will be featured in Italgrob's International Horeca Meeting, which, on Monday 16^th February, will host the Horeca Congress entitled “The out-of-home consumption market between rising costs and inflation. Trends and best practices to overcome the crisis”.

Besides analysis, the future will be looked at with “Stories, visions and ambitions for the Horeca of tomorrow”, a meeting that will see the sector’s new generations on stage with personal accounts from students taking a Master Degree in Sales Account Management at Luiss Business School, in collaboration with AFDB.

The world of beer will take centre stage in the Beer&Tech Arena, the heart of content dedicated to the brewing sector and innovation. This is where the 21^st edition of Unionbirrai's Beer of the Year Award, Italy's longest-running brewing competition, will take place. With an international jury of 65 judges from over 15 countries, the competition rewards the best craft beers in the contest’s 46 categories. The competitions will be accompanied by opportunities for in-depth analysis with contributions from CERB - Perugia University’s Centre for Research into Beer Excellence - and the presentation of Assobirra's Beer Information Centre (CIB), a new observatory specifically for consumption, trends and the role of beer outside the home.

The Beer&Tech Arena will also host “Beer Supply Chain: Raw Materials, Technology, Quality, Excise Duties” a talk organised by Imbottigliamento on key issues affecting the entire brewing sector, from production to technological and regulatory aspects. An international dimension will accompany insights into the supply chain with talks and guided tastings such as “Discover American Craft Beer” by the Brewers Association, to explore the styles, trends and identity of American craft beer. The programme will be rounded off by the Accademia della Birra awards, the Pub&Friends Awards and the Horeca Social Stars Awards.

Mixology finds its highest expression in the Mixology Circus, one of the most spectacular and distinctive areas of the show. The arena will feature 9 outstanding cocktail bars, two of which international, in shows, signature drinks and performances dedicated to mixed drinks. The 2026 edition will have a new rotating narrative format, in which venues will alternate day after day, transforming each station into a stage for performances, tastings and new mixology interpretations. The story will develop further through three types of bar – Hip Urban Bar, Tiki Bar and Luxury Hotel Bar – which will guide the audience through different styles, atmospheres and languages. The Mixology Circus stage will feature The Bar at Aman Venice, Vesper, Grand Hotel Fasano – Ramas Lounge, Kaona Room, Rita's Tiki Room, Hawaiki, L'Antiquario, Moebius and Volare, ready to bring creativity, technique and a contemporary vision of cocktails to the Expo.

The theme of innovation will be reflected throughout Beer&Food Attraction with the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award 2026, promoted by Italian Exhibition Group in partnership with ANGI – National Association of Young Innovators and the Italian Trade Agency. The award enhances the best ideas for Out of Home with six awards dedicated to the Beer, Spirits, Soft Drinks Low & No, Food, Technology, Service and Digital Innovation sectors.

Press Release n. 1 of 09/02/2026

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