The drinktec 2025, held in Munich, reaffirmed its position as the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. With 58,281 visitors from 164 countries, including representatives from all of the world’s top 20 beverage groups, the event demonstrated an impressive international reach of 70 percent. Compared to the 2022 edition, which gathered around 50,000 visitors from 169 countries, this year’s show recorded a notable increase in attendance and participation.
Visitors to drinktec 2025 spent on average 1.8 days at the fairgrounds, with a large share extending their stays in Munich and its surroundings. The top visiting countries were Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom with Northern Ireland, Spain, and Turkey, followed by China and the USA.
1,117 exhibitors from 68 nations showcased their latest technologies and product innovations across 74,000 m² of net exhibition space, covering the full value chain from processing to packaging.
Key topics included modernization, process optimization, digitalization, and sustainable beverage concepts. The newly introduced Liquidrome networking area emerged as one of the show’s highlights, offering expert panels and discussions on future trends. The adjoining Health Bar focused on wellness-oriented beverage innovations, while a dedicated startup area hosted 20 emerging companies presenting cutting-edge ideas.
Executives from major technology suppliers praised the event’s quality and depth. Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, emphasized the strong demand for intelligent circular systems and AI-based technologies. Christoph Klenk, CEO of Krones AG, described drinktec as a “milestone on the path toward connected, sustainable, and efficient production,” while Florian Lerche of KHS Group called it “the hotspot of the global beverage and liquid-food industry.” Other industry leaders, including Dr. Reimar Gutte (GEA), Bastian Heuft (Heuft Systemtechnik), Marcello Ferrozzi (Sidel), and SIPA S.p.A., reported highly qualified international visitors and successful business outcomes.
The success of drinktec coincided with a record year for Messe München, which welcomed its two-millionth visitor during the event. As Managing Directors Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel noted, 2025 marks an exceptional cycle, with eight of the company’s twelve global flagship fairs taking place this year. Altogether, Messe München expects more than 2.5 million visitors and an estimated regional economic impact of USD 5.4 billion (EUR 5 billion).
Due to the scheduling overlap with the IAA Mobility fair earlier in September, drinktec 2025 had to adapt to alternative hall layouts, which caused logistical challenges for some exhibitors. To avoid future conflicts, Messe München announced that the next drinktec will take place earlier than usual, from September 11–15, 2028, breaking again its former traditional four-year rhythm.
