Italian Development Cooperation will take part in Macfrut 2026, the leading international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, scheduled from April 21 to 23 at the Rimini Expo Centre, with a stand of 300 square meters. The event will feature ten overseas offices of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), institutional delegations, and producers from partner countries. The agenda also includes three thematic panels focusing on agroecology, rural development, and financial instruments for sustainable development. The aim of the participation is to strengthen dialogue between development cooperation, agri-food supply chains, and the Italian system, highlighting experiences linked to programs implemented in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
“Macfrut is not just a sector trade fair, but a concrete platform where development cooperation and the internationalization of the Italian system meet. This combination contributes to the development of agricultural supply chains in partner countries, the enhancement of territories, and the creation of economic opportunities for rural communities. Agriculture is now at the center of major global challenges, from food security to climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. These are the issues on which Italian Development Cooperation works every day in the field, supporting producers, institutions, and territories in transforming agri-food systems,” explains Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of AICS.
“Macfrut stands out for its global vocation, welcoming exhibitors from five continents. In this context, collaboration with Italian Development Cooperation plays a strategic role. For five editions, we have shared a path aimed at the internationalization of supply chains and development cooperation. Our trade fair is distinguished as a hub of opportunities and knowledge, a place to meet and discover the latest sector innovations and engage with leading buyers and experts worldwide—key elements in cooperation programs related to the agri-food sector,” adds Patrizio Neri, President of Macfrut.
The Cooperation’s exhibition space will host ten overseas offices of the Agency—Tirana, Bogotá, San Salvador, Havana, Tunis, Jerusalem, Beirut, Maputo, Kampala, and Hanoi—with two special focuses: one dedicated to Latin America and another to Albania, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tirana as co-organizer of the stand. During the fair, three thematic panels will be organized, focusing on agroecology, selected rural development experiences in Central America, and the role of financial instruments linked to programs under the Mattei Plan, such as “Green Cities” and “CAAM” (Agri-Food Center of Manica, Mozambique).
The stand will also host B2B meetings, in-depth sessions, and tastings of products from supply chains supported by the Cooperation, including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, moringa-based infusions, and cassava-based products.
