EATS Chicago

The EATS - held under the name "Process Expo" until 2023 - in Chicago is one of the leading trade fairs for the food and beverage industry and is dedicated to business growth in this sector. Chicago has a deep and historic connection to the food and drink sector, encompassing both economic and cultural facets. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chicago was known as the "world's butcher" and hosted the largest livestock market globally. The Union Stock Yards, which operated between 1865 and 1971, played a pivotal role in the US meatpacking industry. Chicago is also the birthplace of many renowned food companies and brands, such as Kraft Foods, Quaker Oats, and McDonald's. Furthermore, the city significantly contributed to innovations in food processing and packaging.

The Process Expo takes place biennially in the fall. It offers manufacturers, buyers, and other professionals a platform for networking and discovering the latest equipment, technologies, and current industry trends. As a global event, it attracts engineers, scientists, R&D specialists, as well as sales and marketing experts from around the world.

The organization of the Process Expo is managed by Messe Frankfurt North America, a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. With its commitment, it supports US companies in showcasing their innovations on a global stage and opens up new investment opportunities for them.

Exhibitors at the Process Expo display a wide range of products and services – from machinery and equipment for baked goods, beverages, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables to meat, poultry, and even pharmaceutical products. A special highlight of the exhibition is the Innovation Awards, which honor remarkable advancements in food processing technology.

The event is held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, one of the largest and most advanced exhibition grounds in North America, distinguished by its striking architecture and top-notch infrastructure. Here, industry professionals from the food sector, both from the USA and other countries, gather to explore the latest trends in food processing technology.

In summary, the Process Expo in Chicago is more than just a trade show. It represents a vibrant hub for innovation, networking, and growth in the food and beverage industry and is an indispensable rendezvous for all committed to the future of this sector.

The EATS will take place on 3 days from Tuesday, 28. October to Thursday, 30. October 2025 in Chicago.