The 2026 Food Fair will commemorate three decades of history with an edition that is committed to innovation, sustainability and the strengthening of the gastronomic and food sector in Guatemala. The event will be from September 7 to 9 at the Tikal Futura Hotel & Convention Center, and will conclude on September 10 with the traditional Gastronomic Show.
Organized by the Restaurant Guild of the Guatemalan Chamber of Industry (CIG), together with entities such as Inguat, Intecap and the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, the fair has managed to become a key meeting point for chefs, businessmen, producers and suppliers in the sector.
For this anniversary edition, the participation of more than 120 companies is projected and a commercial showcase that will exceed 200 standswhich reinforces its role as a business and knowledge exchange platform.
Focus on trends and future
The event will incorporate new content and spaces oriented to the trends that transform the industry, with emphasis on the gastronomic experience, cultural identity, sustainability and innovation.
Juan Diego Toriello, president of the Restaurant Guild, highlighted that the fair has contributed to the growth of the sector by promoting good practices, professionalizing talent and promoting innovation.
For his part, the president of the Chamber of Industry, Enrique Font, stressed the importance of the event in a context in which more than 60% of urban consumers interact digitally with restaurants, which redefines the customer experience.
Gastronomy as a tourist engine
The Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat) highlighted the role of gastronomy as a differentiating element to attract visitors. Authorities pointed out that the country’s culinary offering represents an authentic experience that cannot be replicated in other destinations.
Congresses and training
The agenda will include specialized conferences aimed at students, businessmen and actors in the sector. Topics include the application of science in the food industry, the valorization of products with designation of origin and strategies for business success in gastronomy.
Likewise, international guests will participate, such as representatives of the Argentine program “Cerrame La 8cho” and experts in gastronomy and designation of origin from Peru.
As part of the academic and professional agenda, specialized conferences will be held aimed at different audiences in the sector:
- Congress for students – Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG)
Topic: Food with criteria: applied science and real decisions in the food industry.
This space will address the integration of scientific knowledge with strategic decision-making, bringing future professionals closer to the real challenges of the sector. - INGUAT and INTECAP Congress
Topic: Guatemalan gastronomy. - Flavors with denomination of origin, coffees and rums from Guatemala.
Focused on the valorization of the country’s gastronomic and productive heritage, it will analyze the impact of designations of origin as a tool to protect the identity of products, promote gastronomic tourism and strengthen competitiveness in international markets. - Restaurant Congress – Business Day
Topic: Strategy, culture and experience: The Formula for Gastronomic Success.
Aimed at entrepreneurs and leaders in the sector, this meeting will explore the trends that are transforming the industry, from building solid organizational cultures to creating memorable consumer experiences.
Social impact
The fair will also maintain its social focus by supporting organizations such as Ayuvi and Fundal. The fundraising will be carried out through the Gastronomic Exhibition, where more than 750 dishes will be offered, and a gala dinner scheduled for October.
With 30 years of history, the Food Fair seeks to consolidate itself as a regional benchmark, strengthen the local industry and promote Guatemala as a gastronomic destination.
Participation costs
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website: www.feriaalimentaria.com and the days of the event in the registration modules.
- Admission to the commercial showcase: Q75 / Q55 with student ID
- Universidad del Valle Congress (September 7): Q.250 students with ID and Q.300 without ID; In both cases they include access to the Food Fair.
- INGUAT and INTECAP Congress (September 8): participation by direct invitation by these institutions.
- Business Day Congress (September 9): Q550 for members / Q750 for non-members. Includes visit to the Fair.