TUTTOFOOD Unveils Its “Food Manifesto” To European Parliament

Brussels, Tuesday 24 March 2026– With Europe’s food system under growing pressure from climate change, trade tensions and rising costs, TUTTOFOOD Milano 2026 is bringing a new initiative to Brussels: the Food Manifesto, a framework aimed at reshaping how food is produced, traded and consumed across Europe and beyond.

The initiative was presented today at the European Parliament during the conference “European agri-food sector in an evolving geopolitical context: competitiveness and opportunities”, hosted by MEP Stefano Bonaccini and promoted by TUTTOFOOD. The event gathered policymakers, institutional representatives and leading stakeholders to discuss the future of Europe’s agri-food sector in a context increasingly shaped by geopolitical instability and evolving global trade dynamics.

Among the speakers were Carlo Fidanza (MEP) and Matteo Zoppas (President of ITA – Italian Trade Agency), alongside representatives of European institutions and industry associations.

Europe’s agri-food sector, a core pillar of its economy, is navigating increasing geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics and growing pressure to deliver on sustainability, health and competitiveness at the same time.

Developed by Fiere di Parma, in cooperation with institutional and industry partners, with the scientific support of the Future Food Institute, the Food Manifesto aims to move the conversation beyond incremental change. At its core, it is a call to move away from what organisers describe as a system of “fragile abundance” toward one that better balances productivity with sustainability, trust and long-term value.

A manifesto designed to drive real change

Rather than a purely conceptual exercise, the Food Manifesto is conceived as both a conceptual and operational platform to strengthen relationships across the supply chain, ensuring that food demand is met while protecting and enhancing all actors involved. From consumers, who will increasingly see food as a tool for well-being, to territories transitioning beyond subsistence economies, and companies investing in ESG strategies.

The ambition is to align actors across the value chain, from producers and processors to retailers and policymakers, around shared commitments that can be implemented and measured over time.

From Brussels debate to Milan action

The initiative feeds directly into TUTTOFOOD 2026 in Milan (11–14 May), which continues to expand its role as a global meeting point for the food supply chain.

Stefano Bonaccini, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and host of the European Parliament conference, said: “Tuttofood is not just a trade fair. It is the symbol of a supply chain that brings together tradition and innovation, local identity and globalisation, quality and competitiveness. As public institutions, it is our responsibility to support it through increased resources, greater openness, stronger promotion, and enhanced fairness. Because supporting the agri-food sector means supporting a model of development that combines the economy, the environment, and social cohesion. And above all, it means investing in the future of Europe."

At 48 days from the opening, the event is already showing strong momentum, with the following figures currently confirmed:

85,000 sqm of net exhibition space (+15% vs. 2025), within a total of 160,000 sqm

10 halls and 10 thematic areas

100,000 expected visitors from Italy and abroad

Over 200 official conferences, in addition to the opening event

6 awards ceremonies

TUTTOFOOD 2026 will feature an exceptionally rich Buyers Program, with more than 4,000 buyers, organized in cooperation with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, which is actively supporting the participation of international buyers also by helping to overcome logistical challenges linked to the current geopolitical context.

The Food Manifesto is set to act as a central reference point for these discussions, with the ambition to translate shared principles into concrete commitments across the sector. By anchoring the initiative in both EU policy discussions and a major global trade platform, organisers are aiming to bridge the gap between political ambition and market reality.

Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, said: “With the Food Manifesto, we want to bring together industry, institutions and the supply chain around a shared direction. One that recognises that competitiveness, sustainability and quality are no longer separate conversations, but part of the same challenge.”

Benelux companies step in

The Benelux region is expected to play a visible role at TUTTOFOOD 2026, with 19 Dutch and 9 Belgian exhibitors already confirmed.

Their participation reflects the region’s strong position in European food trade and innovation, and its growing role in shaping more competitive and sustainable supply chains.

About TUTTOFOOD

TUTTOFOOD is Southern Europe’s leading food business platform, bringing together global food innovation, sourcing, and market growth. Based in Milan, it serves as a dynamic hub for building solid strategic trade alliances among producers, distributors, and global markets. Organized by Fiere di Parma, a leading operator in the Italian and European exhibition industry, TUTTOFOOD stands as both a national and international benchmark for industry growth and the ongoing evolution of the food sector.