INTERGASTRA 2026 Guide: The most important questions & answers for your trade fair visit

After four long years of waiting, INTERGASTRA 2024, one of the best-known trade fairs in the catering and hotel industry, has returned. Two years later, the time will come again and INTERGASTRA 2026 will open its doors once more. In our article, you can find out which topics the international trade fair will cover, when exactly it will take place in 2026, what you can expect as a visitor and exhibitor and everything else you need to know about the trade fair.

What is INTERGASTRA?

Are you a decision-maker or specialist from the hotel, catering or out-of-home market, do you belong to a suitable association or are you simply interested in the diverse topics and innovations in this industry? - Then watch out! It's time for Intergastra again in 2026.

Intergastra is the leading trade fair and therefore an important event for the catering and hotel industry. The trade fair takes place every two years in Stuttgart and is regarded as the largest meeting place for the industry in Germany. Exhibitors and visitors have had to wait until 2024 in recent years, as the trade fair was canceled in 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. A large number of national and international exhibitors present their innovative products and services at Intergastra at the Stuttgart Exhibition Center.

These were the last trade fairs: Intergastra 2020, 2021 and 2024

2020 was the last year before the coronavirus pandemic in which Intergastra was held in analog form. 1,497 exhibitors presented the latest and pioneering industry trends and their innovative ideas. Intergastra 2020 was visited by 100,000 people from 75 nations.

The trade visitors to the Intergastra trade fair were not left alone in 2021 either. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, "Intergastra digital" took place for the first time in 2021. With a wide range of online offerings such as presentations and workshops from industry associations, organizations and companies, the trade fair was also able to inspire digitally.

In 2024, the time had finally come again and INTERGASTRA was able to take place as usual at the Stuttgart Exhibition Center. More than 1,300 exhibitors presented industry trends, innovative products and pioneering concepts for the food service and hotel industry. INTERGASTRA 2024 attracted around 88,000 visitors from over 70 countries. You can find out more about INTERGASTRA 2024 here.

What is the focus of Intergastra?

At the Intergastra trade fair for the catering and hotel industry, you will find a wide range of topics. You can find out about new innovative products and the latest trends on the scene and network with other people and companies.

These are the focal points of Intergastra:

• Food
• services
• IT and digitalization
• Coffee and beverage trends
• Confectionery
• Ambience and equipment
• Kitchen

A particular focus at Intergastra 2024 was vending (supported by VendCon). What exactly is that? It is the sale of goods and services through vending machines. New vending machine solutions and technologies for the food service and hotel industry were presented at Intergastra 2024. The aim is to increase efficiency in the industry and overcome challenges such as staff shortages.

Why shouldn't I miss Intergastra 2026?

Intergastra is one of the most important trade fairs for the food service and hotel industry. But who exactly and what is exhibited there? What topics will be discussed and exactly which workshops can you take part in?

Around 1,500 exhibitors await you in ten different halls on an area of 115,000 square meters in February 2026. Manufacturers will present their products, experts will give exciting talks and live and stage events will take place. There will also be discussion panels at Intergastra 2026. For example, you can expect exciting and industry-specific answers to your questions from the DEHOGA stage program at Intergastra and look forward to great added value. Would you like to find out more about the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA)? Then take a look at our magazine article.

What topics can I expect at Intergastra 2024?

Live cooking event at Intergastra 2024:

For the second time, the Olympic Cooking Games will take place parallel to the Intergastra trade fair at the Stuttgart Exhibition Center. The live event is being organized by the German Chefs' Association (VKD). Teams of chefs will showcase their culinary skills and what international cuisine has to offer.

"StartUp-Box" workshop and talk format "Nachgefragt bei":

The shortage of young talent and skilled workers is also noticeable in the catering and hotel industry. At Intergastra 2024, the recruitment of new skilled workers will be an important focus. The newly created "StartUp Box" workshop is designed to support start-ups. Solutions to challenges in the industry will be presented and discussed in the "Asked by" talk round. Politicians will also have their say.

Exciting theme halls at Intergastra:

There are exciting themed halls for you to discover at Intergastra 2024. In the "Digitalization" hall, the current opportunities in the industry and new ideas in technology await you. In addition, exciting panel discussions will take place in this themed hall, in which the trending topics will be discussed and debated.

In 2024, the largest ice cream trade fair north of the Alps, Gelatissimo, will once again take place alongside Intergastra. Gelateri and confectioners from all over the world will come together in the Paul Horn Hall at the Stuttgart exhibition grounds. They present their latest products and you can watch live as the gelateri create new ice cream flavors.

Live competition at Intergastra 2024:

Attention confectionery fans! The Baden-Württemberg Confectionery Guild Association is organizing a competition that will take place live at Intergastra 2024. The best in the trade will compete and the most beautiful show cake on the theme of "Casino" will win.

You can expect an exciting variety of topics at the trade fair for the catering and hotel industry. From well-known companies to young companies and start-ups, everyone is there and ready to present their new approaches and solutions to you.

Why is a trade fair like Intergastra interesting for start-ups and young companies?

A trade fair is the perfect place not only to make contact with potential new customers, but also to be inspired by other companies and their ideas. You can also get to know potential partners or investors at your next trade fair visit. Of course, structured planning is also part of the process. But it's worth it! According to the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), around 5.3 million people visited a trade fair in 2022.

In our magazine article, we give you 10 helpful tips for your next trade fair visit, whether online or offline.

When will Intergastra 2026 take place?

The next Intergastra trade fair will take place from February 7 to 11, 2026. The opening hours of Intergastra are expected to be Saturday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00. You will soon find all important information such as the Intergastra 2026 exhibitor directory and the trade fair's supporting program on the Intergastra website. So far you cantake a look at the list of exhibitors and the program of the past Intergastra 2024 to get a small foretaste.

How do I get to Intergastra 2026?

The Stuttgart exhibition grounds where Intergastra 2026 is taking place are very easy to reach by car or train and the airport is only 400 meters away. Getting to the Intergastra trade fair is therefore very easy. The A8 highway runs right next to the exhibition grounds and from the main train station you can reach the exhibition grounds in around 30 minutes with the S-Bahn lines S2 and S3 without changing trains. You can find more detailed information on how to get to Intergastra 2026 here.

How much do Intergastra tickets 2026 cost?

You will soon be able to purchase tickets for Intergastra here in the website's own ticket store. The exact prices are not yet known. Until now, the prices for INTERGASTRA 2024 were as follows

• A day ticket for Intergastra 2024 cost 48 euros
• A discounted day ticket on presentation of proof cost 24 euros (for pupils, students, pensioners, people with disabilities, children aged 6-15)
• A season ticket costs 72euros

For a surcharge of 5 euros, you could also buy your tickets for INTERGASTRA 2024 cashless at the self-service cash desks on site.

Can I attend Intergastra 2026 as a normal visitor?

Intergastra is the leading trade fair for the food service and hotel industry. To enable exhibitors and participants to engage in a specialist and professional exchange, only trade visitors can take part in Intergastra 2026. Are you a trade visitor? Then you can look forward to an exciting exchange at the leading trade fair Intergastra.

Is Intergastra 2026 worth a visit?

Intergastra, the leading trade fair for the food service and hotel industry, is definitely an event highlight that we think you shouldn't miss. Whether you're a visitor or exhibitor, you can find out about the latest trends and developments in the industry and make exciting new contacts that will not only bring you great added value in the present, but perhaps also in the future. So mark the date of Intergastra 2026 in your calendar.