For four vibrant days in September 2025, Budapest transforms into Hungary’s agricultural heart as OMÉK—the National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair (Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár)—returns to HUNGEXPO from September 18–21. This marks the 82nd edition of OMÉK, a tradition that stretches back nearly 150 years, blending both business and pure entertainment for all ages, city-dwellers and visitors alike.
A Hub for Experts and Everyday Foodies
OMÉK has evolved into Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry showcase, staged every two years. It’s a key stop not just for industry professionals, but for anyone curious about the entire field-to-table process. Leading Hungarian and international players use OMÉK as the place to strike deals, connect with buyers, find new partners, and present the latest tech and cultivation trends. The 2025 fair shines a special spotlight on the work of farmers and producers.
This year again brings the Hungarian Food Summit (Magyar Élelmiszeripari Csúcs), a major international business matchmaking event. Building on the massive success of its 2023 debut, this summit expects 80–100 Hungarian food exporters and about 200 foreign buyers. But when the weekend arrives, it’s all about the public: the event features workshops, cooking shows, Central Europe’s largest small producers’ market, a dedicated Hungarikum (Unique Hungarian Products) stand, plus a whirlwind of family activities and kids’ programs geared toward tens of thousands of visitors.
Farming Meets the Future: Digital Innovations in Agriculture
Agricultural digitalization is both a hot topic and a necessity, and OMÉK is embracing the change. The event hosts a new conference, “Smart Technology, Green Future – Modernization Solutions for Agriculture,” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (Agrárminisztérium) on September 18. Attendees will get the latest updates on agricultural digitalization in both Hungary and Europe: where it’s headed, what works, and how farmers can utilize emerging technology.
Discussion will center on how digital solutions and innovation can truly work together, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness, and encouraging new generations to take over the land. A special focus of the talks will be on lessons learned so far under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027).
The conference brings together professionals for presentations and roundtable discussions, sharing best practices across crop, livestock, and horticultural sectors. Participants get practical tips for adapting successful models at home. Another highlight explores how digitalization can help bridge generational gaps and transfer vital knowledge within farming families.
More than just theory, these sessions are designed to equip farmers with practical information to guide their development and future plans.
Explore the OMÉK Pavilions
Ready to explore? The exhibition is divided into specialized sections:
A Pavilion focuses on agricultural organizations, food industry companies, and agri-tech. There’s a food business section with 80–100 exhibitors, space for the Hungarian Food Summit (Magyar Élelmiszeripari Csúcs), and Ministry of Agriculture programs—alongside major machinery displays.
B Pavilion is dedicated to livestock displays.
C Pavilion hosts the main conference center, where professional days (September 18–19) feature forums, lectures, and seminars.
D Pavilion is the main area for small producers and the main stage. Local farmers, family businesses, artisans, and communities present handcrafted goods, organic foods, and products bearing regional trademarks. There’s the “MentesFeszt” zone highlighting allergen-free foods, a focus on National Park products, and lively cultural activities including kids’ concerts, interactive crafts, and educational shows.
E Pavilion celebrates the Carpathian Basin’s (Kárpát-medence) culinary and cultural treasures. Civil agricultural organizations from neighboring countries display traditional foods, crafts, and heritage skills, with nonstop music, folk dancing, fashion shows, and stage performances. The Hungarikum (Unique Hungarian Products) and National Values section lets you discover everything from Hévíz Spa (Hévízi-tó), Tokaj aszú wine (Tokaji aszú), Acacia honey (Akácméz), Pálinka, Gyula sausages (Gyulai kolbász), to Kiskunhalas lace-makers (Kiskunhalasi csipke) and traditional busó costumes (busó jelmez).
Passage: “Gastro Street” links everything together, serving up Hungarian and international street food from food trucks and wooden stalls—a sure hit with hungry visitors.
Family-Friendly Fun: Mark Your Calendars
Each day, from Thursday to Sunday (10:00–18:00), the D Pavilion’s main stage comes alive with programming for all ages. Expect science talks on plant diversity and home gardening, workshops on healthy eating and organic bread, children’s concerts by Alma, Zabszalma, and Buborék bands, and performances ranging from folk dance to Disney classics. There’s even a gardening session with beloved presenter Marcsi Borbás, and insightful roundtables on sustainability and food waste.
Tickets and Good to Know
A regular day ticket is just $2.75, while a family ticket for two adults and their children under 18 costs $5.50. Children under 6 enter free. Entry is available at HUNGEXPO Gates I and III.
For the safety of the animals on display, please leave your own pets at home this year as a precaution against the spread of infectious diseases affecting livestock.
From September 18–21, Budapest is set for a farm-to-festival celebration where tradition meets tomorrow—and everyone’s invited.
