SANA Food 2027 brings organic food buyers to Bologna.
Dates
21–23 Feb 2027
City / country
Bologna, Italy
Venue
BolognaFiere
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
SANA Food 2027 runs 21–23 February 2027 at BolognaFiere in Bologna, Italy, as the third edition of the B2B organic and natural food show.
It connects Horeca, specialty retail and delicatessen buyers with producers of organic, biodynamic, vegan, PDO, PGI and functional foods.
The 2026 edition featured 300 SANA Food exhibitors and drew 16,000 combined visitors with the co-located Slow Wine Fair.
TL;DR
Visit SANA Food 2027 to source certified organic, biodynamic, vegan, PDO, PGI and functional products in one hall, meet producers before listing decisions and use the shared ticket to cross into Slow Wine Fair. The show is built for buyers from restaurants, hotels, delicatessens, organic shops and specialist distribution rather than public consumers.
Exhibit at SANA Food 2027 to reach Italian and European buyers in the Horeca and specialty-retail channels, launch products in the Sana Novità innovation area and benefit from Slow Wine Fair's additional food-and-wine traffic. The 2026 edition reported 350 international buyers from 30 countries, giving exporters a compact route to qualified trade contacts.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1Viale della Fiera, 20, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Entrances & gates
Ingresso Costituzione
West-side entrance closest to the SANA Food hall.
Paid car parks serve the fair district; use the Costituzione side and arrive early.
BolognaFiere is fully accessible; disabled visitors and companions enter free with a valid certificate from the on-site ticket desks.
Cloakrooms at the Pavilion 15 and 20 entrances cost EUR 5 per item.
Food options
Pavilion 18A food trucks, Pavilion 15 bar
On-site diningParking: BolognaFiere has paid on-site car parks; follow signs for the Costituzione entrance and allow extra time on show mornings.
Gate: Use the west Costituzione entrance for Pavilion 18; the shared SANA Food and Slow Wine Fair ticket is checked at the gate.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Badge collection
Buy online in advance or at the on-site ticket counters; bring the ticket and photo ID for the 18+ check.
Ticket notes
A ticket for SANA Food also grants access to the co-located Slow Wine Fair. No public 2027 ticket price was printed at the time of research; tickets are paid and fiscal documents cannot be invoiced.
What's on
Slow Wine Fair 2027
International fair for good, clean and fair wine, co-located with SANA Food and included in the same ticket.
Pavilions 15 and 20 at BolognaFiere, adjacent to SANA Food in Pavilion 18.
WebsiteItalian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry(MASAF)
Institutional sponsor with a booth and official meetings at the 2026 edition · Italy
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 16,000
Exhibitors: 300
Edition #: 2
Visitor countries: 30
This edition
2027
Visitors: 17,000
Exhibitors: 320
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The second SANA Food ran 22–24 February 2026 at BolognaFiere alongside Slow Wine Fair. The combined event welcomed 16,000 visitors and 350 international buyers from 30 countries, with 300 SANA Food exhibitors and more than 100 products in the Sana Novità area.
New this edition
Impact
The 2026 edition consolidated SANA Food as a compact B2B platform: 300 food companies met buyers alongside a much larger wine fair, producing a combined 16,000 visitors and 350 international buyers from 30 countries. For a food brand, the value lies in qualified Horeca and specialty-retail traffic rather than mass consumer footfall.
Audience quality
Audience quality is high for a focused food show: buyers come from restaurants, hotels, delicatessens, organic and vegan stores, importers and specialist distribution. The 2026 report counted 350 international buyers from 30 countries. The shared ticket with Slow Wine Fair adds wine buyers who also purchase premium food.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitor ROI depends on pre-booked buyer meetings rather than aisle traffic. A 9–18 sqm stand in Pavilion 18 puts a producer in front of Italian specialty retailers and Horeca buyers, while the Slow Wine Fair overlap creates cross-category leads. Budget for follow-up within 48 hours; no audited ROI figure is published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
SANA Food matters because it concentrates Italy’s organic and natural food supply in one Bologna hall at a moment when Horeca and specialty retailers are rebuilding ranges around health, provenance and sustainability. The co-location with Slow Wine Fair gives food producers access to wine buyers and premium retailers who rarely attend a standalone organic food show.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Longevity nutrition moves into the mainstream
Consumers and food-service operators are linking diet to healthy ageing, pushing fermented foods, ancient grains, plant proteins and minimally processed products into new listings.
What it changes: Producers with credible health positioning can win shelf space and menu trials at this edition.
SourceOrganic certification becomes a baseline, not a differentiator
Italian retailers increasingly treat organic as a standard range requirement, so brands compete on provenance, taste, convenience and packaging.
What it changes: Exhibitors need a clear story beyond the organic logo to stand out to buyers.
Horeca and specialty retail converge
Restaurants, delicatessens and organic shops are buying similar premium products, from olive oil and cheese to functional drinks and plant-based staples.
What it changes: A single stand can serve several buyer types, but the pitch and pack sizes must fit each channel.
SANA Food sits in a dense European calendar of organic, specialty and food-service events. The closest overlap is Slow Wine Fair in the same venue; Biofach and SIAL Paris serve exporters looking beyond Italy.
SIAL Paris 2026
Paris, France
Broad food innovation show; useful for exporters planning a European launch before Bologna.
websiteBiofach 2027
Nuremberg, Germany
The largest international organic trade fair; dates are the expected February window, confirm with the organiser.
websiteSlow Wine Fair 2027
Bologna, Italy
Same venue and one shared ticket; wine-focused but strong cross-over for food buyers.
websiteTuttoFood 2027
Milan, Italy
Italian food and beverage showcase in Milan; expected spring 2027 dates, confirm with the organiser.
websiteFebruary 2027 organic cluster
Two organic buying moments two weeks apart; book Nuremberg and Bologna in one European trip.
Spring 2027 Italian food circuit
Use SANA for buyer meetings and TuttoFood for broader Italian retail listings.
Dates for adjacent shows are planning estimates from the published circuit calendar; confirm before booking.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Closest airport; Marconi Express people mover links the airport to Bologna Centrale in about 8 minutes.
About 6 km
to venue
15–20 minutes
by car
Florence Airport, Peretola
Useful alternative when BLQ fares are high; continue by train from Florence to Bologna.
About 105 km
to venue
1 hour 20 minutes by car
by car
Milan Linate Airport
Larger international gateway; high-speed trains from Milan to Bologna take about 1 hour.
About 215 km
to venue
2 hours 15 minutes by car
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–130 / night
Simple rooms within a short bus ride of the fair; book early because the co-located wine fair fills the district.
USD 150–220 / night
Central three- to four-star options near Bologna Centrale, convenient for trains and evening dining.
USD 260–400 / night
Five-star and upper-upscale properties for hosted buyers and senior teams; rates rise during trade-fair weeks.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Marconi Express
Automated people mover, about 8 minutes; then bus 35 or 38 to the fair.
City bus
Routes 35 and 38 stop at the fair entrance; buy tickets in advance or by contactless card.
Taxi
Metered taxi; allow extra time on opening morning and use the official rank.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay C visa | Non-EU nationals not covered by a visa-free or visa-waiver arrangement | $90.00 | About 15 calendar days |
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a visa. Many other nationalities have Schengen visa-free access for short business trips; check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs list.
An ATA Carnet can simplify temporary admission of samples and display goods; confirm the procedure with Italian customs and the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
February in Bologna is cool and often damp: daytime highs around 9–12°C and nights near 2–5°C, with a realistic chance of rain. Pack a warm coat and an umbrella for the walk between halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good across BolognaFiere. Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the halls and congress areas, but exhibitors should not rely on it for live demos; arrange a dedicated connection with the venue if needed.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Aperitivo timing
Bologna’s aperitivo starts around 18:00–19:00. Use it for informal follow-ups after the fair closes rather than booking a full dinner for every contact.
Business dress and punctuality
Italian trade-fair dress is smart-casual. Meetings usually start on time, but allow flexibility around lunch, which is still a protected part of the day for many local teams.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for February trade-fair week. Compare flying into BLQ against Milan or Florence plus a high-speed train, especially for long-haul arrivals.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens travel freely. Many other passport holders can enter Schengen visa-free for short business trips; other nationalities need a Schengen C visa.
Estimated cost: About USD 90 for a Schengen visa application
Processing: Around 15 calendar days
Apply well before the show and carry a letter from your employer stating the business purpose, plus hotel and return-flight bookings.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Take the Marconi Express from BLQ to Bologna Centrale (about 8 minutes, EUR 12.80), then bus 35 or 38 to the fair. A taxi takes 15–20 minutes and costs about EUR 20–30.
Hotel → venue: From the centre, bus 35 or 38 reaches the Fiera Palazzo Congressi stop at the fair entrance in 15–25 minutes. Buy a single ticket before boarding.
Ride-hail: Taxi ranks operate at the airport, Bologna Centrale and the main fair entrances. Ride-hailing coverage is limited; use the official taxi app or hotel reception to book.
Public transit: Bologna’s bus network connects Bologna Centrale and the historic centre to the fair; routes 35 and 38 serve the Fiera stop. A daily pass is better value if you make several trips.
Parking: Paid parking is available at BolognaFiere. Follow signs for the Costituzione entrance, and expect queues on the first morning of the co-located wine fair.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: About 2–12°C
Seasonality: Cool and damp with a realistic chance of rain; no snow is typical in the city.
Packing: Warm coat, layers, comfortable waterproof shoes and an umbrella for the walk between halls and the bus stop.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Monday 22 February 2027
The middle day usually has the fullest buyer attendance and the programme is in full swing, while arrival-day logistics and final-day early closing are avoided.
Register for a ticket and check the 18+ and trade-only rules — Confirm whether your ticket also covers Slow Wine Fair.
Book flights and a hotel with free cancellation — Fiera week is busy; compare centre and Fiera options.
Build a target exhibitor list from the online catalogue — Prioritise 12–15 meetings and note the hall.
Print tickets, ID, hotel confirmation and meeting schedule — Save everything offline as well as on your phone.
Check the weather and plan the airport-to-hotel route — Allow extra time for the first morning at the fair.
Collect badge, grab a coffee and walk Pavilion 18 by category
Ingresso Costituzione / Pavilion 18Supplier meetings with organic and PDO producers
Pavilion 18 standsLunch and informal networking at the food trucks
Pavilion 18ACross into Slow Wine Fair for wine-buyer contacts and tastings
Pavilions 15 and 20Wrap-up notes and book follow-ups before the halls close
Pavilion 18 exitBologna historic centre
City Walk
20–25 minutes by bus from the fair
Piazza Maggiore, the porticoes and the food markets make an easy half-day before or after the show.
FICO Eataly World
Food Park
About 30 minutes by bus or taxi
A large food-themed park and market useful for understanding Italian retail and food-service trends.
Pavilion 18A food trucks
Informal meeting point
Casual tables for quick conversations between meetings.
Slow Wine Fair tasting areas
Cross-show networking
Shared ticket access; good for meeting wine buyers who also source premium food.
Built for a compact Italian trade fair where buyers meet many suppliers in three days. Speed and a clear bilingual follow-up matter more than a long brochure.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 180–260 / m²
Raw space
EUR 120–180 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
The 2027 exhibitor manual and official per-sqm tariff had not been published. Bands are BolognaFiere-market estimates and exclude VAT, rigging and custom build.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell scheme
EUR 1620–2340 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 150–220 / per night
per diem
both · standard
USD 55–85 / per day
travel
visitor · economy
USD 180–850 / return flight
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell scheme | EUR 1620–2340 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 150–220 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per diem | both | standard | USD 55–85 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| travel | visitor | economy | USD 180–850 / return flight | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether SANA Food 2027 is best for a visit, a stand or a skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a shortlist of suppliers and can attend at least one full day.
Best for
Buyers and specifiers sourcing organic, vegan or specialty food for Horeca and retail
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks
Risks
Crowded diary if meetings are not pre-booked
February travel disruption
exhibit
You have EU-compliant labels, samples and a 48-hour follow-up owner.
Best for
Producers and brands seeking Italian Horeca, delicatessen and specialty-retail buyers
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
3–6 months
Risks
Stand and freight costs can exceed the space fee
Slow follow-up loses leads
skip
You cannot staff a full day or have no distributable product for Italy.
Best for
Consumer-focused brands with no trade channel or Italian market plan
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a future buyer relationship
Spending on a show that does not fit the channel
Book with
BolognaFiere
Owns and operates the Bologna exhibition district and organises SANA Food.
Venue and organiser named on the official event page.
Slow Food
Slow Food inspired the co-located Slow Wine Fair and brings producer networks and programme content.
Named in the 2026 post-show report as a new partnership.
FederBio
Italian federation of organic and biodynamic agriculture, a long-standing SANA Food partner.
Named in the 2026 post-show report as a long-standing collaborator.
Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry
Institutional sponsor with a booth and official meetings at the 2026 edition.
Named in the 2026 post-show report.
Recommended providers
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Schengen visa information and appointment portal; apply through the Italian embassy or visa centre.
Official Bologna tourism booking service recommended by the organiser for accommodation.
Italian flag carrier with connections to Bologna via Rome and Milan; compare low-cost carriers for European origins.
Use the official show handler named in the exhibitor manual; this is a fallback for quotes.
Travel and exhibition insurance; confirm public liability cover for the stand separately.
City tours, food experiences and day trips to Modena, Parma and Florence.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture app with CRM export; confirm whether the organiser offers an official scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
4
Publishers
5
Date checked
SANA Food / BolognaFiere
SANA Food
BolognaFiere Group
FreshPlaza
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