Agadir – Messe Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s leading international trade-fair organizers, is preparing to stage its first-ever trade show in Morocco in 2027, in partnership with the National Federation of the Food Industry (FENAGRI).
The planned event will create a new platform for Morocco’s food and packaging industries, while strengthening Messe Düsseldorf’s position in North Africa and providing international companies with greater access to Morocco and neighboring markets.
According to Messe Düsseldorf, the move also reflects an expansion along the food value chain, connecting its existing focus on packaging with the growing food-processing industry.
Wolfram N. Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said the partnership with FENAGRI represents a logical next step for the company’s development in the region.
“With our entry into the Moroccan market, our network in the MENA region will extend from the Atlantic coast to the Arabian Peninsula,” Diener said.
He explained that while the company’s food and packaging trade shows in Cairo connect Africa and the Middle East, Morocco offers access to West African markets and benefits from its proximity to Europe.
“While our food and packaging trade shows in Cairo serve as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East, Morocco will provide access to West African markets and offer a compelling advantage because of its proximity to Europe,” he said.
Morocco positioned as Europe-Africa gateway
Messe Düsseldorf said Morocco’s emergence as an industrial hub connecting Europe and Africa has contributed to its attractiveness for international businesses.
The company pointed to projected annual growth rates of between 4.5% and 5% through 2028, alongside significant public investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy.
Morocco’s network of free trade agreements has also strengthened its position as a platform for international trade.
The food industry is among the sectors experiencing strong growth. Morocco exports products including fruits and vegetables, processed foods, and seafood, while importing significant quantities of grain, edible oils, animal feed, and dairy products.
More than 60% of Morocco’s food imports and exports are conducted with the European Union, according to Messe Düsseldorf. The United Kingdom, the United States, Turkiye, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the wider MENA region also represent important trading partners.
The expansion of Morocco’s food industry is expected to drive demand for modern food-processing and packaging technologies, creating opportunities for international companies and exhibitor
FENAGRI brings industry-wide reach
FENAGRI, which operates under the mandate of Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, will contribute its national industry expertise and network to the partnership.
The federation brings together 15 industry associations and more than 2,600 companies, representing an estimated 40% to 50% of Morocco’s food industry market.
Its institutional connections and access to businesses across the national food value chain are expected to support the development and establishment of the new trade show.
Diener said the partnership could create a platform extending beyond a single event by combining FENAGRI’s knowledge of the Moroccan market with Messe Düsseldorf’s international exhibition expertise.
“The growth of our events in the region demonstrates the enormous potential of the MENA markets, which we are unlocking for our customers together with our partners,” he said.
