From September 18 to 21, 2025, Budapest’s HUNGEXPO Congress and Exhibition Center will burst into life with the 82nd National Agriculture and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair (OMÉK, Országos Mezőgazdasági és Élelmiszeripari Kiállítás és Vásár). The event has a tradition reaching back almost 150 years and stands as Hungary’s largest agricultural showcase. This biennial celebration is where rural charm meets urban curiosity, bringing together everyone from industry experts to curious families.
Agriculture From Every Angle
OMÉK brings together every segment of the agriculture and food sector. Producers, processors, distributors, and major retail chains all set up shop for four packed days. But it’s not just for the industry—tens of thousands of visitors are expected, with an irresistible mix of children’s activities, gourmet food demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and even Central Europe’s largest small producers’ market. A special Hungarikum section highlights those uniquely Hungarian products recognized as national treasures.
This year, the event’s focus shines a spotlight on the work of farmers, with both public-friendly programming and major professional events. Industry representatives will have the chance to network, strike new deals, and explore business opportunities both locally and internationally, thanks to an ever-expanding pool of buyers and suppliers from around the globe.
Business, Innovation, and Digital Farming
Business doesn’t stop at Hungary’s borders. Returning to OMÉK is the Hungarian Food Summit—a top-tier international meeting for food exporters and buyers. After the roaring success of its debut two years ago, this year’s summit expects to bring together 80-100 Hungarian food export companies and up to 200 international buyers, setting the stage for new partnerships and major business breakthroughs.
Agriculture may be one of humanity’s oldest trades, but OMÉK is firmly focused on the future. The theme of digitalization runs throughout the event, highlighted by a unique professional conference, “Smart Technology, Green Future – Modernization Solutions for Agriculture,” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture. The conference explores everything from the latest Hungarian and European trends in digital farming and innovation to practical solutions for efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Hot topics include how digital tools are shaping the future of farming, crop production, livestock, horticulture, and generational renewal in agriculture.
Expert lectures and roundtables will present real-world case studies and demonstrate how digital know-how is spreading across fields and farms, while participants share experiences from the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) period. A key subject will be how technology can bridge gaps between generations and foster knowledge transfer—helping ensure that farming stays alive and thriving.
Exhibition Halls and Highlights
The fair is split into five main pavilions, each offering a unique slice of rural and culinary life:
A Pavilion showcases professional organizations, food industry leaders, major agricultural companies, and Hungary’s latest farming machinery. Expect dozens of food producers on display and the bustle of the Food Business Program and Food Summit, alongside expert sessions from the Ministry of Agriculture.
B Pavilion is dedicated to live animal demonstrations, so animal lovers and families can meet animals up close (but sorry, no pets allowed for animal health reasons).
C Pavilion becomes the Conference Center, hosting two professional days with forums and presentations that delve deep into industry issues.
D Pavilion is all about small producers and families. Here you’ll find rural farmers, craft food vendors, organic specialists in the “FreeFest” (MentesFeszt) section (featuring gluten-free and allergen-free foods), and certified local producers showcasing goods from all over Hungary. The OMÉK Main Stage will host kids’ concerts, crafts, and family entertainment.
E Pavilion celebrates the treasures of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence): community agricultural groups and food artisans (some from across the border) exhibit regional gems, traditional crafts, and culinary heritage. Enjoy continuous cultural programming with music, dance, and fashion shows, plus demonstrations of age-old trades. The Hungarikum stand features icons like Hévíz Spa (Hévízi tófürdő), Tokaji Aszú (Tokaji aszú) wine, Acacia Honey (Akácméz), Fruit Brandy (Pálinka), Gyula Sausage (Gyulai kolbász), Halas Lace-Makers (Halasi csipke), and more.
Between the pavilions, the bustling “Gastro Street” (Átjáró) serves up street food, drinks, and unique culinary surprises, with food trucks and wooden food stalls creating an open-air feast.
Family Fun and Knowledge for All Ages
The weekend’s public programs aim to entertain every generation. On the OMÉK Main Stage, the program alternates between kids’ concerts, gardening demonstrations, folk dancing, talks on organic bread, panel chats about smart gardening, and performances like Disney songs or the folk-infused “FolkTrend!” by the Dezső Fitos Troupe (Fitos Dezső Társulat). Experts host interactive sessions for both seasoned gardeners and city-dwellers eager to try composting, seed-saving, or eco-friendly gardening techniques.
Practical Info and Entry
A day ticket costs about $2.75, with a family ticket (two adults plus children under 18) at $5.50. Admission is free for children under 6. For animal safety, visitors are asked to leave their pets at home since disease control measures for the exhibited animals are a top priority.
Whether you’re a farmer searching for innovation, a food lover hunting for your new favorite cheese, or a family looking for unforgettable autumn fun, OMÉK 2025 is your all-access pass to the pulse of Hungary’s rural life and culinary creativity. Don’t miss it!
