Bali Interfood 2026 brings businesses together as tourists seek authentic local experiences.
Bali Interfood 2026 opened in Nusa Dua on September 2, bringing together 110 participants from eight countries as Bali seeks to strengthen its food and hospitality industries.
The seventh edition runs through September 4, 2026, at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Organised by Krista Exhibitions, the event includes 35 MSMEs and targets 15,000 visitors.
The exhibition comes at a time when tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences through local food and culture. PHRI Bali sees this shift as an opportunity to strengthen innovation and competitiveness across the island’s hospitality industry.
Mr. Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, Chairman of PHRI Bali, said food is increasingly becoming part of the travel experience rather than simply a basic necessity.
“Food and beverages are not just about filling the stomach. What stands out more now is the experience. Culinary offerings have become part of an authentic experience for tourists to discover the flavours and culture of a destination,” Mr. Sukawati said in Denpasar on Monday.
This change is particularly visible among tourists staying in villas and rural areas such as Ubud and Kintamani. Some now buy ingredients from local markets and prepare their own meals, giving them a closer connection to Bali’s food culture.
Mr. Sukawati said this behaviour highlights Bali’s potential for gastronomy tourism, particularly given the island’s wealth of local food products. However, he said that potential has yet to be fully developed.
“We are still envious when we look at places such as China and Italy. Bali is so rich in local food products, but so far only one has emerged, and that is satay lilit. The others have yet to emerge,” he said.
PHRI Bali sees Bali Interfood as an opportunity to address this gap. Mr. Sukawati said the exhibition could encourage businesses to develop local ingredients into distinctive products and strengthen Bali’s culinary competitiveness.
The approach also fits the exhibition’s broader business purpose. Mr. Daud D. Salim, CEO of Krista Exhibitions, said Bali’s tourism, hotel, restaurant and food and beverage sectors are developing together, creating opportunities for businesses to introduce products, meet potential partners and follow industry developments.
To support those connections, the exhibition features business-matching sessions alongside culinary workshops and the Gelato World Cup Indonesian Selection. These programmes bring businesses and industry professionals together while providing opportunities for networking, education and competition.
By linking Bali’s food businesses with the wider hospitality sector, Bali Interfood 2026 provides a platform for the industry to respond to changing tourist preferences while encouraging greater innovation around the island’s local food products.
Source: ANTARA News
