drinktec 2025
Global innovation hub for the beverage and liquid food industry
From September 15 to 19, 2025, Munich will once again become the epicentre of the global beverage and liquid food industry. As the world’s leading trade fair for this sector, drinktec brings together cutting-edge technologies, international market players, and expertise across the entire value chain – from raw materials and processing technology to filling, packaging and logistics.
Photo top: Dr Roman Werner, Managing Director TUM Venture Lab Food/Agro/Biotech; Rolf Keller, Managing Director at Yontex; Markus Kosak, Executive Director of the drinktec Cluster; and Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, at the drinktec press conference on June 3, 2025
More than 1,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected to take part. Around two-thirds of all participants – on both exhibitor and visitor side – will travel from outside Germany, highlighting drinktec’s international scope as a platform for innovation and exchange.
Focus topics: Circularity, Data2Value and Health
drinktec 2025 places a strong focus on three major themes shaping the industry’s future: Circularity & Resource Management, Data2Value, and Lifestyle & Health. These do not just represent technological priorities, they reflect broader societal and regulatory dynamics.
Circularity & Resource Management will address water reuse, energy recovery and the valorisation of production residues. Packaging solutions will also be in focus, especially in response to the EU’s proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation”(PPWR).
Data2Value explores the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and machine learning, from flavour prediction and predictive maintenance to AI-supported cleaning processes.
Lifestyle & Health reflects the growing demand for functional drinks that promote wellbeing, such as those enriched with vitamins, plant-based proteins, probiotics or dietary fibres. The trend towards personalisation and sustainable nutrition is clearly on the rise.
This is new at drinktec 2025
One of the key additions to drinktec 2025 is the Liquidrome, a new space for dialogue between science, research and industry. “With the Liquidrome, we are creating a foundation for future-oriented exchange,” says Markus Kosak, Executive Director of the drinktec cluster. The Liquidrome will also host the Startup Zone, showcasing digital solutions like cloud-based maintenance systems as well as health-focused beverage concepts.The Innovation Guide has also been revised, helping visitors navigate the exhibition more effectively and discover the most relevant and forward-thinking solutions for their specific needs.
Reflecting broader industry dynamics
drinktec aims to reflect the industry’s broader strategic and economic challenges. “Our goal is for the fair to mirror the real state of the industry and respond to its challenges,” says Rolf Keller, Managing Director of Yontex, organiser of drinktec. Keller sees a fast-changing consumer landscape: “We are witnessing an increasing diversity in product development – from vegan and organic to sugar-free, alcohol-free and regional offerings. Beverages enriched with proteins or vitamins are gaining traction. Reusability and supply chain resilience are also key themes.”
While innovation remains strong, the economic environment is marked by contrasting developments. The food processing machinery sector saw a decline in 2024. Only packaging machinery managed modest growth of 2% – largely driven by increased demand in beverage packaging.
Trade barriers and geopolitical frictions, especially from the US, remain a concern. Yet the United States continue to be Germany’s largest export market for food and packaging machinery (up 7% in 2024 to EUR 1.8 billion). “Despite unpredictable US trade policies, we expect strong participation from American companies,” says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association. “They simply cannot meet their technology needs domestically.”
Global trade in food and packaging machinery reached a record EUR 54.5 billion in 2024. Europe still leads, accounting for 70% of exports, with Germany and Italy at the forefront. However, China is catching up quickly, having doubled its export volume to EUR 6.6 billion over the past five years. “Many Chinese firms will exhibit at drinktec aiming to tap into new market potential through this highly international platform,” Clemens adds.
In 2024, global sales of packaged beverages reached 1.1 trillion litres. According to Euromonitor, this figure will grow by 14% by 2028, with the strongest increases expected in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. In saturated markets, qualitative growth through innovation and differentiation is the key driver.
drinktec 2025 expected to be driving force
Despite global economic uncertainties, industry sentiment is positive. drinktec 2025 is expected to deliver valuable impulses and concrete solutions for navigating future challenges.
As Markus Kosak concludes: “We’ve seen enormous interest in drinktec around the globe. Dialogue with local industry associations has given us valuable insights into strategic priorities across different markets. This direct exchange is essential to positioning drinktec as the global hub for the beverage and liquid food industry.”