Organised by fairtrade Messe in collaboration with local partners Prana Events, the event brought together 5,691 trade visitors, an increase of 63% from last year’s 3,483, with 158 exhibitors from 16 countries, marking a 29% rise from the previous 122 exhibitors. Over three days, the event facilitated thousands of B2B meetings, laying a solid foundation for continued industry growth.

High exhibitor satisfaction

The exhibitor survey was based on solid data, with 86.5% of all exhibitors participating — and the results speak for themselves:

• 90% of exhibitors were satisfied or very satisfied with the event as a whole.
• 87% would recommend the event to their peers.
• 84% are already planning to participate in the next edition.

Highlights of the 2025 event

The 2025 edition has been an unmissable gathering for professionals in Ethiopia’s agrofood & plastprintpack sectors. Key highlights included:

• New in 2025: Ethiopia food show and Ethiopica coffee show running alongside agrofood Ethiopia
• Government & industry support: Active involvement from key Ethiopian and international ministries, authorities, and associations ensuring a comprehensive industry perspective.
• Global participation: 158 exhibitors from 16 countries, including Austria, Brazil, China, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates presenting tailored products and solutions for the Ethiopian market.
• Brazil Pavilion, officially opened by H.E. Mr Cleber Oliveira Soares, Deputy Vice Minister of Agriculture & Livestock, H.E. Mr Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, Ambassador of Brazil to Ethiopia, featuring the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock, the Embassy of Brazil, the Brazilian Beef Industry Association – ABRAFRIGO and the FoodTech Hub Latam.
• General Assembly & Conference of the Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association on 20 June.

• GIZ-Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” (Invest for Jobs) offering comprehensive advice, contacts and financial support to overcome investment barriers.

Exciting news: From 2026, the event will be relocated to the brand new AICC Addis Int’l Convention Center

Officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 01 March 2025, the AICC Addis Int’l Convention Center is a world-class convention and exhibition center spanning 40 hectares. It features exhibition & conference halls, spacious outdoor exhibition and events space, as well as restaurants, cafés, shops, a canteen and storage facilities. Join us from 04 to 06 June 2026 at the AICC for another remarkable event!

Strong support from Ethiopian and international institutions

agrofood & plastprintpack Ethiopia and the Ethiopia food & coffee shows enjoy robust backing from both Ethiopian and international organizations, including:

• Ethiopian government & institutions:  Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Research and Development Center, Chemical and Construction Inputs Research and Development Center, EBMIA – Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association, EPR – Ethiopian Plastic and Rubber Manufacturers Association
• International support: AHK Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa, Embassies of Brazil, Germany, France, India, Italy and Türkiye, GIZ, ITA Italian Trade Agency, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade.

Facts & figures on the Ethiopian agrofood market

• Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and continues to contribute 33% of GDP, provide 66% of employment and generate 76% of the country’s annual exports. Over the past five years, agriculture has grown at an annual rate of 9%, reaching a value of US$36 billion. (ATA Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency)
• With annual investments in food and beverage processing and packaging technology ranging from €64 million to €171 million in recent years, Ethiopia is one of East Africa’s largest importers of such technology. (VDMA) 
• With a population of 130 million, expected to grow to 200 million by 2050 according to the World Bank, Ethiopia has long been the largest food market in East and Central Africa. Spending in the F&B sector is growing steadily, and F&B production is by far the largest segment of the Ethiopian manufacturing industry. Accordingly, the demand for food and beverage ingredients continues to grow. 
• Despite heavy investment in local food production, Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s largest food importers. Between 2021 and 2023, food imports amounted to between $3.3 billion and $1.9 billion annually, while food exports made up for $2.5 billion in 2023. (WTO)

The Ethiopian plastprintpack market

• Ethiopia’s plastics consumption has experienced steady growth, increasing by an average of 11.5% per year, from 44 kt in 2007 to 281 kt in 2024. Today, Ethiopia stands as the second-largest importer of plastics in primary form in East and Central Africa.
• As the country does not produce plastic raw materials domestically, 100% of its plastic raw material needs are met through imports. Between 2007 and 2024, these imports grew by 12% annually, rising from 43 kt to 294 kt. (EUROMAP)
• Ethiopia is also one of the top two investors in plastics technology in East and Central Africa, with imports reaching €28 million in 2023, a 57% increase compared to 2022. (VDMA)
• Additionally, with packaging technology imports valued at €30 million in 2023, Ethiopia ranks among the leading investors in this sector in East & Central Africa. (VDMA) 

For market insights and more details, visit agrofood-ethiopia.com and ppp-ethiopia.com and Ethiopia food show and Ethiopica coffee show.