After the remarkable success of the 2017 edition, Cibus Connect returns to Parma, and does so in style. First of all, the Fiere di Parma event organized with Federalimentare and in collaboration with ICE Agency will become annual, demonstrating the appreciation of visitors and companies. Moreover, the dimensions will be absolutely superior compared to the past: the exhibitors and the exhibition square meters tripled, thanks to the opening of a new pavilion. A strictly professional two days, with turnkey stands and cooking stations: everything needed to exhibit and allow the tasting of products at the highest level. Always considering the professional vocation of Cibus Connect, it is important to eliminate the logistical problems typical of large events, as well as adequate support to sourcing, and business opportunities tailored to buyers. Among the exhibitors, there are the main food companies that drive Italian exports: from the pasta of Barilla, De Cecco, Divella and Molisana to the preserves of Agromonte, Casalasco, La Doria, Mutti and Petti; from the oils of Monini and Farchioni to the condiments of De Nigris and Acetum and to the gastronomy of Formec Biffi, Menu, Fini-Greci Group, Zerbinati, Master Gnocchi. And then the mills with Antimo Caputo and Agugiaro and Figna and of course all the leaders of the cured meats such as Levoni, Veroni, Martelli Salumi and dairy products such as Bonterre (Parmareggio group and Italian big cured meats), Ambrosi, Zanetti, Igor, Sterilgarda, Inalpi. We also remember the confectionery sector, and among the most famous names we mention Novi and Vincenzi. The relationship with Slow Food is also developing, thanks to which it will be possible to find refined regional and niche products in a dedicated area. Thousands of operators are expected from Italy and Europe and top buyers from overseas countries. The coincidence of dates with Vinitaly (Cibus Connect opens on the closing day of Vinitaly) will allow synergistic flows of buyers between the two fairs in the Food and Beverage sector of Made in Italy on April 9th and 10th. Precisely speaking of the buyers (without which virtually no fair would take place), many have confirmed their presence, and we mention some of the most important: Metro and Auchan Retailers with buyers from different international locations, Cofco / Womai, Whole Foods, Delhaize, Axfood, GFI, Sok, Transgourmet, Mercator; Eroski; Sodexo; Spinneys; Lulu Group, Pizza Express, Angliss, Takashimaya, Daimaru, Hankyu Oasis, Lotte, The Mall; Park N Shop, HE-B, Sysco, Wakefern, Cencosud, Azbuka Vkusa, Globus Gourmet. The Cibus Connect convention with a targeted series of events will also be essential and functional. The program will start with the inaugural conference during which Cibus and Federalimentare will present a sector study carried out in collaboration with ISMEA, focusing on the critical success factors of the South-Italian agri-food companies that are currently performing very well at international level. It will be a profound qualitative and quantitative analysis that will make available to the sector, but not only, indicators and cues to reiterate and develop the manufacturing rebirth of Southern Italy. In the afternoon of the first day, in collaboration with the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC, we will analyze the fruitful relationships that can be established between food companies and large distribution chains, with the testimony of international and Italian retailers. During the second day there will be an event in which top players in the sector will present case histories from the retail and industrial world focusing their analysis on premium brand products and premium store brands as drivers for the development of the food outlet also through the contribution of Deloitte and the data of the 22nd edition of their “Power of Retailing”. At the end of the fair a workshop on successful cases of paring Food & Wine on the shelves of international retailers.