Food Industry Surges as Minister Highlights Record Growth at SIRHA Budapest

Minister István Nagy at the event

The food industry will continue to be an important part of the national economy in the coming years, which is why the government continues to regard it as a strategic sector, said the Minister of Agriculture at the opening of the SIRHA Budapest exhibition at the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center on Tuesday.

István Nagy believes that the Hungarian food industry is not only important, but also an interesting sector where there is always something happening. This is evidenced by the fact that its production value has tripled since 2010, exceeding HUF 6,650 billion (EUR 17.05 billion; 1 EUR = 390 HUF) in 2024.

Recognizing its importance, the government provided more than HUF 650 billion in funding to the sector between 2014 and 2024, with 1,300 food industry plants receiving support from the rural development program.

“Thanks to these developments, Hungary’s self-sufficiency has improved and its dependence on external circumstances has decreased,” he added.

The minister emphasized that the Common Agricultural Policy has opened a new era in development opportunities, with most of the more than HUF 3.1 trillion budget serving to strengthen production. By mid-February, the Ministry of Agriculture (AM) had published 65 calls for proposals with a total budget of HUF 1,705 billion.

Of the HUF 500 billion budget earmarked for the processing industry until 2027, 939 applications have been approved for funding so far. Based on the feedback, there appears to be significant demand for complex developments, which may involve not only the purchase of machinery but also the construction of new halls and energy systems, he noted.

István Nagy emphasized that nearly 4,000 companies are involved in the food industry in Hungary, with the number of employees reaching 146,000 last year, an increase of 20,000 since 2010.

It is equally important that consumers seek out Hungarian products because they are of good quality and safe to consume, he said.

The CEO of Hungexpo Zrt. emphasized that SIRHA Budapest is a major international professional event not only because of its size, but also because food and hospitality always point the way to innovation.

Gábor Ganczer believes that Italy, which is appearing as the guest of honor at the event, can serve as an example of how to make local products successful and how to build an entire country as a gastronomic brand.

Giuseppe Scognamiglio, Italy’s ambassador to Budapest, emphasized that the food industry plays a key role in the Italian economy, and that the peninsula’s gastronomic tradition is part of its intellectual world heritage.

Regional traditions are strong, but Italian producers also spend significant amounts on technological developments, digital modernization, and investments in sustainability and food safety.

The ambassador said he sees significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the food industry, mainly due to Hungary’s access to the sea through the port of Trieste in Italy.

Via MTI; Featured photo: Facebook/Nagy István

The post Food Industry Surges as Minister Highlights Record Growth at SIRHA Budapest appeared first on Hungary Today.

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