Anticipation is high: from February 7 to 11, 2026, INTERGASTRA, the leading trade fair for hotels and restaurants, will once again open its doors at Messe Stuttgart. The mood in the industry is already full of expectation. “In recent weeks we have been hearing more and more often: ‘Finally INTERGASTRA again!’,” says Stefan Lohnert, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart. “So the anticipation is clearly tangible. Not only for us. And we have raised the bar once again: INTERGASTRA 2026 will be faster, more digital, and more compact – with even more live experiences and networking opportunities.”
Visitors can look forward to a diverse, content-rich supporting program that Messe Stuttgart has developed together with the trade fair organizer DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg, the Federal Association of the German Vending Machine Industry (BDV), and many other stakeholders. Interactive workshop formats, exciting live shows, competitions and congresses, as well as numerous meeting areas ensure that INTERGASTRA 2026 will not only be a trade fair, but an experience with a lasting impression.
NEWFOOD X NOW: New format for the future of food and gastronomy
The association crowdfoods and INTERGASTRA are entering into a forward-looking partnership and are integrating the startup and innovation trade fair and conference NEWFOOD X NOW from crowdfoods into the trade fair for the first time. This gives INTERGASTRA 2026 a completely new format. At the New Food Expo in the ICS foyer, more than 100 startups will present their food innovations for gastronomy, retail, and the food industry from February 8 to 10 and demonstrate how the future of food and gastronomy can be shaped.
At the same time, the association crowdfoods invites visitors on the three busiest INTERGASTRA days to attend specialist lectures, panel discussions, and startup pitches under the motto “Taste the Future of Food and Cuisine” in the ICS Conference Center of the exhibition grounds. The program will be complemented by two high-caliber networking evenings – the “Investors Night” and the “Food Buyers Night.”
“With NEWFOOD X NOW we want to inspire trade visitors, show solutions, and stimulate new ideas for ‘New Food & New Gastronomy’,” says Mark Leinemann, President and Co-Founder of crowdfoods. Up to 2,000 participants per day are expected. Participation is free of charge for all trade visitors with a valid INTERGASTRA ticket. Further information on the NEWFOOD X NOW startup and innovation expo and conference is available on the website www.newfoodx.com.
Future perspective for the HoReCa industry
Traditionally at the center is the large DEHOGA stage in Hall 7, which offers an extensive program providing insights into current industry topics. Around the stage, DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg presents itself with all its facets and services. Other strong associations such as HSMA Deutschland e.V. or the German Hotel Association (IHA) are also participating. This brings together the entire HoReCa industry in one place to exchange ideas and jointly develop future perspectives. One key focus topic is the recruitment of young talent and skilled workers, and founders are specifically supported with the expanded “StartUp Box.” DEHOGA Hessen, DEHOGA Saarland, and DEHOGA Rheinland-Pfalz have also invited their members to take part. “Thanks to the excellent exhibitor presence at INTERGASTRA 2026, entrepreneurs can discover a wide range of innovative solutions that help businesses position themselves for the future,” says Fritz Engelhardt, Chairman of DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg. “A visit to INTERGASTRA 2026 is worthwhile for the entire industry – whether business owner, manager, or employee in the hospitality sector,” Engelhardt emphasizes.
Industry meets challenges with new concepts
The importance of INTERGASTRA as a trade fair for the hotel and restaurant industry continues to grow: a central highlight is the Vending themed area, which was successfully established as early as 2024. Automation and digitalization offer the industry innovative solutions for greater efficiency and new business models – especially in times of increasing demand for skilled labor. Vending systems open up new opportunities for hotels and restaurants to offer services around the clock and generate additional business. Together with BDV, the trade fair demonstrates how operators and vending solution providers can benefit from one another. “As an honorary partner, we accompany INTERGASTRA 2026 with great conviction,” says Aris Kaschefi, Managing Director of BDV. “The vending industry is in an exciting phase: digitalization and smart technology are turning vending machines into highly networked devices that enable contactless payment, real-time data, and AI-supported assortment optimization. At the same time, sustainability and regionality are shaping the market – reusable systems, organic products, and short supply chains are no longer trends but living standards. And finally, vending machines are conquering ever new locations, from co-working spaces to rural communities, and are flexibly adapting their offerings to local needs. All of these developments show how much innovative power there is in vending – and why this segment is also highly relevant for gastronomy and hospitality.”
