Hostex 2026 marked its 40th anniversary by opening doors to innovation, collaboration and business growth across the hospitality sector, welcoming 7 935 visitors to the Sandton Convention Centre — a 16.5% increase from 2024.
Exhibitor participation rose by just over 60%, enabling the show to return to two floors of exhibition space and restoring it to pre-COVID scale, clearly signaling renewed confidence across the industry.
Visitors engaged with a diverse mix of global brands, local suppliers and emerging businesses. An International Pavilion representing seven countries brought global products to market, while the SME Pavilion featured more than 30 small businesses, creating valuable opportunities to connect with buyers and decision-makers.
Hostex 2026 was officially opened by Mrs Gugu Motlanthe representing the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, setting the tone for three days of meaningful engagement across the sector.
“Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Hostex made this year’s show particularly meaningful,” said Lerato Nako, Events Manager of Hostex. “The theme ‘Opening doors’ truly came to life, creating new opportunities, strong connections and renewed energy across the hospitality industry.”
Conversations shaping the future of hospitality
The Bidfood Industry Hub Theatre hosted a focused seminar programme addressing key industry themes, including beverage innovation, technology adoption, sustainability and business resilience.
The theatre also hosted the launch of South African Food Stories, a new YouTube series and video podcast presented by Nicci Robertson.
Live watch parties and book signings introduced visitors to episodes featuring chef-authors Naqiyah Mayat and Kenneth Tebogo Middleton, sharing the stories behind South Africa’s evolving food culture. The series is supported by Bidfood, FNB and the SA Chefs Association.
The FNB Business Lounge, sponsored by FNB Business Banking, provided a dedicated space for SMEs and entrepreneurs to connect and explore growth opportunities.
Culinary energy on the show floor
The SA Chefs Village, curated by the SA Chefs Association and sponsored by Vulcan Catering Equipment, delivered high-energy demonstrations and competitions that drew consistent crowds.
Coffee culture was equally prominent, with the Gauteng Regional Barista Championship, delivered in partnership with SCASA, showcasing top local talent.
Exhibitors report strong engagement and quality buyers
Exhibitors across the show floor highlighted strong engagement and valuable business outcomes.
Nick Köntos of Clearworld said, “The quality of leads coming through over the three days has been phenomenal… the level of interest on our stand has been incredible.”
Brigid Jaucot of Wiesenhof added, “We had good quality buyers walking through, made strong connections and a load of leads, and the decision-makers we had appointments with all came through.”
For Deleane Luzzotto of Rebel Safety Wear, the diversity of visitors stood out: “It’s been very busy with executive chefs, hotels, guest houses and schools coming through.”
Kulthum Abrahams of Ice Team noted, “We actually made sales, not just leads.”
Annellee Mulder of Fanel Restaurant & Catering Supplies added, “We’ve had visitors coming specifically to see us, including buyers from outside South Africa.”
Visitors inspired by innovation
Visitors echoed the positive sentiment, highlighting both inspiration and networking opportunities.
Chef Zana Alvarado noted, “There was so much innovation… it gave me a lot of ideas about how to take my business to the next level.”
Sizwe Cebekhulilu, Culinary Ambassador for Tork, added, “It was the most amazing show in terms of networking and business engagements.”
Investing in people and purpose
Hostex 2026 also reinforced its commitment to industry development and social impact. The Bryan Montgomery Bursary was awarded to Hope Msibi of Capsicum Culinary Studio, recognising emerging culinary talent and supporting the next generation of chefs entering the profession. In parallel, Hostex partnered with Chefs with Compassion, giving visitors the opportunity to contribute during the registration process. This initiative supported the organisation’s ongoing work to address food insecurity in Gauteng, extending the impact of the show beyond the exhibition floor.
Strong support from sponsors and partners
Hostex 2026 was supported by leading sponsors including Tork (Nala Restaurant), FNB Business Banking (FNB Business Lounge), Bidfood (Industry Hub Theatre), Vulcan Catering Equipment (SA Chefs Village), Unilever Food Solutions and Unilever Professional (Official Registration Sponsor), THIRSTI Water, Thokoman, Doubleshot and supported by Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
Industry partners included FEDHASA, the National Accommodation Association of South Africa, the SA Chefs Association, SANHA, and SCASA.
Looking ahead
As Hostex marks 40 years of connecting the hospitality industry, the success of the 2026 edition reflects strong momentum and renewed confidence across the sector.
“Hostex has always been about bringing the industry together,” said Nako. “This year showed just how powerful that connection can be.”
