RESULTS OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY INTERFOOD ASTANA EXHIBITION: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, ADVANCED SOLUTIONS, AND A NEW LEVEL OF EXPORT POTENTIAL
FROM 28 TO 30 MAY 2025, ASTANA BECAME THE CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION WITH THE HOSTING OF A MAJOR EVENT IN THE FOOD AND PACKAGING INDUSTRY — THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY KAZAKHSTAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD INDUSTRY EXHIBITION INTERFOOD ASTANA 2025.
The exhibition welcomed 4,562 unique visitors (combined with AstanaBuild and KIOSH exhibitions) and proved to be a significant event for the entire sector. It became an effective platform for establishing new connections, as noted by Bakhtiyar Nurtazin, Deputy Director for Economics at Maksimovsky Product MF LLP: «I really enjoyed the exhibition — there were many suppliers and manufacturers offering a variety of products. It's a great opportunity to connect with potential partners, suppliers, and sellers. For business, participating in such an event is truly beneficial. »
Visitors to InterFood Astana had the chance to discover cutting-edge developments, products, and technologies presented by 81 companies from 10 countries: Kazakhstan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, China, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and South Korea. A particular highlight was the national stand of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented for the first time and uniting around 20 manufacturers offering a wide range of products. Technology equipment suppliers once again held a strong position at the exhibition, consistently choosing this platform to showcase their innovations. Among the regular participants were the German company Kronen and Rodals, presenting bakery and confectionery equipment from Europe, Turkey, and Iran. Newcomer Scale Enterprise (Russia) introduced its South Korean partners to the market, showcasing advanced technologies for the food industry — from X-ray inspection systems to integrated industrial safety solutions.
The exposition covered all key segments of the food sector: from raw materials, ingredients, and packaging to logistics and high-tech equipment. Visitors were particularly interested in live demonstrations, product tastings, culinary masterclasses, and equipment in action.
The geography of participants included both international and local markets: 38 foreign companies and 43 Kazakh representatives, demonstrating Kazakhstan’s attractiveness for foreign investors and food industry manufacturers. Participants praised the exhibition’s potential to promote products both locally and globally. “There were many Kazakh producers, which is very encouraging — the Kazakh market can grow the country’s GDP with its own products, and that’s great. Yesterday, we had conversations with representatives from other countries — Georgia, Russia — who were interested in our products. We held negotiations on potential export sales. I believe these talks won’t go to waste, and we’ll sign export agreements,” said Dmitry Isarov, Director of Green Vitamin.
In addition to the large exhibition, the event featured a rich business program, combining training sessions, tech seminars, B2B platforms, and expert discussions. The program opened with a plenary session titled: "Intensive Development of Kazakhstan's Food and Processing Industry", featuring key speakers such as: Shaimerden Akhmetov, Deputy Director of the Department of Agri-Food Markets and Agricultural Processing of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Svetlana Nazaryuk, Director of the Astana Regional Branch of the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC, Konstantin Fedorchuk, Supply Chain Director, PepsiCo (Belarus, Caucasus, and Central Asia), Sanzhar Karimbekov, Founder of QazAgroFood. They discussed major issues in processing development — from government roles and support for small businesses to sustainable rural development and cooperation with global brands. This dialogue laid the groundwork for new ideas and initiatives aimed at expanding local producers' export opportunities.
Among the highlights of the business program were: The presentation of a new PepsiCo plant in Kazakhstan, The unveiling of an innovative domestic startup project (with Al-Farabi KazNU), aimed at creating a digital twin of a food industry enterprise using artificial intelligence.
The program also featured: EXPERT TALKS by Igor Chumarin: "From Factory to Store Shelf Without Losses: Methods to Prevent Supply Chain Waste" A joint session by Anna Bakurskaya and Elena Rivkina: "Sales-Oriented Presentation for a Category Manager"
On 29 May, the program continued with: A business lecture: “Scaling Sales: Strategy for Working with Distributors” A presentation: “Developing a Digital Twin of a Food Industry Enterprise Using AI and IIoT” A workshop: “AI as a Tool to Increase ROI in Food Marketing” On 30 May, the program concluded with a masterclass: "How Can a Small Brand Outpace Giants and Build a Loyal Audience?" All three days were marked by a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. Experts shared practical case studies, new ideas, and effective tools capable of transforming approaches to doing business in the food industry.
InterFood Astana 2025 became a key platform for strengthening international ties, showcasing innovations, and forming new partnerships. Thanks to this event, Kazakhstan continues to establish itself as a strategic market and key destination for manufacturers and investors from across the globe.
The event was held with the official support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Astana, and the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition.
The exhibition was organized by Kazakhstan-based company Iteca and its international partner – ICA Events Group.
