Food Taipei 2026 has attracted a record 21 international pavilions representing five continents, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions Taiwan’s food industry is…

Food Taipei 2026 has attracted a record 21 international pavilions representing five continents, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions

Taiwan’s food industry is increasingly leveraging its strengths in semiconductors and digital technologies to drive innovation across the food value chain, according to James C.F. Huang, Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), at the opening of the Food Taipei Mega Shows 2026.

The exhibition, organised from June 24-27 at Taipei World Trade Centre (TWTC) Hall 1 and Nangang Exhibition Centre (TaiNEX) Halls 1 and 2, brings together food manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and policymakers under the theme “Smart Eating, Green Living.”

Opening the event, Huang connected Taiwan’s food culture with its ambitions to become a leader in food technology innovation.

“In Taiwan, our warmest greeting is not ‘How are you?’ but ‘Have you eaten yet?’ This simple question shows how deeply food is rooted in our care for one another,” Huang said.

He added that food remains a powerful link between cultures, communities and economies.

“Food is more than a meal, it carries memory, culture and human connection. Today, we are gathering at the ‘World’s Table’ here in Taipei. This is a platform where global supply chains connect and where culinary traditions meet tomorrow’s technology,” he said.

Semiconductor Expertise Powers Food Innovation

Huang highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into food production, processing and distribution systems.

“Taiwan is fundamentally changing how food is created by infusing its world-famous semiconductor strengths into an AI revolution across the food ecosystem,” he said.

According to Huang, the transformation is being driven by AI-powered food processing technologies, automated kitchen systems, intelligent manufacturing solutions and smart packaging innovations aimed at improving food safety, efficiency and sustainability.

Exhibitors at the event are demonstrating technologies that use computer vision, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and automation tools to optimise production processes, improve traceability, and reduce food waste throughout the supply chain.

Packaging Industry Embraces Automation

Speaking at the event, Biao Kuo, Chairman of the Taiwan Packaging Association, emphasised the critical role of packaging in ensuring food quality and supporting modern food supply chains.

Kuo noted that more than 90 per cent of food products require processing and packaging before reaching consumers, making packaging materials and machinery indispensable components of the food industry.

Reflecting on the sector’s evolution, he cited advances in packaging materials that have significantly improved food preservation and convenience over recent decades.

Kuo also identified labour shortages as a major factor accelerating investment in automation and artificial intelligence.

“The global population continues to grow, yet industries around the world are facing labour shortages. As a result, companies are investing heavily in automation through AI,” he said.

He encouraged visitors to explore the Taiwan Packaging Pavilion, where companies are showcasing automated packaging systems and next-generation packaging machinery designed to improve productivity and operational efficiency.

Fresh Living Pavilion Debuts

One of the major additions to this year’s exhibition is the Fresh Living Pavilion, making its debut at TWTC Hall 1.

The pavilion focuses on emerging consumer trends in personalised nutrition, health-focused foods and sustainable consumption. Featured innovations include precision nutrition solutions tailored to individual health needs and plant-based food products designed to support both consumer wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Huang said the pavilion reflects growing demand for food products that combine nutritional benefits with sustainability objectives.

“A true World’s Table must sustain the future,” he said, emphasising the importance of balancing food innovation with environmental responsibility.

Record International Participation

Food Taipei 2026 has attracted a record 21 international pavilions representing five continents, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions.

International exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of products, including premium beef from the United States, seafood from Japan, craft beers and spirits from the Czech Republic, organic honey from Eswatini and kangaroo meat from Australia.

The event serves as a platform for buyers, suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers to explore new business opportunities, strengthen supply chain partnerships and gain insights into emerging trends shaping the global food and beverage industry.

By bringing together food innovation, packaging technologies, sustainability solutions and international trade opportunities, Food Taipei 2026 highlights the industry’s ongoing efforts to build more efficient, resilient and environmentally responsible food systems.