Alimentaria 2024 shows the strength of the food industry and concludes with 180 million euros economic impact

Alimentaria 2024, one of Europe's most important trade shows for the food and beverage, foodservice and hospitality industries, closed yesterday in Barcelona, an edition marked by international participation. Once again, the event brought together the entire food and beverage sector and promoted the main lines and trends of the industry. More sustainable and healthier products, as well as AI and robotics solutions for the Horeca channel, were presented during these days at the Fira de Barcelona-Gran Via venue.

More than 3,200 exhibiting companies from 68 countries participated in the event to promote business, internationalization and competitiveness in a strategic sector for the Spanish economy. A total of 107,900 professionals visited the trade show, 25% of them from abroad (120 countries). With an estimated economic impact of 180 million euros, the figures for Alimentaria & Hostelco reflect the strength of the event, which occupied 100,000 m² of exhibition space.

“Alimentaria has consolidated its position as one of the most important international business meetings in the sector”

J. Antonio Valls, director of Alimentaria

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This edition was attended by more than 900 international companies, led by Italian companies and with a remarkable return of Asian companies, especially China, South Korea and Thailand.

The director of Alimentaria, J. Antonio Valls, stated: "This edition has been a resounding success in terms of internationalization and shows the great convening power of Alimentaria & Hostelco, which has recovered its pre-pandemic figures and attracted buyers from strategic countries such as China. The exhibition has thus consolidated its position as one of the most important international business meetings in the sector".

Participants included 2,200 key buyers invited from strategic markets for the export of food and catering equipment, such as the European Union, the United States and Latin America. They participated in some 13,500 business meetings.

Alternative proteins and artificial intelligence

Food innovation, gastronomy and the rise of alternative proteins were the main features of the program of more than 350 activities at Alimentaria & Hostelco, in which nearly 700 prestigious experts and chefs participated.

The digital transformation that the sector is undergoing was also present at the exhibition, where it was possible to discover how new technologies and artificial intelligence are being integrated into the industry. Exhibitors presented robotic services and new solutions that optimize restaurant management, maintenance, customer service and sustainability.

Participation of Catalonia Trade & Investment

The Catalonia Pavilion at the fair, organized by ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment, featured 10 Catalan companies from the alternative protein and foodtech sectors.

The Open Innovation Challenge was the meeting point between companies from all over the world that wanted to connect with Barcelona-based startups to solve their business challenges. During the four days of the event, more than 150 B2B meetings were held to find solutions, for instance, to sustainable and edible packaging or water saving strategies.

The next edition of Alimentaria will take place on March 23-26, 2026 at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via.

Discover the Food & Beverage sector in Barcelona-Catalonia

At Alimentaria, Catalonia Trade & Investment presented the study of the Food and Beverage sector in Catalonia. This is the number one industrial sector in Catalonia, representing 20% of the GDP and a turnover of 48,231 million euros.

If you would like to know more about the opportunities for investment in the food industry in Catalonia, contact our team of expert consultants and we will help you get started.

Source: Alimentaria and Catalonia Trade & Investment