For the beverage and liquid food industries, all roads lead to Munich this September, where the world’s biggest trade show – drinktec – will take place. With only eight months to go, preparations are in full swing for the industry’s global summit, set to run from 15-19 September 2025 at the Munich exhibition centre.
At the recent drinktec roadshow, show organiser Yontex reported that the eleven exhibition halls are nearly fully booked, with only a few spaces remaining in specific areas. Yontex confirmed that leading companies from around the world have secured their presence, underscoring drinktec’s position as the key meeting point for innovation and business in the sector.
“Preparations for the trade fair are progressing at full speed, and we can already assure visitors that they will receive a comprehensive view of all raw materials, ingredients, packaging options, as well as solutions and technologies to meet their production and product development needs,” said Markus Kosak, executive director of the drinktec Cluster at Yontex.
The show will once again demonstrate its global reach, featuring exhibitors from some 60 countries. “Internationality remains one of our great strengths,” Kosak noted. “drinktec is the definitive platform to showcase the full breadth of solutions available to the beverage and liquid food industries.”
New formats in the supporting programme
This year’s event will see the introduction of the Liquidrome, a dedicated space in Hall C4 designed to enhance knowledge-sharing and interaction among researchers, visitors, and exhibitors.
“We see drinktec as a platform created by experts for experts,” says Kosak. “This includes not only exhibitors’ presentations but also an expanded focus on forward-looking ideas for the industry. The Liquidrome will provide interactive zones where demonstrations, presentations, and executive discussions will bring future trends to life.”
The Liquidrome will also serve as a networking hub where visitors and exhibitors can engage in discussions and foster new collaborations.
Innovations in action
Visitors will be able to witness exciting innovations firsthand, with many exhibitors showcasing their technologies in live operation.
“drinktec offers a unique opportunity to present cutting-edge technology to a global audience,” Kosak notes. “One of drinktec’s unique selling points is the ability to demonstrate complete value chains in action. Nowhere else can visitors observe the technical details of entire filling and packaging systems across all performance ranges, from low-tech to high-tech.”
Addressing industry challenges and trends
The beverage and liquid food industry faces a rapidly evolving landscape, shaped by shifting consumer preferences, digital transformation, and sustainability imperatives. drinktec 2025 will address these challenges through three core themes:
Lifestyle & Health – The industry’s response to changing consumer demands, with a focus on plant-based beverages, novel flavour profiles, and sustainable processing technologies. The show will explore how plant-based side streams can be utilised for product innovation.
Data2Value – The growing role of digitalisation in streamlining business processes. Kosak highlights how AI tools are transforming data applications across the value chain, including machine learning-driven forecasting, external data integration, and optimised process technology.
Circularity & Resource Management – Sustainability remains a key priority, even as some global players adjust their targets. drinktec will showcase innovations in material recovery, energy efficiency, and recycling solutions, with a special focus on wastewater treatment and water optimisation in production cycles.
Start-ups will also play a key role in drinktec 2025, with dedicated spaces in the Liquidrome where they can present disruptive ideas and connect with industry leaders.
A platform for industry dialogue
Reflecting on the show’s evolving programme, Richard Clemens, managing director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, VDMA states: “We fully support the realignment of the supporting programme. In the current economic environment, the exchange of ideas within the industry and the expansion of future-oriented topics is more important than ever.”
With a strong exhibitor line-up, an expanded programme, and a forward-looking theme of ‘Grow with the Flow,’ drinktec 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for industry professionals worldwide.
