Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Barcelona with an edition marked by innovation

Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 will return from March 23 to 26, 2026 to the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona to bring together the main players in food, gastronomy, foodservice and hospitality equipment in a particularly significant edition, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Alimentaria .

The fair is thus consolidating its position as one of the major international platforms for the entire value chain of the sector, with the expected participation of more than 3,300 companies from 70 countries and the attendance of over 110,000 professional visitors . The event will occupy 100,000 m² distributed across seven pavilions , reinforcing its role as a meeting point for business, innovation, and the global projection of the food industry.

One of the most notable features of this edition will be its strong international focus. Nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies will come from international markets, representing more than 30% of the total , with a 41% increase in international participation compared to the previous edition. Europe, Asia, and Latin America will have a significant presence, with Poland as the Country of Honor , reflecting the global reach of a trade fair that continues to gain strategic importance internationally.

With the aim of fostering access to new markets and increasing business opportunities, the organization, in collaboration with ICEX , has invited 1,500 major buyers and importers from 100 countries , in addition to 1,200 domestic buyers . It is anticipated that over 14,500 business meetings will take place during the event, reinforcing its role as a driver of internationalization and a platform for closing trade deals.

The fair will also feature representation from all of Spain's autonomous communities, with a strong presence from Catalonia, Castile and León, Andalusia, Madrid, the Valencian Community, and Murcia , showcasing the strength, diversity, and competitiveness of the national food industry. Alongside new companies and emerging businesses, established companies that have been part of the event for five decades will also be present, reflecting the resilience of Spain's agri-food sector.

The exhibition will once again be organized around different specialized sectors. Among them, Intercarn stands out, returning as the largest hall at Alimentaria with 350 companies and 15,000 m² of exhibition space , alongside other areas such as Organic Foods , La Plaza Eco , Alimentaria Trends , Fine Foods , Grocery Foods , Coffee, Bakery & Pastry , Interlact , Lands of Spain , Snacks, Biscuits & Confectionery , Expoconser , Restaurama , and International Pavilions .

Innovation will be another key focus of this edition. The Alimentaria Hub will once again be the epicenter of knowledge, trends, and transformation in the sector, with the participation of more than 200 national and international experts in forums and seminars dedicated to sustainability, digitalization, food safety, and new consumption habits. In addition, the Innoval area will showcase more than 300 innovations , and 60 startups will be present at Food & Hospitality Startups , solidifying the fair's position as a showcase for new solutions and technology transfer for the industry.

The HORECA and foodservice sector will also play a prominent role, with over 20,000 m² , 600 companies , and around 200 activities geared towards professionals in the restaurant, hospitality, and catering industries. Highlights in this area will include initiatives such as The Horeca Hub , Imagine Foodservice Europe , The Shift , The Bakery & Pastry Hub , and The Coffee Stage , which will address issues related to innovation, digitalization, consumer trends, and the future of foodservice.

In addition, the program will include activities and competitions of great appeal to the sector, such as the First International Cooking Championship of Alimentaria , sponsored by #alimentosdespaña and endorsed by WorldChefs , the Horeca Awards , the Student Barista Championship of Forum Café and the finals of Chef of the Year and Waiter of the Year .

With the support of entities such as ICEX Spain Export and Investment , the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food , FIAB , AECOC , CEHE and CEHAT , among other sector organizations, Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 is presented as a historic edition that will reinforce its role as a great international showcase for the food and hospitality industry, promoting business, knowledge and innovation at a key moment for the sector.