This year, innovations, technologies, and current trends in food and beverage production and processing will be presented at Kipsala by more than 400 companies from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Egypt, Greece, the United Kingdom, Moldova, Nepal, India, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Sweden – a total of 30 countries. At Riga Food 2026, there will be combined national stands from Latvia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. At the exhibition, visitors will be able to explore a wide range of local products in one place – both experienced Latvian companies and medium-sized producers, as well as small enterprises and home producers will showcase their goods. The diversity of Latvian flavors can be discovered at the national stand of Latvia, at the common stands of fish processing enterprises and aquaculture, at the "Flavors of Regions" stands, and at the exhibitions of Latvian regions. Participant catalog: www.bt1.lv/rigafood/catalogue.php ## Offerings from Latvian Regions In the Latvian pavilion of Riga Food 2026, visitors will be able to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Latvia's regions, taste local products, and learn about modern solutions in the food industry. Authentic gastronomic offerings will be presented by Bauska, Rezekne, Salaspils, Marupe, Ludza, Valmiera, cities from the southern part of Kurzeme, and other areas. For the first time at the exhibition, there will be an exposition dedicated to aquaculture! The Latvian Society of Grapegrowers and Winemakers will introduce visitors to wines produced in Latvia, revealing the features of local winemaking development and quality growth. Meanwhile, Latvian beekeepers invite guests to immerse themselves in the world of honey – from traditional flavors to new interpretations of honey products.  ## Latvian Innovations The exhibition "Discover Innovations in the Food Industry!" will gather Latvian companies, startups, research institutes, students, and technology developers in one place to showcase the latest solutions in food production, digitalization, automation, and product development. The student business incubator of the Latvian University of Bioeconomy and Technology (LBTU) will present innovations, prototypes, and business ideas created by students, allowing visitors to see how ideas in the university environment turn into real products and entrepreneurial opportunities. Visitors will not only be able to taste novelties, such as crab-flavored ice cream, but also experience being a startup founder in the event "You have 5 minutes to create your startup!" Meanwhile, industry professionals will have the opportunity to meet new talents and find collaboration opportunities at the exhibition. The organizer of the exposition is LBTU.  ## Building Business Contacts Riga Food strengthens its role not only as a platform for discovering new products and trends but also as an international business platform for establishing new contacts. The exhibition will bring together food industry enterprises and target clients from around the world. Currently, representatives from companies in 20 countries have applied to participate in the Riga Food B2B Matchmaking Event. https://ej.uz/rf26_matchmaking ## Various Events Alongside the exhibition, an extensive program of events will take place for both food industry professionals and gourmets. The official opening of Riga Food 2026 will take place on September 10 at 11:00 on the Main Stage in the Latvian pavilion. Immediately after that, the award ceremony for the winners of the 1st New Dairy Products Competition will take place. The Latvian Packaging Association will determine the most environmentally friendly packaging at the exhibition and will award the best on September 12 at 15:00. Detailed program of events for Riga Food 2026: https://ej.uz/rf26_pasakumi .jpg) ## Master Competitions Exhibition visitors will also be able to enjoy exciting shows and a competitive spirit, as the best of the best will meet at Kipsala – chefs, kitchen assistants, pastry chefs, bartenders, waiters, tea art masters, and grill masters. On September 10, the prestigious Monin Cup Latvia 2026 cocktail competition will take place on the Gemoss stage, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Latvia in the regional semi-finals of the "Monin Cup 2026 in London." On September 10 and 11, the semi-finals and finals of the "Latvian Barbecue Masters Championship" will take place at Kipsala, which will help determine the best master. On September 11, at the culinary competition venue, those interested will be able to watch the "Restaurant Pastry Chef of the Year in Latvia 2026" competition, where the most skilled pastry chefs will compete for the traveling golden Lavazza cup. Immediately after that, chefs will compete for the titles of "Chef of Latvia 2026" and "Young Chef of Latvia 2026." The best will receive the Golden Ladle from Reaton. And on the Gemoss stage on Friday, attendees can witness what impeccable service looks like. Four hospitality professionals will compete in the "Hospitality Star of Latvia 2026" competition. The best will receive a grant for professional development of 5000 euros. .jpg) ## Cake Festival On September 12, a special day for cake lovers will take place at the exhibition, as two confectionery events will occur simultaneously at Kipsala. The Latvian Cake Parade will take place on the Gemoss stage, while the winner of the TV3 and Rimi project "Cake for My City" will be determined at the culinary competition venue. The Latvian Cake Parade will gather 20 passionate pastry chefs from across the country – recipes passed down from generation to generation and new recipes, local flavors, and personal stories will combine with modern pastry craftsmanship, creativity, and aesthetics. Meanwhile, in the final of the "Cake for My City" show, a cake that best reflects the character, flavors, and history of one of Latvia's cities will be chosen. The final will be hosted by cake master Anna Panna and Rimi chef Normunds Baranovskis. Both competitions will provide visitors with enjoyment not only for the eyes but also for the taste buds! .jpg) ## Valuable Discussions The program of Riga Food 2026 dedicates significant attention to discussions on the development of the food industry and current consumer trends. On September 10, experts in nutrition, sports, and product development will gather on the Main Stage to participate in the discussion "The Era of High-protein: Consumer Needs or Marketing Wave?" On September 11, the day of discussions will open with the "Flavors of the Region" forum titled "Your Product – Your Strength," followed by the discussion "Fermentation: A Return to Roots or a Fashion Trend? How to Distinguish Scientific Research from Esotericism" at 14:10. This discussion will feature nutrition specialist Ansis Zauers, leading researcher at LBTU Dr. Ing. Science Asnate Kirse-Ozolinya, Ķelmēni director Ruta Murniece, and content manager Ruta Beirote. On September 12, coffee will be in the spotlight – in the discussion "The Truth About Coffee: Myths, Trends, and Reality," coffee researcher Ilze Laukaleja-Broka, Closer Coffee founder Martins Drungilas, and Löfbergs Latvia quality manager Laura Zemlicka will discuss coffee quality, market trends, and the most common myths. More details: https://ej.uz/rf26_pasakumi ## For Young Professionals On September 10, the Zero Waste Challenge 2026 competition for teams from professional schools in the Baltic countries will take place throughout the day, where young chefs will demonstrate their skills in rational and thoughtful use of products. Meanwhile, interactive Food Heroes workshops will be held in the Riga Food lounge, offering practical sessions on Zero Waste for schoolchildren and youth. On September 10, LBTU invites attendees to the discussion "How is an Innovative Product Created?" where representatives from young companies and researchers will discuss the development of new food products and the journey from idea to market. .jpg) **Workshops for Children** On September 12, families with children are expected at the exhibition, as two educational and practical workshops for young chefs will take place on the Main Stage. At 10:30, nutrition specialist Viana Kulsha will lead a workshop "What's in My Box?" where participants will explore how to create a balanced lunch to take with them, and at 11:40, chef Ina Polishchenko will teach how to prepare tasty and nutritious snacks in the workshop "Healthy Treats – Energy Balls." The goal of the workshops is to engage children in healthy eating in an entertaining way: they will choose products, cook, and learn how to make more mindful choices in everyday life. "A lunch box is not just takeout food; it's an opportunity for a child to learn how to plan what to take with them," emphasizes Viana Kulsha, while Ina Polishchenko adds, "Healthy snacks can be just as colorful and delicious as traditional sweets." ## Diversity of the Tea World This year, the exhibition also pays special attention to tea culture! At the tea competition venue and the exposition of the Latvian Tea Society, those interested will be able to learn about both traditional tea culture and modern approaches to tea tasting and preparation. Riga Tea Days at Kipsala will offer a diverse program – from the Japanese game "Chakabuki," dedicated to guessing tea, and a Fujian tea workshop to matcha tea preparation, as well as tastings of buckwheat tea and hojicha. Functional drinks like kombucha will also be presented. On September 10, plant expert Anna Grase invites attendees to the workshop "Stories of the Plant World," and on September 11, Ilva Sakne from Tea House Gaba will lead the workshop "From Rock to Cup." Special attention will also be given to water as an important component of enjoying tea. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the art of choosing water with the first certified water sommelier in Eastern Europe – Dan Volevah. The culmination of Riga Tea Days will be on September 12, when the Baltic Tea Cup brewing mastery competition will take place, featuring professionals in tea brewing. ## First Charitable Grill Brunch in Latvia On September 12, from 11:00 to 16:00, the first charitable grill brunch in Latvia will take place at the entrance of the Exhibition Center, with all proceeds going to the small patients of the POGA rehabilitation center. Several well-known individuals will participate in the event, with whom visitors will be able to meet in person, chat, take photos, and enjoy the dishes they prepare on the grill. Among the participants are fighters Kristaps Zutis and Arturs Skabarniieks, content creators Ina and Uldis (InaUldis17), Lauris and Romija from the Best Fitness Channel, designer Indra Salcevica, media content creators Brigita Dambe, Janis Krivens, Edgars Balinsh, and rapper Ozols. The entry fee for the brunch is 20 euros. "This is not just a barbecue event. It’s an opportunity to meet people we see daily on social media, on television, or on stage, and at the same time do something truly valuable – help children for whom rehabilitation is a chance to live a fuller life," urges the organizer of the charitable event, Pipars.  ## Riga Food – A Place for New Ideas and Successful Deals This year, Riga Food will take place for the 31st time, continuing to create a platform for the development of the food industry in the Baltic region for over three decades. The exhibition is an important meeting place for food producers, distributors, retailers, HoReCa sector representatives, technology companies, and other food industry professionals. .jpg) **Follow:** www.facebook.com/rigafood www.instagram.com/fair_riga_food [tiktok.com/@riga.food](http://tiktok.com/@riga.food) **Opening Hours:** September 10-11 10:00–18:00 September 12 10:00–17:00
