Tradeshow Look Ahead: Carla Borges Pita, Lisbon Food Affair 2026

Gama spoke to Carla Borges Pita, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Lisbon Food Affair.

 

What are your expectations for Lisbon Food Affair 2026?

We expect Lisbon Food Affair 2026 to further consolidate its position as the leading hub for the food and beverage industry in Portugal. Our goal is to attract a wide range of professionals — from distributors and importers to restaurateurs and hoteliers — creating an environment rich in networking, business opportunities, and knowledge sharing. This edition promises enhanced content, innovative solutions, and greater international participation, reinforcing the event as a must-attend for the sector.

Furthermore, with the innovation component increasingly highlighted through LFA Innovation, the fair aims to be a major showcase for innovation, the launch of new products, technologies, and new solutions for the Food & Beverage, Horeca, and Technology sectors.

We also expect to strengthen international participation, both from exhibitors and buyers, with a greater number of B2B meetings and participation in the Hosted Buyers program.

 

Are there any specific categories or themes receiving special focus this year?

 

Yes, this year we will place a special emphasis on the HORECA sector—where we will bring together a selection of manufacturers, representatives, and distributors of products, machinery, equipment, and services for hotels, restaurants, and catering—which continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most popular segments in the Brazilian economy and among visiting professionals. Furthermore, we will highlight innovation in Food and Beverage and technological solutions, ranging from sustainable packaging and equipment to digital solutions that optimize business operations.

 

How does the show support Portuguese producers in expanding internationally?

The LFA offers Portuguese producer’s concrete mechanisms to support their internationalization, specifically through the Hosted Buyers Program, which hosts pre-scheduled meetings between international buyers selected based on their business profiles. In addition to participating directly in this program, the LFA ensures visits by international buyers from various markets, allowing participating companies to increase their business opportunities and geographic expansion. It is also worth noting that, through the LFA Innovation showcase, producers can showcase innovations that attract the attention of international buyers, distinguishing themselves through quality, sustainability, or novelty. Many exhibitors have leveraged the LFA to enter new markets, expand their networks, and establish relationships with distributors, importers, and international retailers.

 

What is the expected visitor profile for 2026, and how has it evolved?

We anticipate a highly professional and diverse audience, aligned with the LFA’s three main areas of activity: food and beverage, HORECA, and machinery, equipment, and technology.

These professionals include distribution chain professionals, retailers, distributors, wholesalers, food and beverage exporters and importers, R&D technicians, directors, F&B managers, dining professionals, operators and installers, kitchen professionals and chefs, and professionals linked to engineering and digital solutions.

Compared to previous editions, there is an increase in international visitors and a greater representation of professionals focused on innovation, sustainability, and technological solutions.

 

How is the event responding to evolving consumer interests around nutrition and sustainability?

The companies participating in the Lisbon Food Affair are committed to monitoring and developing products that meet consumer needs, which are constantly evolving. Their commitment to aligning production and manufacturing with strategic sustainability guidelines is evident, focusing on the development of increasingly healthy, organic, and phytotherapeutic products, sustainable packaging solutions, and innovative production technologies. Through seminars, masterclasses, and panel discussions, exhibitors and visitors explore trends, sustainability practices, and circular economy approaches, supporting the sector in adapting to new consumer expectations.

The LFA aligns with the expectations of modern consumers by integrating sustainability themes into the event, food innovation, and products with a healthy appeal, highlighting national producers and the use of sustainable local resources, and integrating specialized content into panels, conferences, and thematic sessions that address nutrition, sustainability, and responsible practices within the food chain.

 

About Lisbon Food Affair

In a constantly transforming sector, marked by strategic changes in brand positioning and by logistical and transport challenges, it becomes essential to continuously identify new markets and business opportunities. Lisbon Food Affair is the answer to this need — a dynamic meeting point for companies in the agri-food sector seeking to establish themselves in a competitive and rapidly evolving landscape.

https://lisbonfoodaffair.fil.pt