The Food Fair
Already from the first day, a good influx of people was perceived at Alimentaria, which had 3,200 exhibiting companies and achieved the record of 900 foreign companies. Firms from 98 different countries attended, which represented a step forward in internationalization. The Asians were once again present, this time with countries such as China, South Korea and Thailand. It is a biannual show, and in the last edition there were still restrictions as a result of the covid pandemic. However, it was the Italian brands that led the foreign representation at the show.
With nearly 100,000 m2 of net exhibition area, practically the entire grounds of the Fira Gran Via de l’Hospitalet de Llobregat were occupied. It is the site of the major fairs, with expansion works already underway. The organization estimates an economic impact of 180 million euros.
“This edition has been a resounding success in terms of internationalization”, said the general director of Alimentaria Exhibitions, J. Antonio Valls. Of the 107,900 visitors to the show, 25% were international from more than 120 countries. Traditionally, this event had always had a more local character.
According to Valls, “the main agents of the sector and buyers from strategic countries for the export of the food industry” gathered there. “The show is consolidating itself as one of the main international business meetings in the sector”, concluded the general director of Alimentaria Exhibitions. Among the attendees were 2,200 important invited buyers from “strategic markets for the export of food and hotel equipment”, such as the European Union, the USA and Latin America. More than 13,500 meetings were organized with companies in the industry.
During the fair, the progress of the sector in offering healthier products was shown, and in this way the concerns of the target audience were answered. Also present was the irruption of artificial intelligence and the drought, which affects the entire value chain, although in different intensity, in an industry that claims to advance the use of reused water to improve efficiency The rise of protein and the latest trends in the hotel sector were also protagonists.
More than 350 activities were carried out, with the participation of nearly 700 experts and prestigious chefs. Once again, the celebration of Alimentaria, focused on the food industry, and Hostelco, dedicated to restaurant and hotel equipment, brought together practically the entire sector.
A hundred volunteers from the Banc dels Aliments foundation collected nearly 20,000 kilos of food and drinks that were donated by the exhibitors. Now they will end up in the hands of the most needy people through the network of collaborating entities of the Food Bank.
The next edition of Alimentaria
