World Pasta Day will be held in Parma for the first time in its history this October, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, retailers, industry associations, policymakers and media for a two-day event focused on the future of one of the world’s most widely consumed foods.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for October 27-28, will take place at Fiere di Parma alongside Cibus Tec, the international exhibition dedicated to food processing and packaging technology. Organizers say the co-location reflects the growing importance of innovation, sustainability and supply chain resilience in the global pasta industry.
The event is organized by Unione Italiana Food and the International Pasta Organisation and is expected to attract participants from across the international pasta ecosystem. Discussions will cover topics ranging from the global durum wheat market and worldwide pasta consumption to health, technological innovation, retail trends and changing consumer lifestyles.
Hosting the conference within Cibus Tec places the pasta sector alongside companies specializing in manufacturing equipment, automation, packaging and logistics, underscoring how advances in industrial technology are increasingly shaping food production. Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen business relationships and explore emerging market opportunities.
The program opens with sessions examining the outlook for global durum wheat supplies and the international pasta market before turning to nutrition, research and manufacturing innovation. A second day of discussions will focus on consumer behavior, sustainability initiatives and developments in large-scale retail, highlighting how producers are adapting to evolving demand and distribution channels.
Parma was selected as the venue because of its longstanding association with Italy’s food industry and its role as a center for food manufacturing and innovation. The city is home to internationally recognized food companies and hosts several major industry events, making it a strategic location for a conference that aims to connect agricultural producers, food manufacturers, technology suppliers and commercial partners.
World Pasta Day has been celebrated annually since 1998 following its creation by the World Pasta Congress to promote pasta as a nutritious, accessible and culturally significant food. While the global celebration officially falls on October 25 each year, the 2026 industry conference will take place over the following two days in Parma, marking a new chapter for the event as it expands its emphasis on innovation and international collaboration across the pasta supply chain.
Find out more at: https://2026.worldpastaday.org/en/