CMT to host Europe starch and fermentation conference in Düsseldorf

Centre for Management Technology will bring starch, fermentation and bioprocessing executives to Düsseldorf from Oct. 13-15, 2026, for its 9th EU Starch Value Chain & Fermentation Conference. The event will focus on market shifts, sustainability and bio-based growth opportunities across Europe’s starch value chain.

Why it matters: - The conference puts Europe’s starch and fermentation supply chain in one room as the sector faces changing trade patterns, stricter sustainability demands and stronger demand for bio-based products. - The event is designed to connect producers, ingredient makers, technology providers, researchers and end-users around operational efficiency and new value-creation opportunities. - Discussions will center on how starch and fermentation technologies can support food, industrial and bio-based applications.

What happened: - Centre for Management Technology announced the 9th EU Starch Value Chain & Fermentation Conference for 13-15 October 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. - The conference will gather stakeholders from the starch, fermentation and bioprocessing sectors. - The event will cover market developments, technological innovations and growth opportunities shaping Europe’s bioeconomy. - The conference website provides agenda details, speaker information and registration.

The details: - The agenda includes plant protein innovation, dietary fibre opportunities, starch-derived materials, feedstock utilization and the valorization of side streams and waste streams. - Sessions will also examine microbial and enzymatic fermentation technologies. - The conference will look at how those technologies help produce higher-value ingredients, specialty chemicals and sustainable materials. - The program aims to support Europe’s circular bioeconomy ambitions. - An optional pre-conference visit to the Jäckering Wheat Mill & Starch Plant will give delegates a look at industrial-scale wheat starch and vital wheat protein production. - The visit is hosted at the facilities of Associate Sponsor Jäckering Group. - Delegates can also attend the Starch Technology & Networking Evening for informal peer and expert networking.

Between the lines: - The sponsor list signals broad industry interest in keeping starch processing competitive as bio-based markets evolve. - Starch Europe joins as Supporting Organization. - Novonesis is the Networking Reception Sponsor. - Jäckering Group is the Associate Sponsor. - GEA, VetterTec and Krettek Separation support the Pre-Event Networking Reception. - The exhibition points to a growing market for equipment and process solutions in starch processing, fermentation, filtration, drying, separation and process optimization. - Exhibitors include ANDRITZ, F.A. SCHMIDT, HYDROAIR / GMM Pfaudler, BHS Sonthofen, Foodera Technologies and STAMEX, along with sponsor and partner companies GEA, VetterTec and Novonesis. - The conference is aimed at senior executives, technical experts and industry decision-makers, reinforcing its role as a networking and strategy forum rather than only a technical meeting.

What's next: - Organizers will release the final agenda, speaker lineup and delegate information ahead of the October conference. - Participants will use the Düsseldorf gathering to compare technologies, build partnerships and identify commercial opportunities across the starch value chain. - The pre-conference plant visit and networking evening are expected to add practical and relationship-building value for attendees.

The bottom line: - CMT is betting that Europe’s starch sector needs a focused forum to connect sustainability goals, process innovation and new bio-based business models.