Struggling with new supplier connections? These 2025 packaging expos might help solve it fast.
Here are 2025's top food packaging trade shows to help you build connections and discover trends.
You don’t want to miss a sourcing opportunity that might only come once a year.
What Makes a Trade Show Worth Attending?
I've been to many trade shows over the years. Some were amazing, while others were a waste of time. The key is to find events that offer valuable connections and insights.
A good trade show should have top-notch exhibitors, informative sessions, and networking opportunities. It's also important to consider the location and timing.
The Importance of Location and Timing
Location matters. If the trade show is too far away, the travel costs and time commitment can be a burden. Timing is equally important. You don't want to attend a show during your busiest season.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Location | High |
| Timing | High |
| Exhibitors | Very High |
| Networking | Very High |
| Educational | Medium |
Balancing Cost and Value
Trade shows can be expensive. But if you find one with great exhibitors and valuable content, it's worth the investment. I once attended a show that led to a major partnership. It was expensive, but the return on investment was huge.
The key is to weigh the costs against the potential benefits. Look for events that offer a good balance of price and value.
The Role of Networking
Networking is a huge part of trade shows. You never know who you'll meet. I've met suppliers, potential clients, and even competitors who turned into collaborators. These connections can open up new opportunities and help you grow your business.
Don't underestimate the power of a good conversation. Sometimes, a simple chat can lead to a major breakthrough.
How to Choose the Right Trade Show?
Choosing the right trade show is crucial. You need to consider your goals and what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for new suppliers? Trying to find new clients? Or maybe you want to stay updated on the latest trends.
Your goals should guide your choice. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
Define Your Goals
Before you choose a trade show, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking for new products, trying to expand your network, or seeking industry insights? Clear goals will help you focus on the right events.
| Goal | Type of Trade Show |
|---|---|
| Finding New Suppliers | Industry-specific |
| Expanding Your Network | Large, international |
| Learning New Trends | Educational sessions |
Research the Exhibitors
Check out who will be at the trade show. Are there companies you want to meet? Are there new products you want to see? The list of exhibitors can tell you a lot about the value of the event.
Look for companies that align with your business. If you're in the eco-friendly packaging industry, a show with green suppliers is perfect.
Evaluate the Content
Trade shows often have seminars and workshops. Check the schedule to see if there are sessions that interest you. Quality content can make a big difference.
Informative sessions can help you stay ahead of the curve. Look for events that offer a mix of practical advice and industry insights.
What Are the Best Food Packaging Trade Shows to Dig Into in 2025?
Choosing the right show can be confusing. This list gives you clarity and a plan.
This curated list includes leading food packaging expos with global relevance and networking potential.
1. Interpack – Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13, 2025)
Dates: May 7–13, 2025
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Pricing: Varies by ticket type
Website: https://www.interpack.com
Overview:
Interpack is the world’s largest processing and packaging trade fair. It covers sectors like food, beverages, confectionery, and industrial goods.
Why You Should Attend:
This is where I meet serious global suppliers. It’s not just for browsing—buyers, like me, go there to close deals.
What Makes Interpack Stand Out?
📌 Scale and Reach
Interpack hosts over 2,800 exhibitors and more than 170,000 visitors. For someone sourcing eco-packaging like bamboo products, this is where demand trends become visible.
📌 Key Segments Covered
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Food Packaging | Solutions for sustainability, shelf life, hygiene |
| Disposable Tableware | Compostable and biodegradable alternatives |
| Automation | Smart machinery for scalable production |
📌 Strategic Goals
I go there to look at machinery innovations for bamboo fiber production. Also, I assess global packaging trends to adjust pricing and product strategy.
2. Pack Expo East – Philadelphia, USA (March 18–20, 2025)
Dates: March 18–20, 2025
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, USA
Pricing: Free for early registration
Website: https://www.packexpoeast.com
Overview:
Pack Expo East brings together regional packaging professionals and international suppliers. It focuses on machinery, materials, and automation.
Why You Should Attend:
It’s great for meeting U.S. distributors and middle-market buyers. I use it to validate new products directly.
Why Smaller Shows Can Be Smarter?
🎯 Targeted Buyer Pools
Unlike Interpack, this one has fewer crowds. But that means better conversations. Buyers here are often decision-makers for retail chains or B2B suppliers.
🎯 Who Should Attend?
| Buyer Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Mid-size Wholesalers | Discover regional suppliers |
| Eco Retail Startups | Validate niche sustainable tableware options |
| Restaurant Chains | Source directly from manufacturers |
🎯 My Tip
I always prepare pitch materials and packaging samples in advance. U.S. buyers appreciate quick visual feedback.
3. Propak Asia – Bangkok, Thailand (June 11–14, 2025)
Dates: June 11–14, 2025
Location: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre
Pricing: Free with pre-registration
Website: https://www.propakasia.com
Overview:
This show focuses on Asia’s processing and packaging industries. It’s especially valuable for sourcing from China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.
Why You Should Attend:
I use it to meet potential joint venture partners and smaller factories open to custom production.
What Are the Southeast Asia Sourcing Advantages?
🌏 Cost and Flexibility
Labor and raw materials cost less here. But more importantly, many factories still allow small MOQs and flexible customization.
🌏 Key Focus Areas
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bamboo Tableware | Low-cost suppliers for cutlery sets |
| Printing & Branding | Small runs of custom logo packaging |
| Cert Compliance | BPI, FSC, FDA on display for comparison |
🌏 Cultural Insight
I’ve learned that having bilingual brochures and showing understanding of local trade norms builds trust fast.
4. FachPack – Nuremberg, Germany (Sept 24–26, 2025)
Dates: Sept 24–26, 2025
Location: Exhibition Centre Nuremberg
Pricing: Paid tickets required
Website: https://www.fachpack.de
Overview:
FachPack is Europe’s leading event for packaging, processing, and logistics solutions. It leans toward innovation and design.
Why You Should Attend:
If you want to keep up with European plastic bans, this is where future regulations are often previewed.
How to Stay Ahead of EU Regulations?
🇪🇺 Why This Matters
Regulation in Europe often affects global trends. I saw early signals about mandatory compostable packaging laws at FachPack in 2022.
🇪🇺 Regulatory Themes Covered
| Regulation Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Plastic Ban Updates | Single-use ban timelines by country |
| Certification Talks | EU-wide compostability standards |
| Labeling Requirements | Sustainable claims compliance |
🇪🇺 Bonus Tip
Bring compliance documents or ask questions to certification bodies onsite. I found a partner lab here for my FDA/BPI needs.
5. PACK EXPO International – Chicago, USA (Oct 19–23, 2025)
Dates: Oct 19–23, 2025
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
Pricing: Early bird discounts available
Website: https://www.packexpointernational.com
Overview:
This is North America’s biggest packaging expo. It draws every major buyer and innovation trend.
Why You Should Attend:
I treat it as a “must-attend” every other year. Even if I don’t exhibit, I visit to understand U.S. market shifts.
How to Use PACK EXPO as a Benchmark?
🇺🇸 What’s Different
American buyers focus more on logistics and margins. You’ll hear pricing talks in every aisle.
🇺🇸 Networking Structure
| Strategy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pre-schedule Meetings | Close deals faster |
| Bring Cost Comparisons | Help explain bamboo's pricing vs plastic |
| Competitor Analysis | Benchmark packaging formats and bundles |
🇺🇸 Final Thought
This event helps me understand what large U.S. food chains want—and how far they’ll go for eco-options.
6. Sustainability in Packaging MENA – Dubai, UAE (20-22 May, 2025)
Dates: 20-22 May, 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
Pricing: Free for trade visitors
Website: https://www.sustainability-in-packaging.com/
Overview:
This show focuses on processing tech, smart packaging, and sustainable food solutions for Middle East and African markets.
Why You Should Attend:
I go here for emerging opportunities in new markets and to meet buyers from regions with strong plastic bans.
How to Approach Emerging Markets Like the Middle East?
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Halal Packaging | Cultural compliance for food safety |
| Sustainable Materials | Demand for biodegradable, non-plastic goods |
| Tech-driven Automation | Efficient packing lines for food processors |
7. Sustainable Packaging Coalition Conference – San Francisco, USA (Apr 8–10, 2025)
Dates: Apr 8–10, 2025
Location: San Francisco, California
Pricing: Paid registration
Website: https://www.sustainablepackaging.org
Overview:
This is a thought-leadership event focused on sustainability, regulation, and material innovation.
Why You Should Attend:
I attend for insights and networking with eco-brand executives and policy advisors.
What Makes Sustainability Conferences Different?
| Topic | Value to Me |
|---|---|
| Compostability Standards | Stay updated on certifications |
| Consumer Research | Learn how buyers view bamboo vs PLA |
| Policy Trends | Anticipate bans and government incentives |
8. Packaging Innovations – London, UK (Feb 26–27, 2025)
Dates: Feb 26–27, 2025
Location: ExCeL London
Pricing: Free for pre-registered trade visitors
Website: https://www.packagingbirmingham.com
Overview:
This show blends packaging innovation, branding, and retail experience into one space.
Why You Should Attend:
I go here to refine packaging styles and learn what makes bamboo cutlery stand out on UK shelves.
Why Does Design Matter in B2B Packaging?
| Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| Shelf Appeal | What makes packaging grab attention |
| Reusability Trends | Concepts like reusable lids and hybrid kits |
| Branding in B2B | B2B products now need B2C-style packaging |
9. FoodPack Asia – Singapore (March 12–15, 2025)
Dates: March 12–15, 2025
Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo, Singapore
Pricing: Free with pre-registration
Website: https://www.foodpackasia.com
Overview:
This show combines food processing, delivery tech, and eco-packaging in Southeast Asia.
Why You Should Attend:
It’s good for connecting with distributors in high-growth ASEAN markets who want certified sustainable packaging.
How to Succeed in the ASEAN Region?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cross-sector Buyers | Food, retail, and hospitality attend |
| Demo Zones | Great to show how bamboo cutlery performs |
| Logistics Meetups | Connect with freight and warehousing partners |
10. Global Food Packaging Expo – New York, USA (July 9–11, 2025)
Dates: July 9–11, 2025
Location: Javits Center, New York
Pricing: Paid access
Website: https://www.globalpackexpo.com
Overview:
This international expo focuses on sustainability, material innovation, and government compliance.
Why You Should Attend:
This is where I pitch to hospitals, universities, and public sector clients who must comply with plastic bans.
Selling to Institutional Buyers
| Buyer Type | Need |
|---|---|
| Public Schools | BPA-free, safe, non-splinter bamboo forks |
| Hospitals | Sterile-packed compostable trays |
| Government Offices | Certified, affordable replacements |
Conclusion
These 10 global expos help me meet serious buyers, spot market changes, and grow my bamboo packaging business smartly.