The Future of the Global Grain and Milling Sector Will Be Shaped at IDMA Istanbul 2026

Global food security, geopolitical shifts in the grain trade, AI-powered production technologies and new export markets… All the critical dynamics reshaping the global grain and milling sector are converging at IDMA Istanbul 2026, one of the sector’s most important gathering points.

M. Ali Kalkan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the HAGE Group, of which IDMA is a part, emphasised during an appearance on the E-Hayat programme—where he answered questions from journalist Dünya TaÅŸlar—that IDMA Istanbul has become one of the most strategic international organisations shaping the sector’s future, whilst assessing the transformation process of the global grain and food processing industry.

Kalkan stated that food security is no longer a matter limited solely to agricultural production, but has become a critical geopolitical issue at the heart of countries’ economic and political strategies on a global scale. He noted that a growing population, climate change and regional conflicts have made global food supply security more important than ever before.

Another key topic highlighted during the programme was Turkey’s global success in grain processing technologies. Kalkan explained that by establishing turnkey flour mills in many different regions of the world, Turkey has become a major production and technology hub for the export of milling technologies, adding that the influence of Turkish machinery manufacturers in international markets is growing year on year.

Drawing attention to the digital transformation taking place in the sector, Kalkan noted that artificial intelligence, automation systems and Industry 4.0 applications have ushered in a new era in the milling sector. He emphasised that smart production lines have both raised quality standards and enabled the supply of higher value-added products to global markets.

Kalkan stated that changes in global grain trade have also had a direct impact on the sector, noting in particular that the Russia–Ukraine War, supply chain crises and regional tensions have reshaped the balance of the global grain trade.

Kalkan said that Africa is set to be one of the most notable export regions in the coming period, adding that Turkish grain and food processing technologies have secured significant growth opportunities in the African market and that the region’s strategic importance for the sector is steadily increasing.

IDMA Istanbul 2026, which lies at the heart of this global transformation, is already attracting significant international interest. Visitor registrations for the event have already been received from over 120 countries, whilst applications from purchasing delegations have been received from more than 70 countries.

Regarded as one of the most important global gatherings for grain, feed, flour, pasta and food processing technologies, IDMA Istanbul 2026 stands out not merely as a trade fair where new business connections will be forged, but as an international platform where technologies, investments and strategic partnerships that will shape the sector’s future will be discussed.