From November 12 to 14, 2024, St. Petersburg became the center of the food industry, hosting one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year — Peterfood-2024. Within the walls of the Expoforum CEC, manufacturers presented products and innovations from 20 countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Hungary, China, India, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Netherlands, Egypt, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Poland, Nicaragua, Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, and Norway.

More than 300 producers presented their products, reflecting high-quality standards and innovative approaches. Potoki, Russia's first stand-up pouch water producer and general partner of the event, attracted attention with its innovative approach to packaging and maintaining product quality. Konareva Factory presented semi-finished products that feature a transparent composition in a single line of ingredients, emphasizing their naturalness, and Dubrava poultry farm showed quality poultry meat raised on grain feed.

Collective stands organized by Russian regions under the Federal Program for the Development and Support of Small and Medium-sized Businesses became a highlight of the exhibition. Peterfood served as an effective platform for sharing experience, establishing new business contacts and expanding horizons for participants from the Republics of Karelia and Bashkortostan, Tomsk region, Kemerovo region, Novgorod region, Krasnodar region, Omsk region, Leningrad region, Tver region, Arkhangelsk region, Smolensk region, Primorsky region, Krasnoyarsk region, Stavropol region, Kursk region, Penza region.

15 Hungarian companies presented various products reflecting the richness of the country's gastronomic traditions. Visitors could appreciate a wide range of products: from exquisite meat delicacies and low-calorie confectionery to wines produced in the famous local regions of Hungary. Such diversity allowed each guest to find something to his or her liking, revealing the versatility of the Hungarian gastronomic heritage. The participation of Hungarian companies was organized with the support of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency HEPA and the Consulate General of Hungary in St. Petersburg.

Exhibitors from China, Buluo (Ningxia) International Cultural Exchange Co. Ltd., specializing in the sale and export of wine, presented products combining ancient Chinese methods with modern winemaking technologies. The company introduced a wine that allows you to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural splendour of the Ningxia region.

Chains Wholesale Center™ was a key event that brought together 80 retail chains and more than 200 buyers. Major retailers such as Magnit, Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, Yandex.Lavka, VkusVill, Auchan and others updated the assortment of 30 food product categories.

To facilitate access of foreign suppliers to the Russian market, a special Chains Wholesale Center™: Direct Import was organized. It was attended by buyers from the foreign economic activity (FEA) departments of the largest retail chains. The event attracted suppliers from China, Hungary, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Poland, Belarus and Kazakhstan, creating a unique opportunity to establish direct business relationships and share experience in international trade. Thanks to this experience, Peterfood continues to strengthen its position as a significant platform for interaction and development of international trade.

The open seminar program provided participants with the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and innovations necessary for professional growth and networking. The seminars covered a variety of topics, from production and business management to marketing and strategic planning, providing up-to-date information and the latest industry trends.

A special session for dairy producers attracted particular attention. It focused on the theme of the 2024 dairy market: participants discussed specific trends, balance of power, and competitors, which is critical for profitable supplies to retail chains.

Key speakers included representatives of leading retailers. Olga Volkova from X5 Retail Group and Olga Kolganova, Director of the North-West District of the Magnit retail chain, presented their visions of strategic development and increased competition in the retail sector, which added practical value to the discussions voiced at the event.

The special program organized by the Category Management Сommunity with the Agency of Rational Practices and Methods for Business aroused great interest among the visitors to the exhibition. The meeting discussed topical issues, including purchasing behaviour, customer loyalty and the use of modern inventory management tools. The experts shared valuable knowledge that was useful for retailers, manufacturers and suppliers alike.

One of the brightest events at the Peterfood exhibition was the GUEST-BAR held under the thematic slogan “Autumn is taking away”. This event turned into a real autumn meeting, where bartenders from different parts of St. Petersburg presented signature cocktails reflecting the autumn atmosphere and the character of local cuisine. Masters representing such famous establishments as Commode, Tequila Boom, Settlers, Chateau Vintage, Chateau Terra, JÄGER Meet to eat, Tsunami, The Buddy Cafe and Unity, Laika, Ivan da Marya Gastrobar, Dead Poets, Sumbur bar, Nebo i Vino, demonstrated their art, creating author's drinks using seasonal ingredients.

More than 180 buyers from Russian retail chains took part in selecting the winners of the Retail Chains Choice Contest. In the Our Brand and Innovative Product Сontests, where experts confirmed product quality and innovations in technology, composition, packaging and convenience of consumption, the winners were determined by a committee whose board was headed by a professor of biotechnology at ITMO University in cooperation with specialists from the Petersburg-Expertiza Testing Laboratory of the Quality Control Center and the Russian Register Registration and Certification Association.

A total of 254 products from 138 companies were entered into the competitions. Participation in the competitions at Peterfood was a great opportunity for food and beverage producers to demonstrate their achievements, get feedback from experts, and earn recognition for their innovative approaches to production.

The International Food Exhibition Peterfood continues to set new standards in the industry, contributing to the strengthening of international ties and the development of the food industry in Northwest Russia. We sincerely appreciate the contribution of every participant! We invite you to join us next year to discover new perspectives and opportunities for your business at Peterfood 2025!