Over 650 European Companies Set to Join Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026's International Food Showcase
An Upcoming International Showcase of Food and Hospitality
Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026, the largest international platform for food, beverages, and hospitality equipment in Spain, is gearing up for an impressive showing. Scheduled to take place from March 23 to 26, 2026, at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, this event is expected to attract over 650 exhibitors from across Europe. With a projected 25% increase in European participation since the last edition in 2024, the exhibition area will expand significantly, covering more than 10,000 square meters.
European Participation on the Rise
Countries such as Italy, Poland, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, France, and Austria are expected to have a substantial presence at the event. Notably, Italy will lead with nearly 200 companies participating, marking the largest foreign delegation. Moreover, Poland has been designated as the guest country and will showcase the strengths of its agri-food sector with around 100 companies.
The revitalized interest in the Spanish market is evident with international organizations also joining the fold. Entities such as Advantage Austria and the French Chamber of Commerce will have dedicated pavilions, alongside Hungary, highlighting their commitment to fostering business in the sector. The return of Gefa Exportservice from Germany, which skipped the previous event, signals renewed enthusiasm among German enterprises.
Diverse Offerings from a Expanding Structure
The event will feature an array of categories, including gourmet foods, dairy products, oils, meats, canned goods, coffee, bakery items, snacks, and hospitality equipment. This variety reflects the dynamic nature of the European sector and its evolving preferences.
Anticipating that 25% of nearly 110,000 visitors will be international, with 27% arriving from European countries, the exhibition is positioned to showcase a significant surge in international exhibitors, with a 41% increase expected compared to the previous edition.
The participating companies—expected to number around 3,300—will represent more than 70 countries, consolidating the event’s reputation as a global trade fair. Notably, as Alimentaria + Hostelco celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is expected to facilitate invaluable networking opportunities and support business development and internationalization across the food and hospitality sectors.
Conclusion
Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026 promises to be a significant event in the food industry calendar. With its expansion, diverse participant base, and international drawing power, it is anticipated to be one of the key platforms for industry professionals seeking to advance their business agendas. Mark your calendars for this must-attend event set to take place in Barcelona's vibrant exhibition space!