IDMA Istanbul 2026 to Spotlight the Future of Grain Processing

Istanbul, Türkiye — One of the world’s largest grain and food processing exhibitions, IDMA Istanbul, is set to return in June 2026 with a renewed focus on digitalization, sustainability, food security, and the evolving demands of global grain markets. The three-day event, scheduled for 25–27 June 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Center, is expected to attract 300+ exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors from over 100 countries.

Industry analysts note that the global flour sector is undergoing rapid transformation. According to the International Grains Council (IGC), global wheat flour exports are projected to rise to 17.5 million tonnes in 2025/26, up from 16 million tonnes the previous season. This growth is being driven by rising demand in Africa and Southeast Asia, where urbanization and national food security initiatives are boosting investment in modern milling systems.

Globally, more than 12,000 industrial flour mills process an estimated 570 million tonnes of wheat annually. This scale—combined with rising expectations around quality, traceability, and resource efficiency—is pushing millers and equipment manufacturers to adopt smarter, more resilient technologies. Organizers say IDMA Istanbul 2026 aims to address these very challenges by providing a platform for knowledge exchange and business partnerships.

Key Priorities for 2026

Recent discussions among grain processing leaders have highlighted four major areas shaping the future of the sector:

• Skilled labor shortages: Many countries are facing a shortage of trained milling professionals capable of operating advanced machinery. IDMA will showcase training models and workforce development solutions.
• Digitalization: AI-driven monitoring, IoT diagnostics, and automated process controls are rapidly becoming industry standards.
• Sustainability: Millers are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and equipment designed to meet ESG targets.
• Food security: Governments and the private sector are investing in domestic production capacity and more resilient supply chains.

These themes will form the backbone of business discussions, product showcases, and technical workshops during the event.

Türkiye’s Leadership in Flour and Milling Machinery

Türkiye remains the world’s top flour exporter, closing 2024 with 3 million tonnes in exports valued at $1.16 billion. The country also maintains a strong presence in milling machinery exports, recording $3.7 billion in 2024—a 5% increase despite global economic headwinds.

Organizers say this strong industrial base, coupled with Türkiye’s geographic location, positions Istanbul as the ideal meeting point for global grain industry players. The city offers direct access to major markets across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

“IDMA has always been more than a trade fair; it is where the pulse of the global milling and food processing industry is felt most strongly,” said M. Ali Kalkan, CEO of Hage Exhibition Group. “As we prepare for 2026, our focus is on creating a platform that unites innovation, education, and international collaboration.”

In a year marked by volatile logistics corridors, fluctuating raw material prices, and rising food insecurity, IDMA Istanbul 2026 is being positioned as a timely response to global disruption. Exhibitors will include flour millers, feed manufacturers, processing machinery producers, automation companies, and digital solution providers.

The event is expected to generate new export partnerships, technology transfers, and investment opportunities across emerging and established markets.

https://www.idma.com.tr/

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