VICTAM International 2026 attracts more than 7,000 industry professionals to Utrecht 

VICTAM International and GRAPAS Europe returned to Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the Netherlands, from 2 to 4 June 2026, bringing together 7,038 industry professionals from 127 countries involved in feed production, grain handling, flour milling, pet food, aquafeed and related processing sectors.  

More than 200 exhibitors showcased equipment, processing technologies, ingredients and services, while the exhibition floor hosted technical discussions, business meetings and product presentations. The event brought together technology suppliers, feed manufacturers, grain processors, nutrition specialists, ingredient companies, researchers and decision-makers from across the feed and grain value chain.  

Visitors from Eastern Europe accounted for 10% of total attendance, one of the notable developments reported by the organisers.  

Feed technology congress draws industry attention 

One of the main attractions of the event was its conference programme. At the centre of the agenda was the 3rd International Feed Technology Congress (IFTC 2026), organised by the VICTAM Foundation and Wageningen University & Research under the theme Animal Feed Technology: Science Meets Industry.  

The programme covered a broad range of topics, including pelleting, extrusion, microbial protein, digital twin development, autonomous feed mill control systems, feed processing intensity and ingredient innovation. The congress concluded with a discussion on technological priorities for the years ahead.  

Additional sessions included Feed Milling Maximised, organised by Perendale Publishers, the GMP+ conference on feed safety and sustainability, and the Circular Feed Symposium, organised in cooperation with FEFAC, NEVEDI and BFA. Discussions focused on sustainability, circular raw materials, alternative proteins and regulatory developments affecting feed production.  

Technical tour offers a closer look at feed manufacturing 

As part of the event programme, participants visited Feed Design Lab in Wanssum and the production facilities of Dutch feed manufacturer Fransen Gerrits.  

The visits offered a practical look at how new feed technologies and raw materials are evaluated before being introduced into commercial production. Participants also had the opportunity to observe feed manufacturing operations and product development activities in a commercial environment.  

The initiative was designed to connect the technologies presented during the exhibition with their practical application in feed production.  

Awards highlight new processing technologies 

Several exhibitors used the event to introduce new technologies, equipment and services. Innovation was also recognised through the AFTaN Feed Technology Awards and the GRAPAS Innovation Awards, which attracted 24 entries.  

The AFTaN Feed Technology Award was presented to Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH for its Large Hammer Mill FD 32 Pro. The GRAPAS Innovation Award went to STIF for the Compact Flameless Device VIGIFLAM VI.  

Runner-up awards were presented to Ottevanger and ZCME in the AFTaN category, while Koch & Brook received the GRAPAS runner-up award.  

VICTAM Africa announced 

The exhibition also hosted the official launch of the new VICTAM Africa, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 13 to 15 June 2028. The event is being developed in cooperation with AFMA and PFI.  

During the launch session, Sebas van den Ende said that the African feed, grain, flour milling and processing industries offer significant growth potential and that the region would benefit from a dedicated platform bringing together knowledge, technology, investment and local market expertise.  

Amsterdam to host the next edition 

Organisers confirmed that the next European edition of VICTAM International will take place in Amsterdam from 13 to 15 June 2029. The move is intended to improve accessibility for exhibitors and visitors through the city’s international transport connections and business infrastructure.  

The 2026 edition attracted 7,038 visitors from 127 countries and featured more than 200 exhibitors, alongside a programme of technical presentations, industry discussions and business meetings focused on the feed, grain and processing industries.