The Las Ventas Bullring hosted the second edition of the Beef Awards, presented by the Interprofessional Beef Organization (PROVACUNO) to recognize individuals and institutions that, from diverse fields, contribute to collective progress and serve as a source of inspiration.
More than 600 guests attended the event, including professionals from the beef sector and influential representatives from various government bodies and institutions, as well as renowned figures from the business, cultural, and media worlds. Organized by PROVACUNO, in collaboration with MEDIASET, PUBLIESPAÑA, and KIBO MEDIA COMUNICACIÓN, this year’s event was sponsored by Philip Morris, the Inter-Food Forum, MG Automoción, MSD Health, Dalivar Oil, Ferrero, LG, and TAGA Construction and Services.
Hosted by Cristina Tárrega and Carlos Latre, the gala was accompanied by an exclusive dinner prepared by more than 15 Michelin-starred chefs: Iván Cerdeño, Juanlu Fernández, Juanmi Carrasco, Kisko García, Teresa Gutiérrez, Rocío Parra, Fernando del Cerro, Javi Estévez, Javier Aranda, Roberto Martínez, Miguel Ángel de la Cruz, Miguel Carretero, Rafa Centeno, and Nacho Solana.
Among the guests at the event, former Prime Minister Felipe González, who attended with his wife, Mar García Vaquero, stood out, as did distinguished business leaders such as Pedro Trapote, Juan Palacios, Rafael González-Cobos, Vicente Boluda, and Enrique Cerezo; the president of the CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organizations), Antonio Garamendi; television journalists such as Ana Rosa Quintana, Vicente Vallés, and Carlos Franganillo; and a large representation of the political class, including Spanish members of parliament, senators, and members of the European Parliament.
The Madrid City Council was represented by the Deputy Mayor, Borja Carabante, and councilors José Antonio Martínez Páramo and Andrea Levy. The Community of Madrid was represented by the Minister of the Environment, Agriculture, and the Interior, Carlos Novillo, who shared a table with his counterpart from the Generalitat of Catalonia, Òscar Ordeig.
On the red carpet were many well-known faces such as Ana Obregón, Bertín Osborne, Mar Flores, Patricia Pardo, Christian Gálvez, Macarena Gómez, Alba Lago, Laila Jiménez, Mónica Pont, Óscar Higares, Clara Courel, Carlota Boza, Samantha Vallejo-Nágera with Colate, and Pepa Gea, who attended with her daughters.
Also present were Jaime Guerra, Director of Content Production at Mediaset; Alicia Zamora, Director of Human Resources at Mediaset; and Davide Mondo, CEO of Publiespaña and member of the board of MFE Advertising. Ángel de Pablo, Commercial Director of Publiespaña Television, and José Luis Villalegre, Digital and Media Agency Commercial Director of Publiespaña.
In his remarks during the gala, Raúl Sanz, President of PROVACUNO, emphasized how the diverse areas represented by the Beef Awards winners share a common purpose with the Spanish beef sector: to improve people’s lives.
“We are part of a Spain that is moving forward, researching, innovating, creating jobs, and keeping its rural areas vibrant,” explained the president of the beef interprofessional organization, adding that “this sector often projects an overly serious, even somewhat outdated, image, when the reality is quite different. We are a responsible and rigorous sector, yes, but also a sector that knows how to enjoy what it does, that celebrates talent, that values good food, culture, and the gathering of people.”
The evening, enlivened by performances from Ana Torroja (Mecano) and Rafa Sánchez (La Unión), concluded well after midnight.
The Awards
During the event, twelve statuettes designed by sculptor Ernesto Knorr were presented. The jury’s decision for the 2026 Beef Awards is detailed below. The jury was chaired by Javier López, director of PROVACUNO, and comprised of journalists and directors from some of Spain’s leading media outlets: Carlos Herrera, Julián Quirós, Vicente Ruiz, Eduardo Inda, Álvaro Nieto, Juan Ignacio Gallardo, Paco González, José Antonio Vera, and Olga Ruiz. The voting process and the accreditation of the awards were overseen by notary Ana López-Monís.
SCIENCE AWARD: Dr. Pedro Cavadas
Recognized for his career as an international leader in reconstructive surgery and for his innovative, pioneering procedures.
The award was presented by Dr. Pedro Guillén.
FASHION, DESIGN, AND STYLE AWARD: Hanibal Laguna
Awarded for his contribution to Spanish fashion, combining the tradition of haute couture with contemporary design.
The award was presented by model and presenter Mar Flores.
SPORTS AWARD: Lydia Valentín
Awarded for her brilliant career
Sports sector and for becoming a leading figure in Spanish women’s sports.
The award was presented by: Juan Ignacio Gallardo, director of the newspaper Marca.
INNOVATION AND AESTHETICS AWARD: Proteos Biotech Laboratories
Recognized for its innovation in the development of biotechnological solutions for skin regeneration. The award was accepted by María del Pilar de Castro and Juan Ramón Muñoz, doctors and CEOs of the company.
The award was presented by: Olga Ruiz, director of Telva magazine.
MUSICAL ARTIST AWARD: Niña Pastori
Recognized for her outstanding career and her contribution to the dissemination and evolution of flamenco.
The award was presented by: television presenters Patricia Pardo and Christian Gálvez.
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD: NTT DATA Foundation
Awarded for its 25 years of promoting talent, innovation, and technological entrepreneurship. Magda Quintero, Deputy Director of the NTT DATA Foundation, accepted the award.
The award was presented by José Antonio Galve, Marketing Director of MG.
SOLIDARITY AWARD: Kike Osborne Foundation
Recognized for its work on behalf of children with cerebral palsy and its support for their families.
The award was presented by actress and presenter Ana Obregón.
LIFETIME AWARD: Vicente Boluda
Recognized for his leadership at the helm of Boluda Corporación Marítima and for his outstanding contribution to the development and international projection of the maritime sector. Under his leadership, the company has consolidated its position as the world’s largest operator of maritime towing services.
The award was presented by journalist Carlos Franganillo.
GASTRONOMY AWARD: Sandro Silva – Grupo Paraguas
Recognized for his contribution to fine dining and the development of benchmark gastronomic concepts. The award was accepted by Antonio Menéndez, CEO of Grupo Paraguas.
The award was presented by: José Miguel Herrero, Director General of Food at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
FILM AWARD: Lucía Jiménez
Recognized for her solid acting career and her contributions to film, theater, and television.
The award was presented by: César Benítez, President of the production company Plano a Plano.
COMMUNICATOR AWARD: Vicente Vallés
Recognized for his career and his influence on Spanish television journalism.
The award was presented by: Ana Rosa Quintana, a journalist.
BEEF FANS AWARD: Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia
Recognized for its work in eradicating contagious nodular dermatosis and for its support in promoting Spanish beef in gastronomy. The award was accepted by Óscar Ordeig i Molist, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia. The award was presented by Javier López, director of PROVACUNO.
