GUEXT 2026 boosts the strategic role of innovation in equipment and machinery in driving the hospitality sector

GUEXT, the International Exhibition of Suppliers and Services for the Hospitality Sector organised by IFEMA MADRID in partnership with FELAC (the Spanish Federation of Associations of Equipment Manufacturers for Hospitality, Institutional Catering, and Related Industries), is set to strengthen the prominence of the equipment and machinery segment in its second edition, highlighting it as a strategic area for the evolution of the hospitality industry.

The event, which will take place from 15 to 17 October at IFEMA MADRID, is firmly establishing itself as the premier professional meeting point for manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and buyers. It arrives at a pivotal moment of the year for investment planning, technological upgrades and improving operational efficiency across establishments.

Professional equipment and machinery are one of the key drivers for addressing the major challenges facing the hospitality and catering sectors: cost optimisation, energy efficiency, food safety, productivity, sustainability, the digitalisation of processes and improving the customer experience. And, against this backdrop, GUEXT positions itself as a specialised commercial and professional platform, geared towards connecting industrial suppliers with distributors and professional demand, facilitating the creation of business opportunities across the entire hospitality value chain.

The relevance of this segment is backed by the latest data published by FELAC: in 2024, the federation’s member companies achieved turnover of €2.5 billion across domestic sales and exports. International sales accounted for €1.125 billion of this total, representing a global export share of 45%. Furthermore, commercial kitchen equipment - which encompasses cooking, food preparation, ventilation, and dishwashing - accounts for 44% of these companies, followed by refrigeration equipment at 14%, and café equipment at 11%.

This data reflects the weight of an industry with a powerful driving force, both on the domestic market and abroad. In 2024, kitchen equipment was the sector which achieved the highest turnover, accounting for 34.6% of FELAC member companies’ turnover. This was followed by refrigeration equipment, at 13.1%, and laundry and cleaning equipment, at 12.3%. As far as exports were concerned, commercial kitchen equipment also led the sector, accounting for 29% of the total, ahead of laundry and cleaning equipment, and tableware and kitchenware.

At GUEXT, the exhibitor profile for the equipment and machinery segment will bring together companies specialising in solutions for professional kitchens, food production, cooking, preparation, commercial and industrial refrigeration, laundry, cleaning, café equipment, vending, security, control and management, amongst other areas vital to daily hospitality operations. As a result, the participation of renowned industry leaders in cooking and production has been confirmed, positioning the Exhibition as a showcase for solutions designed to drive efficiency and profitability in the hospitality business: Adler, Arilex, Asdor, Atosa, Corequip, Distform, Fainca HR, FM Industrial, Fricosmos, Inhospan, Moretti Forni, NTGas, Pira, Repagas, Sammic, Taurus Professional, WMF, Wok Inox or Zummo, alongside commercial and industrial refrigeration companies such as Apice ,Cooling Technology, Caff, Coreco, Impafri, Infrico, ITV Ice Makers, Masquefrío, Onnera Refrigeration, True or Zanotti.

From 15 to 17 October, GUEXT 2026 will structure their exhibition across seven primary sectors - equipment and machinery; tableware; design and decoration; technology and digitalisation; coffee, tea, bakery, pastry and ice cream; logistics and packaging; and gym and spa - all related with the hospitality industry and connected to the distribution network and the end customer.  This set-up will afford a comprehensive overview of the solutions that are transforming venues, from back of house to the user experience, highlighting the cross-cutting nature of the exhibition and its value as a business tool for decision-makers.