The Italian Vending Service Association (CONFIDA) has announced a strategic partnership with the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) to further develop the Venditalia trade show, a significant event in the European vending industry.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the show, which is set to be held biennially at the Rimini Expo Centre starting in 2026.

The partnership aims to establish a new company that will oversee the organisation of future Venditalia editions, with IEG holding a 51% stake and CONFIDA 49%.

The move comes as the 2024 edition of Venditalia recorded a notable increase in attendance, with 22,300 trade visitors – up 10% from 2022 – highlighting the growing interest in the vending sector.

Venditalia has evolved since its inception in 1998, achieving international status in 2004 and expanding its exhibition space to 32,000 square meters with 300 exhibitors, 40% of which are from outside Italy.

The event serves as a platform for showcasing advancements in vending technology and products, complemented by a series of conferences discussing industry challenges and opportunities.

Italy remains the leader in the European vending market, with the sector generating a turnover of €2 billion in 2023. The country boasts over 830,000 vending machines, the largest fleet in Europe, and employs more than 33,000 people across over 3,000 companies involved in the vending supply chain.

Ernesto Piloni, president of Venditalia, said: “With IEG's expertise in trade show organization, we aim to enhance Venditalia's presence in established markets and explore new international opportunities”.

This sentiment was echoed by IEG president Maurizio Ermeti, who expressed confidence that the collaboration would elevate Venditalia as the premier event for the vending industry in Europe.

The partnership signals a commitment to innovation and growth within the vending sector, positioning Venditalia to adapt to evolving market demands and technological advancements.

As the industry continues to expand, the new collaboration may provide the necessary framework to address emerging trends and consumer preferences in automated food and beverage distribution.

With the next Venditalia set for 2026, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds and what new developments it brings to the vending landscape.

#Venditalia #CONFIDA #vending