Since the first show in 1982, Tavola has grown into a leading biennial trade fair for food professionals with a passion for premium food & drinks. The carefully curated mix of strong market leaders and craft producers ensures a unique range of rigorously selected delicacies and exquisite high-end products. From craft to trendy, larges volumes to niche products, market leaders to start-ups, famous brands to private label, classics to unexpected discoveries... Tavola brings them all together in one place.

What makes Tavola so special is its focus on innovation and an exceptional product experience. Every other year, this results in a first-class event for the professional food community, including retail, wholesale, specialty businesses, caterers and restaurants. All these qualities make Tavola one of Europe’s finest top-end food trade shows.

TAVOLA 2024: looking back on a 3-day event full of dynamism, optimism and enthusiasm

From 17 to 19 March 2024, Tavola has once again earned its reputation as the leading trade fair for premium food & drinks. With 455 exhibitors representing 15 countries and 15,746 visitors from the food industry hailing from 29 countries (+ 9% compared to the 2022 event), Tavola clearly exceeded all expectations. Walking up and down the bustling aisles of the trade fair, everyone was able to witness the omnipresence of dynamism and positivity. Not only did this very special atmosphere allow Tavola to spread good vibes, but it also helped create an exceptional product experience.

An unmatched range of premium food & drinks

Manufacturers and distributors of premium food & drinks succeeded in surprising both their existing and new customers from food retail, specialty stores and hospitality with delicious products. One striking feature was the perfect mix of big companies, artisan manufacturers, as well as start-ups, which were strongly represented. With a unique range of products that no other food fairs can match, the wonderful stands, the exceptional product experience and the warm welcome by the exhibitors, Tavola had all it takes to inspire the fine food community. The positive energy felt throughout the event and the sheer enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and visitors alike not only made Tavola 2024 a resounding success, but also reflected the creativity and dynamism that the food industry has to offer.

Golden Tavola Awards

The Golden Tavola competition, which was held as part of the main event, attracted massive interest. The stand where the winning and nominated products were showcased and sampled were crowded, as was the Golden Tavola Gallery, where visitors got an overview of all the products selected for the competition.

The winners of the Golden Tavola Awards were announced even before Tavola opened – Thai Bouillon by Sublimix, Black Garlic Salt Rub by Funky Ouma/Ali-Import, Plant Based Mousse Crumble by Vecuisine and Meule du Plateau Réserve 18 months by Terre de Fromages.

Visitors to Tavola also had the opportunity to vote for one more award, i.e. the Audience Award, which went to the Freezecakes by Pleese-Galana / Beldessert, the world's first scoopable frozen cheesecakes. Not only is this a delicious alternative to ice cream, but also a smart move to boost the frozen dessert category. The Freezecakes are packaged in convenient tubs and available in 3 different flavours: Raspberry & Lemon, Butterscotch & Caramel and Double Chocolate.

New fringe events made the trade fair even more attractive to visitors

In addition to providing a platform for buyers to discover new and tasty products, the trade fair also allowed professionals to gain valuable insights to help them further develop their businesses. The Tavola Inspiration Talks boasted the support of high-profile partners. Covering a wide range of topics, including economic insights (ING Belgium), innovative concepts from Dubai (Dolce World), a taste of eternity (De Foodarcheoloog) and innovations and food trends in retail and food service (Maxime Willems), the presentations were received with great enthusiasm. As for the interviews by 20/Cent Retail and panel discussions led by Gault & Millau, they gave a special insight into the strategy and approach of big names from the world of retail, restaurants and catering, and were very well attended.

In the Tasting Hub, visitors got to discover different drinks and olive oils during Tasting Classes hosted by exhibitors specialising in the field.

On 19 March, FSA (Foodservice Alliance) invited around four hundred food service professionals for a special morning session before their visit to Tavola. The FSA Spring Congress delved into insights, inspiration and knowledge about the speciality foods market.

Various networking events, such as the well-attended event hosted by Fenavian and Brema, added to the unique atmosphere of the trade fair and provided all industry representatives with great opportunities to make new contacts.

These fringe events were all successful and will therefore certainly be back in 2026.

Tavola 2026

The organisers of Tavola are already looking forward to the next edition, which will be held in Kortrijk Xpo from 15 to 17 March 2026.