Alimentaria food industry fair kicks off in Barcelona, anticipating 100,000 visitors

The joint Alimentaria & Hostelco trade fair kicked off in Barcelona on Monday, anticipating more than 100,000 attendees over the course of the four-day event. 

The 2024 editions of Alimentaria – an international food, drinks and food service exhibition – and Hostelco – a hotel and restaurant trade show – take place amid societal debates on food systems that have led to widespread farmers' protests, and food prices, which are "beginning to stabilize" after a record year. 

"The food value chain is fundamental, starting with farmers and the agricultural world," said Antoni Valls, director of Alimentaria. 

Around 3,200 exhibiting companies, including 375 from Catalonia are taking part in the joint trade fair, which organizers expect will have an economic impact of between €180m and €200m. 

This year, almost one-third - or 900 - of all exhibitors are from outside Spain.  

The trade show is divided into thirteen zones, representing thirteen different food sectors, including Intercarn for meat and meat products, Alimentaria Trends for plant-based, vegan, and allergen-free foods, as well as the International Pavilions, where many of the international exhibitors showcase their products. 

The Lands of Spain zone, meanwhile, showcases food and beverages from all of Spain’s Autonomous Communities, with a particularly large presence by companies from Catalonia, Castilla y León, Andalucia, and Galicia.

New food solutions and technologies

In addition, the Alimentaria Food Hub zone showcases some of the latest ideas in the food sector, including Catalan startups that offer different solutions to a food sector facing challenges such as food shortages and climate change.

One of these companies is Planet Biotech, the first startup from the Catalan Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), which is developing tests to discover molecules that can make plants, such as cereals, more resistant to drought.

Another example of a new food solution presented at the trade show is 3D “reconstructed” meat, created by the Galician company Cocuus.

Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025

In 2023, Catalonia was named World Region of Gastronomy 2025, a fact highlighted by the Catalan president Pere Aragonès in a speech on the first day of the fair. 

According to the Aragonès, the designation should be an “incentive” to promote the Catalan gastronomic model and values such as quality, innovation, and healthy eating.

Additionally, it should ensure that the entire food chain - from farmers to food producers, scientists, and vendors - can make a living “with dignity”. Currently, the food sector accounts for 19% of the Catalan GDP and employs 177,000 people.

The trade show will last until Thursday, March 21.