Hostex at 40: A Legacy of Trust, Taste, and Tenacity

Hostex 2026: 40 Years of Opening Doors for the Hospitality Sector

Johannesburg’s hospitality landscape reached a new pinnacle this March as the Sandton Convention Centre hosted a landmark anniversary. Hostex 2026 marks a major milestone: 40 years of connecting professionals across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. What began as a single-hall exhibition at NASREC in 1986 has evolved into a two-hall powerhouse, with the 2026 edition recording a 16.5% increase in visitor numbers, welcoming nearly 8,000 industry decision-makers.

The theme, “Opening Doors,” was more than a slogan; it represented a massive physical expansion. For the first time in years, the show activated both Hall 1 and Hall 2, creating six dedicated districts—Equipment Africa, Food & Drink Africa, Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishings Africa, Technology Africa, and Sustainability Africa—to streamline procurement for high-level buyers.

Innovation Zones: The Beverage Hub and SME Pavilion

Hostex

A standout feature of the 40th anniversary was the launch of the Beverage Hub in Hall 1. This immersive space focused on the “liquid margin,” showcasing everything from zero-proof cocktails to craft spirits. In partnership with associations like SCASA and the Brandy SA Foundation, the hub hosted “Taste Talk Trend” sessions and the National Barista Championships, proving that beverage innovation is a primary driver of modern hospitality revenue.

Simultaneously, the new SME Pavilion, supported by the dtic and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, provided a springboard for emerging local suppliers. This zone allowed small businesses to engage directly with corporate procurement officers, ensuring that the “Opening Doors” theme translated into real market access for South African entrepreneurs.

The SA Chefs Village: A Legacy of Culinary Craft

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At the heart of the show floor, the former “Skillery” evolved into the SA Chefs Village. As a founding partner since 1986, the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) anchored the event with a three-day programme:

The 2026 show also reinforced its social impact through the Bryan Montgomery Bursary, awarded to Hope Msibi of Capsicum Culinary Studio, and a partnership with Chefs with Compassion to fight food insecurity in Gauteng.

A Global Gateway for Hospitality Trade

Hostex

With international pavilions from Italy, Brazil, Turkey, China, and Australia, Hostex 2026 successfully connected local innovators with global supply chains. As Managing Director Gary Corin noted, the show has stayed relevant for 40 years because it delivers tangible value. From the Bidfood Industry Hub seminar theatre to the launch of the “South African Food Stories” vodcast, the event proved that the future of hospitality lies in the intersection of technology, storytelling, and human connection.

Connect with the Home of Hospitality

Keep the conversation going and stay informed about the 2028 roadmap: