Global supply chains, innovation and partnerships: AICS showcases its commitment at Macfrut 2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has confirmed its participation in Macfrut 2026, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, to be held from 21 to 23 April at the Rimini Expo Centre. The Agency will occupy a stand of around 300 square metres, with representatives from its 10 overseas offices, as well as institutional delegations and producers from partner countries.

The agenda also includes three thematic panels on agroecology, rural development and financial instruments for sustainable development. Its participation aims to strengthen dialogue between the Italian Agency, agri-food supply chains and Italy’s national system, drawing on experience gained from programmes implemented in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of AICS, explains:

"Macfrut is more than just a trade fair for the sector; it also serves as a platform for development cooperation and the internationalisation of Italy’s national system. This contributes to the growth of agricultural supply chains in partner countries, the development of local areas and the creation of economic opportunities for rural communities. Agriculture lies at the heart of major global challenges, including food security, climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. Through its daily on-the-ground work, the Italian Agency supports producers, institutions and territories in the transformation of agri-food systems".

Patrizio Neri, President of Macfrut, adds:

"What sets Macfrut apart is its international outlook, with exhibitors from five continents. In this context, collaboration with the Italian Agency is strategic. Over the past five editions, we have worked together to promote the internationalisation of supply chains and foster development cooperation. The trade fair is a hub of opportunities and knowledge, where professionals can discover the latest industry developments and engage with leading global buyers and experts—key elements for cooperation programmes in the agri-food sector".

The Agency’s 10 offices abroad—Tirana, Bogotá, San Salvador, Havana, Tunis, Jerusalem, Beirut, Maputo, Kampala and Hanoi—will be represented at the AICS exhibition space, with two special focuses: one dedicated to Latin America and another to Albania, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania as co-organiser of the stand.

During the trade fair, three thematic panels will be held focusing on agroecology, rural development experiences in Central America and the role of financial instruments linked to the Mattei Plan initiatives, such as “Green Cities” and “CAAM” (Manica Agri-food Centre, Mozambique).

The stand will also host B2B meetings, in-depth sessions and tastings of products from supply chains supported by the Italian Agency, including coffee, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, moringa infusions and cassava derivatives.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, within the framework of the guidelines defined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is the technical body responsible for the implementation, financing, management and control of cooperation initiatives. Established under Law No. 125/2014, it operates with a headquarters in Rome, an office in Florence and a network of 20 offices abroad.