Florence, 1 September 2026. From the forest to the table, from scientific research to technological innovation, through to the tourism enhancement of local areas: the second edition of Castanea Expo is taking shape. The international event dedicated to the chestnut-growing supply chains and the world of chestnuts will take place from 11 to 13 December at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

Organised by Firenze Fiera, the event returns with a renewed exhibition concept and a network of partnerships bringing together businesses, institutions, the research community and industry professionals, showcasing a sector undergoing profound transformation and offering significant potential.

The work launched last March with the establishment of the Steering Committee — bringing together the Tuscany Region, ANCI Toscana, Slow Food Italia, the Chestnut Study and Documentation Centre and the National Association of Chestnut Towns — is being further strengthened by the addition of two new organisations: SOI (Italian Society for Horticultural Science) and PEFC Italia (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which bring specialised expertise in agronomic research and sustainable forest management.

“The 2026 project builds on the experience of the first edition, which created a unique event on the national scene and led Castanea Expo to obtain ISFCERT certification, recognising it as the only certified international event in the sector in Italy,” said Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera. “Florence and Tuscany, by virtue of their location and vocation, represent a privileged meeting point for building relationships and developing new opportunities for a sector with major prospects for innovation ahead.”

In this context, the 2026 edition is also focusing on strengthening its international dimension through targeted networking activities and the organisation of an incoming programme for international buyers, with the aim of facilitating new business meetings in overseas markets. This effort is complemented by participation in the leading European industry events, starting with the European Chestnut Days, scheduled to take place in Portugal on 11 and 12 September, as well as by consolidating its role within the Eurocastanea network, which brings together professionals from Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Austria and Greece.

“Castanea Expo represents a major opportunity to give greater strength and competitiveness to the chestnut sector in Europe. Eurocastanea, which brings together and represents the entire value chain — producers, traders, processors and researchers — could become an important partner in strengthening this perspective and the international dimension of the event,” said Luciano Trentini, Vice-President of the Chestnut Study and Documentation Centre, who has represented Italy in Eurocastanea since its foundation. “Furthermore, the decision for the 2026 edition to highlight the health and nutraceutical properties of chestnuts and marrons could help raise awareness of the qualities of this fruit and promote its consumption among the millions of European consumers who know little about it today or consume it only occasionally. Florence can therefore provide a concrete opportunity for discussion and revitalisation for the entire sector.”

Finally, particular attention is being devoted to Italy’s regional dimension: Castanea Expo is developing a dialogue with several Italian Regions with the aim of creating a dedicated area showcasing the varieties and richness of Italy’s chestnut-growing territories, their production chains and their tourism and cultural offerings.

The exhibition experience will be organised around five thematic areas designed to guide visitors through the different fields of the sector: Castanea Tech (technology, innovation and machinery), Castanea Lab Innovation (agronomic applications, regulations and the economics of the supply chain), Castanea Tour (tourism, villages, trails and museums connected with chestnut-growing heritage), Castanea Wood (timber, environmental engineering, furniture and design) and Castanea Food (the enhancement of chestnuts and chestnut-based products, from tradition to gourmet offerings).

The event is held under the patronage of MASAF – Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, the Tuscany Region, the Municipality of Florence, the Florence Chamber of Commerce, ANCI Toscana, CIA Toscana, Slow Food Italia, PEFC Italia, Re.Na.I.A. – National Network of Hotel and Catering Institutes, the Chestnut Study and Documentation Centre and the National Association of Chestnut Towns.