ABOUT THE FAIR
The drinktec in Munich is considered the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry, serving as the central innovation platform for the sector. Its origins date back to 1951, when it was first held under the name "Deutsche Brauerei Ausstellung" (German Brewery Exhibition). After several renamings—including Interbrau and drinktec-interbrau—it adopted the internationally recognized name drinktec in 2005. The event takes place at the state-of-the-art Trade Fair Center Messe München, one of Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced exhibition venues, offering optimal conditions for exhibitors and professional visitors alike.
Held every four years, the fair becomes a global meeting point for the beverage and food industry, attracting multinational corporations as well as medium-sized and regional companies. As a strictly professional trade show, it is open exclusively to industry representatives and functions as an international business summit for decision-makers, developers, and visionaries. The event is organized by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), one of Europe’s most influential industry associations, whose involvement underscores the fair’s high relevance and innovative strength.
drinktec covers the entire production chain of beverages and liquid foods—from raw material processing to filling and packaging technologies, and from logistics and marketing to distribution. The range of topics includes brewing technologies, PET and dairy processing, soft drink and water production, as well as technologies for spirits and wine. Solutions for liquid foods such as soups, oils, or vinegars are also featured. In addition to practical demonstrations of technical systems, the fair serves as a launchpad for world premieres—many of which are highlighted in advance in the Innovation Guide.
Particular focus is placed on cross-industry themes that affect all areas of the sector: sustainability and circular economy, with energy-efficient systems, recycling solutions, and biodegradable packaging; digitalization and Industry 4.0, with smart factories, interconnected processes, and data-driven efficiency gains; as well as flexibility and customization, which enable smaller producers in particular to respond quickly to market trends and profitably manufacture niche products. Complementing these are the highest standards in hygiene and food safety—an essential factor in a globalized production landscape.
Drinktec also plays a pioneering role in marketing and consumer trends. New product concepts such as functional beverages, non-alcoholic spirits, and hard seltzers often make their debut here. Expert forums and congresses offer in-depth insights into consumer behavior, market developments, and key strategic success factors.
More than just a traditional industry exhibition, drinktec is a driver of innovation, a creative hub, and a global networking hotspot for the beverage and liquid food world—every four years in the heart of Europe, at the Messe München exhibition center.
On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 5 days of the fair, from 11. September to 15. September 2017, about 877 exhibitors from 76 countries and 76000 visitors from 170 countries on the drinktec in Munich. The drinktec will take place on 5 days from Monday, 11. September to Friday, 15. September 2028 in Munich.