The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) will take part in Macfrut 2026, the leading international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, to be held from 21 to 23 April at the Rimini Expo Centre. AICS will feature a stand of approximately 300 square metres, hosting ten of its overseas offices, along with institutional delegations and producers from partner countries. The programme also includes three thematic panels focused on agroecology, rural development and financial instruments for sustainable development.
The aim of this participation is to strengthen dialogue between the agency, agri-food value chains and the “Sistema Italia” network, highlighting experiences linked to programmes carried out in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.
“Macfrut is not just a sector trade fair, but a concrete platform where development cooperation and the internationalisation of Sistema Italia converge. This combination contributes to the development of agricultural value chains in partner countries, the enhancement of local territories and the creation of economic opportunities for rural communities. Agriculture is now at the centre of major global challenges, from food security to climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. These are the areas in which the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation works daily on the ground, supporting producers, institutions and territories in transforming agri-food systems,” said AICS Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi.
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“Macfrut stands out for its global vocation, bringing together exhibitors from all five continents. In this context, collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation plays a strategic role. For the past five editions, we have shared a path focused on internationalisation and development cooperation. Our trade fair is a hub of opportunities and knowledge, where visitors can discover the latest sector innovations and connect with key buyers and experts worldwide—essential elements for cooperation programmes in the agri-food sector,” added Patrizio Neri, President of Macfrut.
The AICS exhibition space will host ten of its overseas offices (Tirana, Bogotá, San Salvador, Havana, Tunis, Jerusalem, Beirut, Maputo, Kampala and Hanoi), with two special focuses: one on Latin America and another on Albania, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Tirana acting as co-organiser of the stand.
During the event, three thematic round tables will be held, covering agroecology, rural development experiences in Central America and the role of financial instruments linked to programmes under the Mattei Plan, such as “Green Cities” and “CAAM” (Agri-Food Centre of Manica, Mozambique). The stand will also host B2B meetings, analytical sessions and tastings of products from value chains supported by the Agency, including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, moringa infusions and cassava-based products.
