Hostex returns in 2026 at full strength with exciting new features to mark 40th anniversary

Hostex, Africa’s ultimate trade show for food, drink and hospitality, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 8 to 10 March 2026 – bigger, bolder and packed with industry-firsts to mark its 40th anniversary. Two jam-packed exhibition halls, new feature areas and the biggest exhibitor presence since before the pandemic.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Hostex 2026 promises to be a landmark event that reflects the resilience and renewal of the hospitality and foodservice industry – and introduces powerful new platforms for innovation, education and deal-making. The theme for this milestone edition, “Opening Doors,” captures Hostex’s legacy of unlocking opportunity and forging connections across the industry.

Two halls of opportunity – and a bigger, bolder exhibitor line-up

With a footprint that spans both SCC Hall 1 and Hall 2, Hostex 2026 will welcome back some of the industry’s biggest players – including BCE, FoodServ, Morrico, Vulcan, Impotalia and Scotsman – reaffirming the show’s role as the industry’s most established platform for making connections and opening doors.

‘These major players returning to Hostex signal a resurgence in confidence across the foodservice, hospitality and retail sectors,’ says Lerato Nako, Hostex event manager. ‘We’re seeing tremendous momentum building, with strong interest from large and emerging brands alike.’

New feature areas to serve a changing industry

As the industry evolves, so too does Hostex. The 2026 edition will introduce several new dedicated feature areas designed to create access to new markets and elevate the exhibitor and visitor experience:

– The Beverage Hub and Beverage Master Classes in Hall 1 will showcase the art and science of drink service, including wine, spirits and mixology – with sessions led by sommeliers and drinks experts from supporting associations .

– The Coffee Market, developed in close partnership with SCASA and the local coffee ecosystem, will feature holistic solutions for the coffee industry – from roasters to equipment suppliers, POS systems filtration systems and after-sales service providers.

– Country pavilions from Italy, Turkey, China, India, Australia and Poland will highlight speciality products and solutions for the foodservice, retail and hospitality markets – from artisanal foods to kitchen innovations and export wines.

– The new SME Hub will serve as a dynamic collaborative platform designed to empower small businesses and emerging brands by facilitating access to broader markets. Strategically located adjacent to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), this area of the expo is positioned as a catalyst for innovation and growth. It offers corporates committed to supporting enterprise development a unique opportunity to engage directly with high-potential SMEs in an environment tailored for incubation, exposure and strategic partnerships.

– A Retail Hub, catering specifically to the fast-growing forecourt and convenience market, will provide a showcase of technologies and products geared toward modern retail environments – from e-commerce tools and fitment solutions to chilled display equipment.

Returning favourites and 40 years of trusted partnership

No Hostex would be complete without its stalwart attractions. Back for 2026 are:

– The Skillery by SA Chefs, offering an interactive space for culinary inspiration and technique sharing. The SA Chefs Association has been a founding partner of Hostex since its launch in 1986.

– The SCASA Barista Championships, a long-standing highlight of the show, will once again see top baristas from across South Africa compete for a place on the world stage.

‘Hostex is a reflection of the industry it serves – dynamic, resilient and constantly evolving,’ says Nako. ‘As we celebrate 40 years of creating meaningful connections, we’re proud to see the show returning not only to its full strength but with renewed relevance and energy.’