Energy, Ideas, and Deals: IFTECH 2025 Wraps Up in Lahore
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad:The Lahore Expo Center was buzzing last week as IFTECH 2025 brought together players from across the food and beverage industry — and from what I saw on the ground, it wasn’t just another trade show.
There was a real sense of movement in the halls — people talking business, shaking hands, and genuinely excited about what was on display. From high-speed packaging lines to locally made sauces and condiments, the diversity of products and people was impressive.
IFTECH has been around for years, but this year’s edition felt different. Bigger, more international. I spoke to a representative from a Turkish packaging company who said it was their first time in Lahore — and that they were already in talks with two local distributors.
“We’ve always looked at the Pakistan market from a distance,” he told me. “But being here, seeing the energy and the potential — it’s clear there’s real opportunity.”
Local companies were equally present and proud. Many were there to show how far they’ve come — not just in terms of products, but in meeting international quality and safety standards. A Lahore-based food equipment supplier said they had more inquiries on the first day than they expected for the entire week.
It wasn’t just the big players either. I noticed smaller booths, too — family-run businesses introducing new snack lines or showcasing local ingredients with export potential. For them, IFTECH offered something rare: face time with serious buyers and industry insiders.
The event also included seminars, though most of the real action was on the exhibition floor. A few I caught touched on things like sustainability in packaging and improvements in cold chain logistics — issues that matter more than ever, especially with the growing demands of Pakistan’s food economy.
Covering IFTECH this year felt a bit like catching a snapshot of where Pakistan’s food industry is heading. It’s not just about keeping up anymore — it’s about pushing forward. And judging by what I saw in Lahore, there’s a lot to look forward to.
