Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, the trade fair for machinery, technology, and ingredients that integrates the entire value chain for the production, processing, and preservation of food and beverages, will reinforce its role as one of the leading knowledge forums for the sector. From October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, the event will address key issues for the future of the food industry.
Over three days, in the Innovarena space, more than 80 experts will analyze the transformations that are redefining the food value chain, from the incorporation of smart technologies in production processes to the development of new ingredients, more sustainable production models, and advanced solutions to guarantee food quality and safety.
Digital transformation will be a key focus of the next edition of Alimentaria FoodTech. Among the scheduled sessions is the presentation of the study “Digitalization, Changes in Occupations, and New Skills in the Meat Sector in Spain,” prepared by the Digital Skills and Employment Observatory, which analyzes the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics on productivity, traceability, and food safety.
Likewise, the Industry and Technology Observatory will release a new edition of its “Smart Industry 4.0” report. Javier de la Cuerda, CEO of the technology company Structurit, will provide an update on the level of digitalization in industrial companies and the main technological trends driving their competitiveness.
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Food safety will be another key focus of the program. Xavier Pera, Head of Food Safety at AECOC, will present the results of the second edition of the “AECOC Shopperview Barometer,” a study on food handling, storage, and preparation habits in households that will shed light on the consumer’s role in the “farm-to-table” model.
By For her part, Yolanda Torres, from the consulting firm Kersia, will present the latest tools for anticipating and managing microbiological risks through advanced monitoring, analysis, and prevention systems.
Global trends in ingredients will also be a prominent focus. Enric Tardio, Senior Business Development Manager at Innova Market Insights, will analyze how the demand for healthier, more transparent products aligned with consumer expectations is driving innovation in food and beverages.
Entrepreneurial Projects
The Startup Corner area will once again become one of the main innovation spaces at Alimentaria FoodTech, led by IRTA (Institut de Recerca i Tecnologies de l’Alimentació), a strategic partner of the event. This space will bring together around thirty emerging companies that will present disruptive solutions with the potential to transform the food industry. Their participation will be made possible thanks to the collaboration of entities that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, such as DARPA (Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat of Catalonia), ICEX, and the Galician Food Cluster. (CLUSAGA), the European Business and Innovation Centre of Navarre (CEIN), and the KM ZERO Foundation.
Its program will address some of the emerging technologies and trends with the greatest impact on the sector, such as artificial intelligence, the evolution of the foodtech ecosystem, food safety, new packaging materials, alternative proteins, the valorization of fish by-products, and the factors that will shape food competitiveness by 2030.
The Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 program will also feature the collaboration of leading organizations such as INNOVACC, Packnet, the Triptolemos Foundation, Fi Group, and Hygiena, among others. These entities will share studies, technologies, and experiences aimed at accelerating innovation, improving sustainability, and strengthening business competitiveness.
Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 expects to bring together more than 350 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, which will present the latest innovations in machinery, technology, and ingredients for the agri-food industry.
Photos from the previous edition, aquí
Accreditation press release, aquí
