Natexpo closed its doors on Tuesday, September 29th at Eurexpo Lyon, after two intense days that attracted representatives from across the distribution network. Exhibitors reported an exceptionally positive experience, and several have already announced their return in 2027.
A visitor program refocused on decision-makers
Placed under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Food Sovereignty, this edition confirms the refocusing of the show on a qualified and targeted visitor audience. Natexpo welcomed 5,771 professionals, 10% of whom came from abroad, and with the entire distribution sector represented. This targeting has facilitated direct exchanges between manufacturers and buyers, and exhibitors welcome the quality of the contacts made at their stands.
Business meetings that were fully booked
Networking formats accounted for a large part of the trade show's activity. Speed-Meetings RHD They filled up around five buyers from the institutional catering sector (Elior, Messidor, Mille et Un Repas, Lyon Inter-administrative Restaurant, Villeurbanne Municipal Catering), who came to meet pre-selected suppliers. On the distribution side, Corner Stores were among the highlights of the show with nearly 70 independent stores welcomed, while the Fruit and Vegetable Hub, led by the industry expert, brought together producers and buyers around the key department for organic stores. The international conferences experienced a level of attendance rarely seen before. The Forum La Maison de la Bio and the Bio-Trends Forum welcomed full houses over the two days.
Innovation at the heart of the aisles
The ceremony of Awards led to the unveiling of the Public's Choice Award, given to the winner of the International Special Mention: Terrasana's instant noodles with miso and shiitake mushrooms, an organic reference that perfectly reflects snacking trends and flavors from around the world. Terrasana wins a year of listing at The Vie Claire with immediate activation in the brand's stores. The other 7 winners of the Natexpo Trophies will choose their prizes in the coming days, with the distributors who are members of the Synadis Bio Operation partners: Accord Bio , Bioworld, The fourche, The Organic Counters et Naturalia.
Christelle Le Hir, co-president of La Maison de la Bio, president of SYNADIS BIO and chair of the board of directors of La Vie Claire declares
I am delighted with the success of the 2026 edition of Natexpo: in the context of a recovery in the organic markets, the atmosphere at the show was dynamic and friendly. This successful event does not, however, overshadow our concern about the consequences of the summer heatwave on the health of organic farms and the morale of farmers, a topic widely discussed throughout the aisles.
Our conference program was a hit with visitors and opened up some interesting perspectives. I particularly noted BASIC's work on the hidden costs of food, the COSMEBIO and SYNADIET study on consumer expectations, and the presentation by the Holo Foundation and champion Christine Arron, who encouraged the organic sector to engage more with the world of sports. Finally, I welcome SYNADIS BIO's return to the AGENCE BIO, officially announced on Tuesday at the Distributors' Village. This is a key meeting point for economic players in the organic sector. Natexpo has once again achieved its objectives. We thank and renew our confidence in the SPAS Organisation team who are supporting us at this trade show.
An international dimension and proven commercial momentum
With 25% international exhibitors and 10% foreign visitorsNatexpo reinforces its position as the leading European event for organic products. The Moroccan, Italian, and Dutch pavilions participated in this edition. The Hungarian delegation, which came as a group with organic honey and rice producers, will return next year. Kacsó Hunor Sándor, leader of NagykunAs evidenced by [company name], the leading supplier of organic rice in Central Europe: "We came to develop our brand and build supplier relationships for our white-label business. We achieved our objectives for this rollout in France and we will be back next year."
This international opening will continue from November with the Business Expeditions organized in Barcelona and Brussels, which will accompany French companies to meet European buyers.
For some visitors, this edition marks a new chapter. Laurent Bordeau, manager of Adicer, a producer of cereal flakes, has been attending the trade show for several years. : “I have been a loyal attendee of Natexpo for a long time, because the offerings and the networking opportunities are impressive for a company like ours. Next year, for the first time, we will have a stand to continue this momentum.”
