Polagra 2025 kicks off today! Three days of flavors, debates, and inspiration are ahead.
The 40th jubilee edition of the POLAGRA trade fair, which for years has brought together key players in the Polish food and gastronomy sector, starts today, September 24th, in Poznań. For three days, from September 24th to 26th, the Poznań International Fair will be a meeting place for food producers, representatives of the HoReCa sector, technology experts, and foreign buyers.
This year's event is themed "POLAGRA 4.0" and will focus on the future of the food sector—from digitalization and new technologies to ecology, the deposit-refund system, and expansion into international markets. This jubilee edition is designed to be a place where tradition meets innovation and local producers showcase their potential to global partners.
What's happening on day one?
The first day of the fair promises to be exceptionally busy. The 40th jubilee edition will feature over 250 exhibitors presenting their products and services across five pavilions. Foreign buyers will also be in attendance—as part of the Hosted Buyers program, representatives from the food industry in countries such as Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates will arrive in Poznań. This ensures that from day one, the fair will be an important venue for business meetings and discussions about the expansion of Polish food into international markets.
This year's Polagra will have an exceptionally intensive program, with over 60 lectures, debates, and expert meetings on two stages. The main stage on the first day will be a space for serious discussions about the future of the food sector. First, experts from Bilfinger will demonstrate how technology can increase efficiency while supporting sustainable production. This will be followed by the "Polagra 4.0 - The Future of the Industry" debate, featuring representatives from companies like Żabka, Inwenta, and Frizo. The discussion will cover digitalization, new business models, and rising consumer expectations.
The ceremonial opening of the fair cannot be miss
ed, taking place at 1:00 PM on the main stage in Aleja Lipowa. This is the moment when the prestigious MTP Gold Medals, Acanthus Aureus statuettes, and Special Awards—honors given to companies and institutions particularly distinguished in the industry—will be presented.
Afterward, the stage will turn to the topic of the deposit-refund system, one of the biggest challenges facing producers and retailers today. The panel "Between Obligation and Opportunity" will bring together practitioners, lawyers, and administration representatives to discuss how the new regulations will translate into the day-to-day operations of businesses. In the afternoon, attendees will listen to another important debate: "Local Roots, Global Ambitions." The conversation, with representatives from the government, retail chains, and industry organizations, will focus on the export of Polish food and how it opens doors to new markets.
Inspiring Events and Culinary Showcases
There will also be lighter, but equally inspiring events. In Pavilion 7A, throughout the day, Marcin Budynek will lead "Meat from Poland" culinary shows, while Primulator will host workshops on coffee, confectionery, and artisanal ice cream. Another interesting highlight will be the Artisanal Bakery Zone at the Italmarco stand, where shows will be held for anyone interested in the modern take on traditional baking craftsmanship.
The HoReCa stage will kick off a series of events with Paweł Gruba, starting with "Battle for Flavor: Blogger vs. Chef"—a culinary confrontation between two different worlds of gastronomy.
This year, a new feature has been prepared for exhibitors: the opportunity to participate in short video recordings in two special studios (near the HoReCa Stage in Pavilion 8 and in Pavilion 7). This is a chance to present your company and products in an attractive format, and the recordings will later be used to promote the fair and the exhibitors themselves.
In the evening, the excitement will build with the "Masters of Taste" competition, which will honor culinary establishments and chefs from all over Poland. And when the official program ends, participants will meet at the Networking Party in Aleja Lipowa—in a less formal atmosphere, with music and refreshments.
The first day of Polagra 2025 will set the rhythm for the entire edition, combining discussions about technology and responsibility with culinary shows, awards, and networking opportunities that create the unique atmosphere of this event. Day one will fully show what this fair is about: a space where business connects with passion, and knowledge with practice. Attendees will be able to discover the latest trends, see innovative solutions, take part in inspiring debates, and taste exceptional dishes prepared live by the best chefs.