Food
is a life
experience
progetto internazionale dell'enogastronomia e dell'ospitalità
Through editorial content, interviews, in-depth articles, and high-profile contributions, FoodExp explores the evolution of cuisine, new gastronomic techniques, restaurant business models, and the value of Italian tradition reinterpreted in a modern key. It is not just an information platform, but an editorial ecosystem that actively involves professionals and promotes the excellence of the territory.
FoodExp was created to forge authentic connections between those who work in the food industry every day, fostering a community that is knowledgeable, curious, and focused on the future of taste. It is a project that combines culture, innovation, and passion, offering an authoritative and inspirational view of the national and international food scene.
FoodExp 2026
2–3 November – Dominican Cloister, LE
International Forum on Food, Wine and Hospitality
A prestigious event bringing together professionals, experts and enthusiasts in the fields of food and wine and hospitality from all over the world. During the forum, there will be high-level conferences, workshops, tastings and cooking demonstrations, offering a unique platform for sharing knowledge, trends and best practices within the sector. The 2026 edition will focus on key themes such as innovation in the hospitality sector, the new frontiers of food and wine, the impact of sustainability on the food industry, and the importance of the customer experience in luxury hospitality.
Oltre Foodexp
THE REBRANDING OF APULIA: THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AS A GLOBAL TOURISM DESTINATION
News from the world of Foodexp
Ciccio Vitiello: comportamenti giusti, hamburger “sbagliati”
Secondo Andrea Camilleri «si cucina sempre pensando a qualcuno»; citazione, questa, che sembra descrivere in toto il pensiero gastronomico e perfino il carattere del giovane pizzaiolo Ciccio Vitiello, patron di
The Mediterranean by Enrico Marmo
Enrico Marmo, piemontese classe 1986, è arrivato in cucina quasi
Let's discover the MAM ("masters of arts and crafts") project by alma
Giacomo Bullo (Alma comunication manager) e Ciro Fontanesi (Alma wine
Quality content makes all the difference on social media
Nel mondo digitale di oggi, i social network sono diventati molto più di semplici canali di comunicazione: sono il cuore pulsante della presenza online di ogni brand…
Events Connection
Connection è il format che estende l’esperienza oltre l’evento principale, creando momenti di confronto ad alto valore tra imprenditori, chef, manager e professionisti del settore. Ogni appuntamento esplora temi chiave come innovazione, marketing, industria, finanza e management, offrendo insight concreti e una visione aggiornata sulle dinamiche che stanno ridefinendo il futuro della gastronomia e dell’impresa.
These meetings are not simply stepping stones to the annual main event: they are a true path of collective growth. FoodExp Connection fuels the community's continuous development, strengthens relationships, and builds the energy—anticipation, hype, participation—that makes FoodExp a national benchmark for those who experience taste as culture, business, and vision.
Video & Interviews
Previous editions of the FOOD forumexp
Thematic workshops focusing on cooking techniques, ingredients, dishes, thematic projects, and previews. It is a space for in-depth study and informal training, and in some ways surprising, characterized by a very exciting narrative.
talk & conference
The strength of the talks lies in the high profile of the speakers, talented personalities who have made their mark in their respective fields, in cuisine, hospitality, and the tourism industry in our country and beyond.
Masterclass & cooking show
Leading chefs from the international scene bring their art to the stage, cooking the region's finest produce live. A moment of exchange and inspiration, where technique, creativity, and raw ingredients come together in front of the audience to create unique culinary experiences.
Memorable dinners
Sitting at the table of a Michelin-starred chef or a master of fine dining while staying in Lecce is not an impossible dream with FoodExp. Two exclusive lunches for two days of FoodExp.
Why participate in foodexp
What is FoodExp?
The restaurant and hospitality forum
The philosophy behind the FoodExp project
Food as culture, connection, and experience
The philosophy behind FoodExp is to create a meeting point and connection of excellence for the world of catering, food and wine, and hospitality. Through this forum, chefs, entrepreneurs, tour operators, cooking schools, institutions, and companies in the sector are brought together.
FoodExp was founded in Puglia but has an international reach. It promotes values such as innovation, sustainability, the enhancement of culinary traditions, and professional growth.
Each edition is conceived not only as an event, but as a cultural project that inspires the food and hospitality community, stimulating collaborations and contributing to the future evolution of the sector.
where FoodExp takes place
The food event in Lecce
FoodExp usually takes place in spring, typically in April, and is held in Lecce, in the heart of Puglia. Each edition is held in the evocative setting of the Chiostro dei Domenicani, a historic residence on the outskirts of Lecce. During FoodExp, this ancient complex is transformed into a venue for conferences, tastings, and meetings between professionals and enthusiasts.
How to participate in FoodExp
Registration for the event is free, but places are limited.
Participation in FoodExp is open to the public, but registration and tickets are required. Admission to the forum is usually free, subject to online booking on the website (subject to availability), while some special experiences within the event—such as gourmet dinners, memorable lunches with Michelin-starred chefs, or guided wine tastings—are subject to a fee and require the purchase of a dedicated ticket.
Who can participate in FoodExp
Chefs, restaurateurs, and lovers of good food
FoodExp attracts leading experts in the food, wine, and hospitality sectors, as well as a diverse audience of professionals and enthusiasts from the world of food, catering, and hospitality. Speakers and guests of honor include Michelin-starred chefs (both Italian and international), maître d's and restaurant managers from prestigious restaurants, sommeliers, bartenders, entrepreneurs in the restaurant and hospitality industry, food journalists, and other prominent figures in the restaurant and hotel industry.
The FoodExp audience includes industry professionals, students from hotel management schools or university courses related to tourism and catering, and food lovers.
How to become a FoodExp partner
An opportunity for visibility for companies in the sector
FoodExp welcomes collaborations and sponsorships from companies and organizations that share its philosophy. Becoming a partner or sponsor of FoodExp means actively supporting one of the most important food and wine events in Italy, gaining in return wide visibility among a qualified audience of professionals from the world of food and wine, catering, hospitality, and tourism.
Those interested in a partnership or sponsorship can contact the FoodExp staff directly at: info@foodexp.it
