Food & Beverages Events in Spain

FORUM GASTRONOMIC

The International Gastronomic Forum, hosted annually at the Montjuïc Venue of Fira de Barcelona, stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence within the global food industry. Known for its prominence and prestige, the Gastronomic Forum Barcelona (GFB) attracts thousands of visitors each year, reinforcing its reputation as a key event in the world of gastronomy.

Organized by Alimentaria Exhibitions S.A., the GFB is a significant gathering for professionals in the hospitality, gastronomy, and food service sectors. The event highlights a broad spectrum of food service segments, from beverages and restaurant offerings to both modern and traditional cuisine. It covers an extensive array of products and services, including equipment, technology, software, and various food products such as meat, fish, dairy, oils, gourmet items, baked goods, and ice cream. A particularly notable aspect of the forum is the presentation of small-scale food and wine producers from various Spanish regions, offering a taste of local specialties and traditions.

Sustainability and biodiversity are integral themes of the GFB, reflecting its commitment to addressing contemporary challenges within the food industry. The forum’s program features over a hundred distinguished speakers and chefs who provide insights into current trends and emerging innovations. Attendees can explore innovative projects that support local products, revive traditional techniques, and foster social change.

A highlight of the event is its array of competitions and award ceremonies, which celebrate excellence and creativity in the culinary world. Key awards include the Cuiner Gastronomic Forum Barcelona Award for emerging chefs, the InnoForum Awards for groundbreaking gastronomic innovations, the Mercader Awards for long-term contributions to gastronomy, and the ESPAISUCRETheBestDESSERT Award, which honors the art of pastry within the restaurant sector.

Overall, the International Gastronomic Forum Barcelona is more than just a trade fair; it is a dynamic platform for showcasing culinary artistry, technological advancements, and sustainable practices. It offers invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and discovering the latest trends in the food industry, making it an essential event for anyone passionate about gastronomy and culinary innovation.

ALICANTE GASTRONÓMICA

Alicante Gastronómica, a premier experiential food fair in Spain, returns with a spectacular array of activities and exhibitions. Held at Fira Alacant, the event will feature over 250 exhibitors showcasing their products across two expansive pavilions. Last year, the fair attracted more than 65,000 attendees, underscoring its status as a major culinary event.

The fair will transform Alicante into a gastronomic hub over its four-day run, with approximately 180 culinary presentations and workshops. Visitors will enjoy a variety of activities including popular-priced tapas tastings, tasting rooms, and a wine tunnel boasting over 150 wine selections. Additionally, the event will host 15 professional competitions, including a prestigious potato omelet championship, along with thematic afternoons and masterclasses led by top culinary experts.

Alicante Gastronómica places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a special focus on highlighting the contributions of women in the culinary field. The fair will feature over 50 Michelin-starred chefs and 70 Soles Repsol awardees, all of whom will be actively involved in the event's programming.

A standout feature of the fair is the "Barra de las Estrellas y los Soles," where MEG will present a dedicated stand featuring exceptional tapas from regional associates. MEG will also participate in various forums, including a roundtable discussion with the Alicante Tourism Board and "L’exquisit Mediterrani," a showcase spotlighting the most promising young talent in the culinary world.

FIRA AGRARIA DE SANT MIQUEL

The Sant Miquel Agricultural Fair, organized by Fira de Lleida, marks its 61st edition with an expanded focus on technological innovation. This year's event will feature a dedicated exhibition area showcasing cutting-edge agricultural machinery and technologies, alongside an exciting segment devoted to drones. The fair will also highlight the 19th Award for Technological Innovation and Safety in Agricultural Machinery Design, celebrating advancements in the field.

As one of Lleida's key economic drivers, the Sant Miquel Fair has long served as a prominent commercial platform, facilitating the promotion and sale of agricultural goods and services. Since its inception, it has provided a venue for discussions on pressing sector issues, information exchange, and direct sales to attendees. It also offers a variety of recreational activities aimed at engaging younger audiences.

This year, a new addition to the fair is a 300 m² space dedicated to drone technology, reflecting Fira de Lleida’s commitment to showcasing the latest innovations in agricultural management. The Drone Lleida initiative will use this space for demonstration flights, workshops, and interactive activities, giving companies and industry representatives an opportunity to explore the practical applications of drones in agriculture and other fields.

Lleida’s mayor, Ángel Ros, highlighted the city's ambition to achieve excellence in agri-technologies through its Agrifood Science and Technology Park. This initiative aims to advance technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drones, which are increasingly relevant in modern agriculture. Ros emphasized the importance of specializing in these technologies to enhance agricultural practices.

In conjunction with the fair, Drone Lleida and Fira de Lleida will host the VII Eurofruit Professional and Amateur Drone Conference. This conference aims to bridge the gap between professional and amateur use of drones, offering two focused sessions: one on precision farming applications and another on general drone uses, including surveillance, control, health, detection, firefighting, and recreational activities.

The Sant Miquel Agricultural Fair continues to evolve, integrating the latest technological advancements while maintaining its role as a central hub for agricultural innovation and commerce.

TASTA'M

Tasta’m represents a unique and vibrant addition to the cultural and gastronomic landscape of Igualada. Launched for the first time during the Multisectorial Fair in September 2022, this event combines the pleasures of tasting local wines with the ambiance of live music, creating a distinctive experience that highlights the region's rich cultural and culinary heritage.

At its core, Tasta’m offers an opportunity for attendees to indulge in a curated selection of wines from the local area, all while enjoying the backdrop of live musical performances. This fusion of sensory experiences—fine wine and music—adds a layer of sophistication and enjoyment, making the event a standout attraction within Igualada’s cultural calendar.

The event is designed to celebrate the cultural capital of Igualada by bringing together local producers and musicians in a setting that promotes both community engagement and the appreciation of regional products. It showcases not only the diversity of local wines but also the dynamic atmosphere that live music can bring to a tasting experience.

By blending these elements, Tasta’m creates a rich, immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to explore and enjoy the local flavors and sounds in a way that is both engaging and memorable. The success of the inaugural event has set a high standard, promising that future editions will continue to be a highlight of Igualada's cultural offerings.

SALAMAQ

Salamaq has established itself as a pivotal event in the agricultural sector, underscoring the vital role of agriculture and livestock in society and the economy. The fair highlights the importance of tradition while embracing the advancements necessary for future progress and quality through innovation.

Over the years, Salamaq has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting agricultural and livestock professionals in the province of Salamanca. This dedication reflects a broader vision of integrating traditional practices with modern advancements to enhance both the industry and its impact on the local and global economy.

The event serves as a dynamic platform where tradition meets innovation, allowing participants to explore new technologies and methods while honoring the time-honored practices that have shaped the sector. By focusing on the advancement and quality of agriculture and livestock, Salamaq plays a crucial role in driving progress within the industry and supporting the professionals who are central to its development.

In essence, Salamaq is more than just a fair; it is a celebration of the agricultural and livestock sectors' enduring significance, while also paving the way for future improvements and innovations. Through its unwavering support for professionals in Salamanca, the event reinforces its position as a cornerstone of the region's agricultural landscape.