#Spain #Barcelona #Food Industry #Fira de Barcelona #Alimentaria+Hostelco

Alimentaria+Hostelco Strengthens Its International Leadership

Alimentaria+Hostelco, a premier international platform for food, beverages, and hospitality equipment, is set to make a powerful return at the Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue from March 23 to 26, 2026. This event is distinguishing itself with a striking 41% increase in international participation compared to its previous edition.

With over 3,300 companies anticipated to exhibit, nearly 1,000 of these will be international firms hailing from more than 70 countries. This impressive representation includes strong contingents from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, underscoring the event's growing global significance.

As of now, Italy leads the charge with more than 200 participating firms, followed by Poland, China, and Turkey among others. This boost in international participation highlights Alimentaria+Hostelco's global standing as a leading hub, attracting top producers and exporters from around the world. J. Antonio Valls, managing director of Alimentaria Exhibitions at Fira de Barcelona, emphasized that this surge in global participation supports the show's role as a critical business platform for the food industry.

Notably, it is expected that around 25% of the over 110,000 visitors in attendance will come from abroad. To enhance business opportunities, the event is introducing a significant buyer invitation initiative, aiming to attract over 1,500 importers, distributors, and purchasing managers from more than 80 strategic countries. This initiative is designed to connect key decision-makers from various sectors including hotels, restaurants, retail, and travel services.

One of the highlights of the event will be the matchmaking meetings, designed to facilitate direct engagement between invited buyers and exhibitors. With an estimated 14,000 such meetings planned, this format is expected to foster meaningful connections that could lead to lasting partnerships.

Moreover, buyers from key markets such as the United States, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, and Chile are anticipated to join, marking a significant step towards expanding global outreach and solidifying relationships with important client bases.

In conclusion, with its ambitious plans for 2026, Alimentaria+Hostelco is not just preparing for a successful event but is also reinforcing its position as a pivotal player in the international food and hospitality sectors. As the date approaches, the anticipation increases for what promises to be a remarkable gathering filled with innovative solutions and extensive networking opportunities.

This upward trajectory of growth and participation is a clear testament to the event’s critical role in the landscape of the global food industry.