VIV Europe 2026: Celebrating the 25th edition and entering a new two year cycle

Image: VIV

VIV Europe, one of the longest-running international exhibitions serving the agrifood and animal protein industries, will return to Utrecht in June 2026 for its 25th edition. Organised by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU Europe, the event will also mark a structural transition for the exhibition, with organisers confirming that VIV Europe will adopt a two-year cycle from 2028 onward.

First launched in the Netherlands nearly five decades ago, VIV Europe has developed into a major meeting point for stakeholders across the feed-to-food value chain. The 2026 edition is positioned as a milestone event, bringing together companies, institutions and industry representatives from across Europe and international markets.

According to the organisers, the decision to shift to a biannual format reflects changing industry dynamics and the need for greater continuity in international business engagement. From 2028, the exhibition will be held every two years, with the next edition scheduled for June 2028, also in Utrecht.

International Scope and Market Participation

The 2026 event is expected to host around 600 exhibitors, representing sectors including feed, animal health, livestock production, processing and related technologies. Organisers project approximately 20,000 international visitors.

The exhibition program will be supported by industry partners and institutions such as Rabobank, Wageningen University, the World Poultry Science Association and Common Source. In addition to the core exhibition, VIV Week will include conferences, technical sessions and industry networking activities across the city.

Utrecht, located in the Netherlands—widely recognised for its agricultural research capacity and innovation infrastructure—will once again serve as the host city.

Poland Named Country of Honor

Poland has been designated as the Country of Honor for the 2026 edition. As the European Union’s largest poultry producer and one of the region’s fastest-growing exporters, Poland plays a significant role in European animal protein supply chains.

As part of this designation, Poland will be featured through dedicated sessions, delegation programs and business matchmaking activities focusing on poultry production, integration models and international trade engagement.

The European agrifood sector is undergoing a period of structural transition, shaped by technological development, sustainability requirements and evolving trade patterns. Major producing countries including Poland, Spain, France, Germany and Italy continue to invest in automation, digitalisation, animal welfare systems and processing efficiency.

At the global level, research and innovation indicators show increasing competitiveness among countries prioritising agricultural technologies and digital transformation. The Netherlands remains among the world’s leading innovation-driven economies, particularly in agritech, logistics and food systems.

Long-term commodity outlooks continue to indicate stable global demand for animal protein, alongside growing pressure for efficiency, resilience and sustainability across production models.

Program Focus and Structural Developments

VIV Europe 2026 will feature dedicated segments for poultry, swine, dairy, feed, animal health and processing technologies. Organisers have also expanded the Hosted Buyer Program and the VIV Industry Leaders Program to support structured business meetings and targeted market access.

Conference topics are expected to address automation, robotics, precision farming, digital tools, feed-to-food integration, animal welfare and next-generation processing technologies. Contributions will come from research institutions, technology developers and industry operators.

From an operational perspective, the 2026 edition will introduce updated registration systems, tailored visitor tracks, improved matchmaking tools and digital planning features intended to streamline participation.

Exhibition Space Near Capacity

Organisers report that approximately 97 percent of available exhibition space for the 2026 event has already been allocated. Participation includes exhibitors from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, reflecting sustained international interest in the European agrifood market.

Upcoming Dates

• VIV Europe 2026: 2–4 June 2026, Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the Netherlands

• VIV Europe 2028: 13–15 June 2028, Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Further event details are available through the official VIV Europe website.