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The visitor data from the 2026 HOTELEX Shanghai exhibition reveals another layer of change. Overseas visitors reached 18,431 — up 48% year on year — representing 189 countries and regions. A Hosted Buyer Program delivered precise business matching, while thematic forums on subjects such as the global expansion of Chinese cuisine ran alongside. For commercial refrigeration manufacturers, the exhibition’s role has moved well beyond simply showcasing products for buyers to choose from.
Buyer demands have grown more sophisticated: IoT-based intelligent management systems, low-carbon refrigerant solutions, customized ice-cube designs, and certification compliance tailored to each region’s regulations. Exhibitors still stuck at “showing a few units and handing out business cards” struggle to achieve meaningful outcomes.
A clear trend runs through the major hotel and refrigeration shows of 2025–2026: manufacturers are shifting from behind-the-scenes suppliers to co-creators of solutions. Growing international audiences, discussions on Chinese firms’ global expansion, and deeper demonstrations of smart technology are all pushing companies to upgrade their exhibition strategy. The firms that win are no longer those with the biggest booths, but those that show a deep understanding of the customer’s business in every conversation.
The global commercial refrigeration market is projected to grow from USD 54.19 billion in 2026 to USD 82.78 billion by 2034, a 5.4% CAGR. In that growth, every thoughtful exchange on the show floor is a building block for China’s refrigeration industry to compete globally.
