InterFood Astana 2027 runs 28-30 April 2027 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The 27th edition of Kazakhstan's international food, drink, ingredients, packaging and processing exhibition adds FoodProcessing Astana as a dedicated processing-technology platform.
It connects food producers, importers, retail and HoReCa buyers with suppliers from Central Asia and abroad.
TL;DR
1Dates: 28-30 April 2027 at EXPO IEC, Astana, Kazakhstan.
2Edition: 27th Kazakhstan International Exhibition of food, drinks, ingredients, packaging and equipment.
32026 edition: 61 exhibitors from 14 countries and 2,094 industry visitors over three days.
4New in 2027: FoodProcessing Astana, a dedicated food-processing technology and equipment showcase.
5Entry: free visitor registration with a personalised e-invitation; trade and general visitors welcome.
Why visit
Visit to compare food, drink, ingredient and packaging suppliers in one hall and to meet distributors and processors active in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The 2026 edition drew 2,094 trade visitors, and the 2027 launch of FoodProcessing Astana adds equipment and technology lines for buyers modernising production.
Why exhibit
Exhibit to reach Kazakh importers, retail chains, HoReCa operators and food processors at the country's established spring food exhibition. The 2026 edition attracted 61 exhibitors from 14 countries, and the new FoodProcessing Astana zone gives equipment and ingredient suppliers a focused route to processing enterprises planning upgrades.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Food importers, distributors and wholesalers
Supermarket and convenience retail buyers
Food and beverage manufacturers and processors
HoReCa operators, caterers and hotel purchasers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage producers seeking Central Asian distributors
Ingredient, additive and spice suppliers
Packaging, labelling and processing-equipment makers
Register online for a free e-invitation, print or save the badge, and collect the lanyard at the reception desk inside the main EXPO IEC entrance. Allow 15 minutes at peak opening times.
Ticket notes
Free entry applies to registered trade and general visitors; the organiser may ask for business identification at the door.
The 26th edition ran 13-15 May 2026 at EXPO IEC, Astana, with 61 exhibitors from 14 countries and 2,094 industry visitors. Thirty-five companies came from abroad and 26 from Kazakhstan; the meat and dairy forum and the FoodProcessing Astana launch set up the 2027 edition.
New this edition
1
FoodProcessing Astana
A dedicated 2027 platform for food-processing technologies, equipment and industry solutions, running alongside the main food exhibition.
InterFood Astana 2026 drew 2,094 professionals and 61 exhibitors from 14 countries in a compact three-day format. For a supplier, that is a concentrated audience of Kazakh importers, retail buyers, processors and HoReCa operators rather than a mass-consumer crowd.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The audience is deliberately narrow: food manufacturers, distributors, retail chains and HoReCa buyers, with government and association participation through the Meat & Dairy Industry Forum. The 2026 release reports 35 foreign and 26 local exhibitors, a mix that supports targeted buyer meetings rather than broad sampling.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
ROI depends on pre-booked meetings. With about 2,100 visitors across three days, an exhibitor sees roughly 700 attendees per day, so a stand needs a clear product story and scheduled distributor meetings. The new FoodProcessing Astana zone should improve fit for equipment suppliers; no audited ROI figure is published.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Central Asia
Why it matters
Kazakhstan is Central Asia's largest economy and food market, and Astana is its administrative and retail decision-making centre. InterFood Astana gives international suppliers a spring route into Kazakh distribution, while local processors use it to source ingredients, packaging and equipment that support import substitution.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
Localisation of food processing
Kazakh processors are investing in modern lines to replace imported finished goods, raising demand for ingredients, packaging and processing equipment. The 2027 launch of FoodProcessing Astana responds directly to that shift.
What it changes: Equipment and ingredient suppliers can position around upgrade projects rather than one-off product sales.
Modern supermarket chains and convenience formats are expanding in Astana and Almaty, pushing suppliers to meet volume, labelling and food-safety requirements. Private-label programmes create openings for contract manufacturers.
What it changes: Suppliers with certified production and consistent packaging can win listings beyond single-store buyers.
03
Central Asian export corridors
Improved rail and road links through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the Caspian route are shortening lead times for food and ingredients moving between Central Asia, Russia, China and the Gulf.
What it changes: Astana is becoming a distribution point for regional re-export, not only a domestic market.
The Central Asia food and beverage circuit
December to February for spring bookings; June to August for autumn shows.
InterFood Astana anchors the spring calendar; buyers also use the autumn Almaty food show and the larger Gulf and Russian platforms to complete annual sourcing.
Late April in Astana is cool and changeable: daytime around 10-18°C, nights near 2-6°C, with wind and occasional rain or late snow. Bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
4G mobile coverage is good across Astana; buy a local Beeline, Kcell or Tele2 SIM at the airport. Venue Wi-Fi is available in public areas but can slow down during peak sessions.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and language
A handshake at the start of meetings is standard; Russian is the common business language, with Kazakh increasingly used in official settings.
Hospitality
Tea and a small spread are normal in Kazakh business hospitality; accept at least one cup and avoid scheduling tight meetings around lunch.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NQZ
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for late-April travel and allow a buffer for schedule changes.
Visa
Many nationalities enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short business trips; others need a business visa arranged before travel.
Estimated cost: Varies by nationality; e-visa fees are published on the MFA portal.
Processing: 5-10 working days for a standard business visa.
Carry a letter of invitation from the organiser or your Kazakh partner if your passport requires a visa.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi or ride-hail from NQZ, 25-35 minutes, roughly 3,000-6,000 KZT.
Hotel → venue: Most left-bank hotels are 10-20 minutes from EXPO IEC by taxi; allow 30 minutes at peak.
Ride-hail: Yandex Go operates in Astana; confirm the car and fare in the app before departure.
Public transit: City buses run along Mangilik El Avenue; use a transport card or small cash.
Parking: On-site parking fills before 10:00; arrive early or use a taxi.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April
Temperature: 2-18°C
Seasonality: Spring thaw with wind, rain and occasional late snow; conditions change quickly.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and a warm scarf for evenings.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (29 April 2027)
The middle day usually has the fullest programme and exhibitor staffing, while the final day closes early and sees some stands pack down. Arrive at opening to cover the food and processing halls before meetings build.
T-14
Register online and download the e-invitation — Check passport name matches the registration; save a PDF copy offline.
T-10
Book flights and a refundable hotel — Stay on the left bank near Mangilik El to cut commute time.
T-7
Build a target exhibitor list and meeting requests — Use the online exhibitor list; prioritise 8-10 companies.
T-3
Confirm visa, insurance and airport transfer — Check the MFA visa list for your nationality and save the hotel address in Russian.
T-1
Pack badge, business cards and weather layers — Late April is cool and windy; print the badge as a backup.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
09:30
Arrive, clear security and collect the badge
EXPO IEC main entrance
10:15
Work the food and ingredient halls by target list
Main exhibition halls
13:00
Lunch and informal supplier meetings
Venue cafe / stand meeting area
15:00
Attend a processing or meat-and-dairy session
Conference area
Side trips
2
Burabay National Park (Borovoe)
Nature Day Trip
About 2.5-3 hours by road from Astana
Lakes, pine forest and granite hills; a calm break after the show if you have a spare day.
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
Wildlife Day Trip
About 2 hours by road
Steppe wetlands and flamingo habitat, best visited in late spring with a guided tour.
Networking spots
2
EXPO IEC central concourse
Venue lounge
Coffee points and seating between halls make an easy place for impromptu meetings.
Nurzhol Boulevard cafes
City centre
A 15-minute taxi ride from the venue; good for dinner meetings after the halls close.
First-timer guide
Follow-up playbook
Log every lead in the CRM the same evening, with company, country and product interest.
Send a short personalised email within 48 hours referencing the stand conversation.
Attach the catalogue, price list and any compliance certificates requested.
Book a follow-up call within two weeks and confirm the decision-maker.
Review pipeline after 30 days and pass cold leads to a nurture sequence.
Kazakh buying cycles often run through distributor review and seasonal listings, so a fast first follow-up matters more than a long brochure.
Budget
Costs & budget
Shell scheme
KZT 45000–65000 / m²
Raw space
KZT 25000–40000 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated from Central Asian exhibition benchmarks and organiser early-booking messaging; no 2027 tariff was fetched. Convert at about 520 KZT per USD.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture app if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When is InterFood Astana 2027?
InterFood Astana 2027 runs from 28 to 30 April 2027 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. The three-day format follows the 2026 edition, which ran 13-15 May. Doors are expected to open at 10:00, with the final afternoon closing earlier; confirm exact hours on the official visitor page before travelling.
Where is InterFood Astana 2027 held?
It is held at the EXPO International Exhibition Center (IEC EXPO) at 53/1 Mangilik El Avenue in Astana, Kazakhstan. The venue is the legacy EXPO 2017 complex on the city's left bank, roughly 25-30 minutes by taxi from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ).
Is InterFood Astana 2027 free to attend?
Yes, visitor entry is free for trade and general visitors who register online in advance. Registration issues a personalised e-invitation and badge; bring a printed or digital copy and collect your lanyard at the reception desk. On-site registration may be available, but pre-registration saves time at the entrance.
Who should exhibit at InterFood Astana 2027?
Food and beverage producers, ingredient and additive suppliers, packaging converters, food-processing equipment makers, cold-chain specialists and national export groups should exhibit. Kazakhstan's import-substitution and food-processing push creates demand for equipment and ingredients. The 2026 edition drew 61 companies from 14 countries and 2,094 trade visitors, so exhibitors can meet distributors, retailers and HoReCa buyers in one hall.
What products are shown at InterFood Astana?
The exhibition covers foodstuffs, drinks, ingredients and additives, packaging and labels, processing and refrigeration equipment, and shop or HoReCa equipment. The 2027 edition adds FoodProcessing Astana, a dedicated platform for food-processing technology, equipment and industry solutions, alongside the main InterFood Astana food and beverage showcase.
Who attends InterFood Astana as a visitor?
Visitors are food manufacturers, processors, importers and distributors, supermarket and convenience retail buyers, HoReCa operators, packaging specialists and industry associations, mainly from Kazakhstan and neighbouring Central Asian markets. In 2026, 2,094 industry professionals attended, and 61 exhibitors came from 14 countries including Austria, Germany, China, Poland, Russia, Thailand and Uzbekistan.
How many exhibitors and visitors did the last edition have?
The last completed edition, InterFood Astana 2026, hosted 61 exhibitors from 14 countries, including 35 foreign companies and 26 Kazakh enterprises. Over three days it welcomed 2,094 industry professionals from Kazakhstan and abroad. The organiser has not published a 2027 forecast, so planning figures for the coming edition remain estimates.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
Take a taxi or ride-hail from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), about 14 km and 25-35 minutes from the EXPO IEC depending on traffic. Expect roughly 3,000-6,000 KZT for the trip. Public buses connect the airport area to the left bank, but a taxi is simpler with exhibition materials.
Is InterFood Astana trade-only?
InterFood Astana is a professional food-industry exhibition but is open to both trade and general visitors, with free registration. Exhibitors and buyers do most business, yet the organiser welcomes interested members of the public. Children and access rules should be checked with the organiser before travel.
Glossary
1
HoReCa
The hotel, restaurant and catering channel; a core buyer group for food, drink and kitchen equipment at InterFood Astana.
2
FoodProcessing Astana
A specialised 2027 section for food-processing technologies, equipment and industry solutions, launched alongside the main InterFood Astana exhibition.
3
Shell scheme
A ready-built stand with walls, carpet, fascia and basic lighting, usually sold per square metre for a standard 9 sqm package.
4
Raw space
Bare floor area rented without walls or fittings; the exhibitor designs and builds the stand, typically from 36 sqm upward.
5
E-invitation
A personalised online visitor pass issued after registration; it grants free entry and is scanned or printed for badge collection.
6
ATA Carnet
An international customs document that simplifies temporary import of exhibition goods; confirm acceptance with the freight forwarder before shipping.
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.