Tabletop Trends: Ambiente: ‘a cornucopia of innovation and inspiration’
Ambiente is where the world comes together to discover the latest trends in tableware and kitchen utensils
Held annually at Messe Frankfurt, it’s the leading international consumer goods trade fair. The 2026 event takes place from 6th to 10th February and here Paula Sherlock, chair of the FEA’s Light Equipment and Tableware product group, takes a look at what to expect at this year’s show – and why you should go!
If you want to be in the know, Ambiente is the place. You’ll be able to meet the world’s leading brands exhibiting alongside smaller companies, all showing their latest collections and innovations, including a whole host of HORECA products. Buffet is still a big trend and there are many companies displaying presentation and food dispensing ideas. For the kitchen there are products covering everything from transport and storage to prep and utensils. There are café, bar and restaurant accessories, the latest tableware concepts, disposable and reusable products… in fact, a cornucopia of innovation and inspiration for the hospitality industry. It’s absolutely THE time and place to network with your suppliers, compare products and make selections for your catalogue and web site.
If you’re a first time visitor, don’t underestimate the scale of the show – it is huge. Plan your visit ahead of arrival and book meetings with those brands you really want to see, but give yourself enough time to discover those you don’t know. Also, allow time to navigate the crowds and get around the show – there’s a useful Ambiente App to help navigate halls, levels and stands. You can walk between the different halls, but why not give yourself a break and take the shuttle bus if you’re getting tired or short of time?
Ambiente is the first real chance for the industry to see what’s new for 2026, and it’s the main launchpad for many suppliers and manufacturers who want to show off their latest products. With plenty of FEA light equipment and tableware members exhibiting, by visiting you’ll be amongst the first to bring these latest innovations to your customers.
If you can’t make Ambiente, many of the new product launches will also be on show at the inaugural FEA Tabletop Trends Live event in London on 24th and 25th March 2026 and at the LET Forum in May.
For more information about Ambiente 2026 visit ambiente.messefrankfurt.com.
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This article is part of Tabletop Trends - FEA's quarterly light equipment and tableware sector newsletter.
Tabletop Trends is produced and distributed by the Foodservice Equipment Association, the UK's largest independent foodservice equipment trade association. All suppliers listed in this article are FEA members. A full list of Light Equipment and Table suppliers can be found on our Meet Our Members section - simply select Light Equipment / Food Prep from the Product Type drop down menu
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