A dynamic start to the new year is being made by TIF-HELEXPO with the 12th Artozyma, taking place from February 28 to March 2 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre, and the 38th Athens International Jewellery Show, to be held at Metropolitan Expo from February 27 to March 2.
The 12th International Exhibition for Bakery & Pastry, Machinery, Equipment and Ready-Made Products “Artozyma” is raising the bar both qualitatively and quantitatively this year, constituting the most important professional meeting point for the bakery and pastry sector in Southeastern Europe for 2026. The 38th Athens International Jewellery Show is the country’s largest trade fair for jewellery, watches and precious stones, serving as a stable reference point for the Southeastern European market.
More specifically, Artozyma records a 20% increase in exhibition space and features 220 exhibitors — up 14% compared to 2024 — coming from 21 countries, compared to 19 in the previous event. This year’s exhibition has secured the participation of major raw material companies as well as all sectoral bodies of bakery and pastry. Following the success of the previous event, many exhibitors are participating with larger booths.
At the same time, Artozyma is accompanied by a rich program of events full of innovation and creativity, with a strong international character, including the participation of distinguished professionals from abroad.
In particular, this year’s event is structured around three main thematic pillars covering bakery, pastry and specialized nutrition (Gluten Free).
The first pillar is Baking Together – Mediterranean Edition, a three-day tribute to the art of Mediterranean baking. At the heart of the event lies the collaboration of four countries — Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. For the first time, national baking teams from these countries will meet in a non-competitive framework with the common goal of collaboration, knowledge exchange and highlighting baking as an art and profession with an international dimension. Leading professionals and members of the international Richemont Club network will also participate.
The second pillar revolves around Pastry Lab 2026, a specially designed area in Pavilion 15 dedicated to haute pâtisserie, featuring masterclasses and seminars for professionals and students. This year’s Pastry Lab program is richer and includes international participation by Portuguese pastry chef Américo Dos Santos from the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Belcanto, while enjoying the support of additional institutional partners. Pastry Lab is organized in collaboration with the Greek Pastry Chefs Club.
The third pillar focuses on Gluten Free bakery products. This specialized event addresses dietary trends and the needs of individuals with gluten intolerance, creating new opportunities for bakers, pastry chefs and HORECA professionals who must respond to growing domestic and international demand for such products.
Additionally, within the framework of Artozyma, The Expert Lab will be organized by the Panhellenic Union of Food Technologists, featuring a scientific conference titled “Innovation and Challenges in Bakery, Pastry and Food Technology,” as well as five workshops on food technology.
This year’s exhibition will also host the Southern Europe Culinary Challenge 2026, organized by the Greek Chefs Association, with 300 participants from 15 countries and renowned judges from 10 countries.
The official opening of Artozyma will take place on Saturday, February 28 at 18:30 by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kellas.
As for the 38th Athens International Jewellery Show, the quantitative data clearly reflect the sector’s dynamism. The exhibition occupies Hall 1 of Metropolitan Expo, covering a total of 11,500 square meters and attracting 378 exhibitors, including the largest companies in the sector. Its footprint is strongly international, with exhibitors from 11 countries including Italy, France, India and Turkey.
The Athens International Jewellery Show once again strategically focuses on innovation and extroversion. Regarding innovation, the Design Section returns for its 5th consecutive year with increased participation from Greek designers, showcasing new trends and contemporary creativity.
In terms of extroversion, the exhibition implements a targeted Hosted Buyers program with trade visitors from strategic markets prioritized by exhibitors, including Estonia, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Lithuania.
The official opening of the 38th Athens International Jewellery Show will take place on Friday, February 27 at 18:00 by the Deputy Minister of Development, Stavros Kalafatis.
The Press Conference
The 2026 exhibition program was officially launched during today’s press conference by the CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Andreas Mavrommatis, who presented the qualitative and quantitative figures of Artozyma and the Athens International Jewellery Show. He emphasized that, as a man of exhibitions, he is well aware of the added value an exhibition creates for its host city, noting that the new administration will work toward further strengthening the organization, enriching its events and upgrading its exhibition infrastructure.
“The Artozyma is our strength, our image, proof that the bakery has a present and a future,” stated Elsa Koukoumeria, President of the Federation of Greek Bakers, noting that it is not just another exhibition for bakers, but a place where the Greek baker meets the future of the profession.
Antonis Vaggelis, President of the Thessaloniki Pastry Shop Owners Guild, described the event as an institution that must exist in the city, as it supports pastry chefs who have significantly evolved. “Young pastry chefs are dynamic, modern and educated,” he noted, adding that during Artozyma the Guild will present a historical album on Thessaloniki’s connection with sweets.
Positive visitor attendance messages are also emerging for the 38th Athens International Jewellery Show, despite challenges facing the sector, such as the luxury tax and rising precious metal prices, according to Petros Kalpakidis, President of the Panhellenic Federation of Craftsmen Silversmiths, Jewellers and Watchmakers (POVAKO).
Marios Papadopoulos, Vice President of the European Confederation of Bakers and Confectioners and President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Crafts (VETH), noted that visiting the two exhibitions may inspire young people to pursue technical professions in bakery, pastry and silversmithing.
The trust of the nationwide sectoral bodies represented at Artozyma and the Athens International Jewellery Show is underscored by TIF-HELEXPO’s collaborations with participating federations (POVAKO and the Federation of Greek Bakers), as highlighted by the company’s General Director, Alexis Tsaxirlis.
Parthena Pastrafidou, collaborator of Artozyma for the Baking Together – Mediterranean Edition, referred to the shared memory of Mediterranean countries regarding the traditional oven and to the event’s effort to highlight the value of bread in the Mediterranean diet.
Christos Gotsis, Vice President of the Greek Chefs Association, stressed the importance of professionals choosing Thessaloniki and Artozyma as the venue for the Southern Europe Culinary Challenge 2026.
Artozyma opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00–19:00, Monday 10:00–18:00. Admission is free for trade professionals upon registration.
Athens International Jewellery Show opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–20:00, Monday 10:00–19:00. The exhibition is addressed exclusively to trade visitors.