Alimentaria 2018 closes with economic impact of €200M

Alimentaria closes its 2018 edition leaving an economic impact of 200 million euros. The international food and drinks fair brought 4,500 companies from 70 different countries to Barcelona, to show off their latest product innovations in the industry.

Although the number of attendees has not yet been confirmed, the president of the Fira de Barcelona, where the event took place, is confident that it will exceed 150,000. Josep Lluís Bonet stated that “all objectives have been completed,” and that the Fira is “very satisfied and happy” with the work carried out throughout the exposition.

Global objectives

This year’s edition was the first time that Alimentaria joined forces with Hostelco, another trade fair dedicated to the hotel and restaurant industry. The general director of Alimentaria, Antoni Valls, remarked that the fair has “reinforced its position as a strategic event,” referring to its “internationalization.” One of the main objectives was, indeed, strengthening both trade fairs on an international level.

The president of Hostelco, Rafael Olmos, was also positive about the results of Alimentaria 2018. Holding it as a joint trade fair, he said, had contributed to “growth in the sector of hotel and catering equipment.”

Doing business

Both fairs also invited more than 1,400 buyers from different continents. Throughout the four days in which the event took place, more than 12,500 business meetings took place with exhibiting companies, 10% more than the last edition.

In addition, Alimentaria 2018 brought together 25 chefs, sharing a total of 45 Michelin stars between them.

After this year’s experience, both Hostelco and Alimentaria have decided to hold the next edition together as well. It will take place from April 20 to 23 in 2020, at the Fira de Barcelona.

 Showcasing innovations

There were many new products on display at the 22nd edition of the bi-annual fair. Some of the highlights include non-alcoholic gin-like drink, and a straw you can eat. 

More vegan foods, and products suitable for people with intolerances, were also found at Alimentaria 2018. Some examples were a yogurt made using oat milk instead of dairy products, as well as the reinvention of a childhood classic in Catalonia: Cacaolat. The milk chocolate drink revealed a new line of products suitable for vegetarians. 

Also at the Alimentaria fair was an exhibition space dedicated solely to Halal certified foods, following an upward trend not only for Muslims but also for people seeking to eat healthier.

In the Hospitalet de Llobregat exhibition hall, 175 companies displayed halal foods, 25 of which were found in the Halal Food Expo.