Alimentaria celebrates 50 years as a global meeting point in Barcelona for the food industry

Alimentaria+Hostelco will take place from March 23 to 26, 2026, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, bringing together the entire food industry with a special focus on the HORECA sector. The event will host more than 3,300 companies from 70 countries and is expected to welcome over 110,000 visitors, reinforcing its role as a leading international platform for business and networking.

This edition marks the 50th anniversary of Alimentaria, first held in 1976 as Spain’s first major trade show dedicated to the food industry. Today, the event covers 100,000 m² across seven pavilions and continues to expand its global reach, with international participation growing by 41% compared to the previous edition.

Of the more than 3,300 companies taking part, nearly 1,000 will come from 70 countries, representing over 30% of exhibitors and underscoring the event’s growing international profile. Europe, featuring Poland as the Country of Honour, along with Asia and Latin America, will have a strong presence, highlighting the show’s role as a global meeting point.

“This is a historic edition. Alimentaria has established itself as a unique platform for the food industry to drive business, knowledge, and global reach”

Antoni Llorens, President of Alimentaria

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To help open new markets and boost business opportunities, the organizers and ICEX have invited 1,500 key buyers and importers from 100 countries, as well as 1,200 buyers from Spain. More than 14,500 business meetings are expected during the event.

Antoni Llorens, president of Alimentaria, highlighted the significance of this edition: "This is a historic edition. Alimentaria has established itself as a unique platform for the food industry to drive business, knowledge, and global reach."

Innovation and knowledge take center stage

Innovation will once again be a key focus at Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026, with The Alimentaria Hub serving as the center for knowledge, trends, and industry transformation. More than 200 experts from Spain and abroad will participate in forums and seminars on sustainability, digitalization, food safety, and new consumer habits.

More than 300 new products will be showcased at Innoval, while 60 companies will participate in the Food & Hospitality Startups area. The event continues to promote entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and new solutions, from functional foods and plant-based proteins to AI-driven personalized nutrition.

A strong focus on the HORECA sector

The HORECA and foodservice sectors will play a central role in the event, with more than 20,000 m² dedicated to hospitality professionals, 600 participating companies, and around 200 activities for catering, hospitality, and institutional foodservice.

Pere Taberner, president of Hostelco, emphasized the sector’s importance: "The growth of the space dedicated to the HORECA channel and foodservice reflects the dynamism of a key sector for the food and hospitality industry."

Catalonia Trade & Investment at Alimentaria 2026

Catalonia Trade & Investment will also be present at Alimentaria2026 with a dedicated stand showcasing innovative companies from Catalonia. Participating organizations include Associació l'Econau, Tentorium Energy, Creaciones Aromáticas Industriales, Elian Barcelona, Midsona Iberia, Mitlab, Delafruit, The Regen Academy, and Carburos Metálicos.

During Alimentaria 2026, ACCIÓ–Catalonia Trade & Investment will also host 10 spaces in the Alimentaria Trends area within the Catalonia Pavilion, including a dedicated space focused on alternative protein. The program will feature a range of activities, presentations, and networking opportunities designed to foster innovation in the food sector.

Companies and startups will also be able to connect with leading corporations through the Alimentaria Open Innovation Challenge, a matchmaking initiative that identifies innovative solutions for the food industry.

Their presence highlights Catalonia’s dynamic food and related industry ecosystem, bringing together companies focused on innovation, sustainability, and new solutions for the sector.

You can learn more or apply through the Alimentaria Open Innovation Challenge platform.

Source: Alimentaria & Catalonia Trade & Investment