The next edition of Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026, to be held from March 23 to 26 at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, is consolidating its position as one of the world’s most important agri-food trade fairs and a key tool for boosting the sector’s internationalization.
During the presentation held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, it was emphasized that one of the fair’s greatest strengths is its ability to open international markets for agri-food companies, especially SMEs, which find in Alimentaria a strategic platform to gain visibility and generate business opportunities.
Industry leaders also stressed that the future of the industry depends on adapting to changing times through transformation, innovation, and the ability to anticipate market changes—areas in which Alimentaria has established itself as a meeting point and a driver of trends.
A Historic 50th Anniversary Edition
The 2026 edition will be particularly special as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the event, which began in 1976 as the first major trade fair dedicated to the food industry in Spain.
The fair will bring together more than 3,300 exhibiting companies, nearly 1,000 of which come from 70 countries, representing more than 30% of the total and confirming the event’s growing international significance. In total, the fair will occupy 100,000 m² distributed across seven pavilions, with a 41% increase in international exhibitors compared to the previous edition.
To boost international business, the organizers, together with ICEX Spain Export and Investment, have invited 1,500 international buyers and importers from 100 countries, in addition to 1,200 domestic buyers, with the expectation of exceeding 14,500 business meetings.
Intercarn, the largest exhibition space at Alimentaria
Within the event, Intercarn, dedicated to the meat industry, will once again be the largest exhibition space at Alimentaria, with 350 exhibiting companies and 15,000 m², representing approximately 25% of the total exhibition area.
The event will also feature multiple specialized areas and spaces dedicated to innovation, knowledge, and new trends, with more than 200 international experts, over 300 innovations presented, and a significant presence of the HORECA and foodservice channels, which will occupy more than 20,000 m².
With this new edition, Alimentaria+Hostelco reinforces its role as a global meeting point for the entire food value chain, driving business, innovation, and international projection for the industry.
