In the context of the recent Italy–Germany intergovernmental summit in Rome, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors, including industry and agriculture, the strategic partnership between Fiere di Parma and Koelnmesse takes on even greater significance for industrial integration and bilateral ties in the food sector.
The cooperation between the two exhibition organizers has already delivered tangible results for TUTTOFOOD 2025. These include +300% increase in the presence of international top buyers and +60% increase in foreign exhibitors compared to 2023, strengthening the Fair’s international profile and consolidating its role as a European platform for the food business.
This impact was reflected in the latest edition of TUTTOFOOD, which recorded 95,000 professional visitors, hosted more than 3,000 international top buyers, and welcomed 4,200 exhibiting companies from 70 countries across 80,000 square metres of net exhibition space. The event was further supported by a structured buyers’ programme, the involvement of international Trade Promotion Organizations, and a content agenda featuring 64 conferences, seminars and food experiences.
Looking ahead to TUTTOFOOD 2026 (11–14 May, Milan), around 90% of exhibition space has already been confirmed, with international companies accounting for approximately 30% of confirmed exhibitors, including seven German companies.
Starting in 2026, the partnership between Fiere di Parma and Koelnmesse will underpin a structural evolution of the European trade fair landscape: TUTTOFOOD will take place in even years in Milan, alternating with Anuga.
On this basis, the alliance between Fiere di Parma and Koelnmesse is expected to further strengthen TUTTOFOOD’s role as a key European meeting point for international food & beverage companies, with the objective of creating two complementary and non-overlapping European business hubs for the global food & beverage industry.
Franco Mosconi, President of Fiere di Parma, commented: “As Italy and Germany strengthen cooperation on competitiveness and industry, trade fairs can act as instruments of economic diplomacy. Building on Fiere di Parma’s forty years of experience with Cibus and CibusTEC, the partnership with Koelnmesse supports a pan-European trade fair ecosystem in which
TUTTOFOOD and Anuga alternate, enhancing specialisation through coordinated calendars and complementary platforms”
Gerald Böse, President & CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, said: “Koelnmesse is committed to building strong, internationally connected trade fair platforms. Our partnership with Fiere di Parma exemplifies a coordinated European approach that expands international reach and offers exhibitors and visitors clearer, more effective market access. Together, we are shaping two complementary business hubs that reinforce Europe’s leadership in food innovation and trade.”
Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, added: “The partnership with Koelnmesse is an accelerator of internationalisation for TUTTOFOOD, strengthening connections, matchmaking and access to global markets through buyers, distributors and importers. With 30% international participation from 34 countries already confirmed, we expect exhibitor participation to grow by 15% compared to previous editions.”
Thomas Rosolia, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Italia, said: “Koelnmesse Italia works to connect Italian companies and international markets. The partnership with Fiere di Parma shows how coordinated platforms can be real engines for growth by facilitating high-quality business connections and long-term development. Our alliance is a strategic asset for Italy’s food industry in a competitive marketplace.”
About TUTTOFOOD
TUTTOFOOD is Southern Europe’s leading food business platform, bringing together global food innovation, sourcing, and market growth. Based in Milan, it serves as a dynamic hub for building solid strategic trade alliances among producers, distributors, and global markets.
Organized by Fiere di Parma, a leading operator in the Italian and European exhibition industry, TUTTOFOOD stands as both a national and international benchmark for industry growth and the ongoing evolution of the food sector.
About Koelnmesse
Koelnmesse employs around 1,200 people. As a city-based trade fair in the heart of Europe, it operates the third-largest trade fair grounds in Germany and, with almost 400,000 square metres of hall and outdoor space, ranks among the ten largest trade fair grounds in the world.
Each year, Koelnmesse organises and manages around 80 trade fairs, guest events and corporate events in Cologne and in key markets all over the globe. Its portfolio reaches over 49,000 exhibiting companies from 129 countries and around 2.5 million visitors from around 200 nations.
Until 2040, Koelnmesse is investing more than one billion euro in the development of the trade fair grounds with the most extensive investment programme in its history, enabling it to accommodate all future event formats. In 2024, Koelnmesse celebrated its 100th anniversary – a century of bringing people and markets together worldwide.
Press Contact:
Weber Shandwick Deutschland:
Philipp Waller
Senior Manager, Client Experience
E-Mail: PWaller@webershandwick.com
TUTTOFOOD:
Andrea Robuschi
Media & International Relations
a.robuschi@fiereparma.it
