AICS will showcase its commitment to sustainable agriculture at Macfrut 2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has confirmed its attendance at Macfrut 2026, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, to be held from 21 to 23 April at the Rimini Expo Centre.

It will occupy a stand of around 300 square metres, with representatives from its 10 overseas offices, as well as institutional delegations and producers from partner countries. The agenda also includes three thematic panels on agroecology, rural development, and financial instruments for sustainable development. Its participation is motivated by the desire to strengthen the dialogue between the Italian Agency, agrifood supply chains, and Italy’s national system, drawing on experience gained from programmes implemented in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. 

"Macfrut is more than just a trade fair for the sector; it also serves as a platform for development cooperation and the internationalisation of Italy’s national system," explains AICS Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi. "As such, it promotes the growth of agricultural supply chains in partner countries, the development of local areas, and the creation of economic opportunities for rural communities. Through its daily on-site presence, the Italian Agency aims to support producers, institutions and local areas in their efforts to transform agrifood systems."

"What sets Macfrut apart is its international outlook, with exhibitors hailing from five continents. In this scenario, collaborating with the Italian Agency is crucial," adds Patrizio Neri, President of Macfrut. "Our trade fair is a hub of opportunity and knowledge: it is a place where visitors can observe and learn about the latest industry developments, as well as engage in dialogue with leading global buyers and experts: all of these elements are pivotal for the success of cooperation programmes in the agrifood sector." 

Macfrut to feature cooperation from the five corners of the planet

The agency’s 10 offices abroad—Tirana, Bogotá, San Salvador, Havana, Tunis, Jerusalem, Beirut, Maputo, Kampala and Hanoi—will be represented at AICS’s exhibition space.

There will be two special focus sessions: one dedicated to Latin America and one to Albania, featuring the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania (Tirana) as co-organizer of the stand. The trade fair will host three thematic panels dedicated to agroecology, experiences of rural development in Central America, and the role of financial instruments linked to the Mattei Plan initiatives, such as ‘Green Cities’ and ‘CAAM’ (Manica Agri-food Centre, Mozambique).

The stand will also host B2B meetings and in-depth discussions, as well as tastings of products from supply chains supported by the Italian Agency, including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, moringa infusions and cassava derivatives. 

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