Sept 4 – German trade-fair organiser Messe Düsseldorf is preparing to enter Morocco with its first trade show in the country in 2027, expanding its international exhibition network into one of North Africa’s key industrial and trade markets.
The planned event will be organised in partnership with Morocco’s National Federation of the Food Industry (FENAGRI) and will focus on the food and packaging industries. It is expected to provide international companies with a platform to access Morocco and neighbouring markets while strengthening Messe Düsseldorf’s presence across North Africa.
The partnership also expands the organiser’s existing activities across the food value chain, linking its established expertise in packaging exhibitions with Morocco’s growing food-processing sector.
Wolfram N. Diener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Düsseldorf, described the partnership with FENAGRI as a natural extension of the company’s regional strategy.
“With our entry into the Moroccan market, our network in the MENA region will extend from the Atlantic coast to the Arabian Peninsula,” Diener said.
Messe Düsseldorf said Morocco offers a strategic advantage because of its proximity to Europe and its established commercial links with West Africa. The company already operates food and packaging trade shows in Cairo, which it describes as a connection between African and Middle Eastern markets.
“While our food and packaging trade shows in Cairo serve as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East, Morocco will provide access to West African markets and offer a compelling advantage because of its proximity to Europe,” Diener said.
Morocco’s position as a trade gateway
The planned exhibition comes as Morocco continues to develop its position as an industrial and logistics hub connecting European and African markets.
Messe Düsseldorf expects the Moroccan economy to record annual growth of between 4.5% and 5% through 2028, supported by investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy. The country’s network of free-trade agreements has also strengthened its appeal as a base for companies seeking access to international markets.
The food industry is an important component of this trade network. Morocco exports fruits and vegetables, processed food and seafood, while relying on imports for products including grains, edible oils, animal feed and dairy products.
More than 60% of Morocco’s food imports and exports are conducted with the European Union, according to Messe Düsseldorf. Other significant trading relationships include the United Kingdom, the United States, Türkiye, sub-Saharan Africa and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
The expansion of food production and processing is expected to increase demand for modern processing and packaging equipment, creating a potential market for international suppliers participating in the new exhibition.
FENAGRI provides local industry network
FENAGRI will bring its domestic industry expertise and network to the partnership. Operating under the mandate of Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the federation represents 15 industry associations and more than 2,600 companies.
The federation estimates that its members account for between 40% and 50% of Morocco’s food industry market, giving the planned event access to businesses across a broad section of the country’s food value chain.
For Messe Düsseldorf, the partnership provides a local industry platform through which to establish the new exhibition, while FENAGRI gains access to the German organiser’s international trade-fair expertise and global exhibitor network.
Diener said the partnership could create a broader commercial platform for companies seeking opportunities across the region.
“The growth of our events in the region demonstrates the enormous potential of the MENA markets, which we are unlocking for our customers together with our partners,” he said.
The 2027 exhibition will mark Messe Düsseldorf’s first trade-show venture in Morocco and represents another step in the country’s efforts to position itself as a link between European supply chains, African markets and the wider MENA region.
