Alimentaria+Hostelco concluded its latest edition in Barcelona with strong attendance and business activity, underscoring the growing international reach of one of Europe’s leading trade fair platforms for the food, beverage, foodservice and hospitality equipment industries.
The event, which also marked the 50th anniversary of Alimentaria, attracted nearly 109,600 professionals over four days, with international visitors accounting for 25% of total attendance. Participants traveled from 120 countries, with significant representation from the US, Europe and Latin America, reflecting the event’s expanding global footprint.
More than 3,300 companies exhibited at the show, including 1,200 international participants from over 70 countries. Organizers reported a notable increase in global engagement, with the number of international exhibitors rising by 30% compared with the previous edition and exhibition space dedicated to international participants expanding by 40%. Europe remained a central contributor to the international presence, with Poland featured as Country of Honour, alongside strong participation from Latin America and North America.
The scale of commercial activity was also a defining feature. More than 14,500 business meetings took place during the event, involving over 2,700 invited buyers and importers, highlighting the fair’s role as a platform for deal-making and cross-border partnerships.
“The strong level of participation in this edition demonstrates the resilience of the sector, even in a complex international context such as the current one. Thanks to its 50 years of experience, Alimentaria continues to be an essential internationalisation platform for our industry”, said Antoni Llorens, president of Alimentaria.
A key focus of this year’s edition was the Horeca segment, which saw significant expansion. The dedicated area for hospitality and foodservice grew by 40%, bringing together more than 600 companies and reinforcing the event’s strategic emphasis on this channel.
According to Pere Taberner, president of Hostelco, “the dynamism and capacity for transformation of both the food industry as a whole, and the Horeca sector in particular” were evident throughout the exhibition, supported by strong attendance and an extensive program of activities.
Innovation remained central to the event’s positioning. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of new products and solutions, with a particular focus on healthier offerings, reduced environmental impact and the application of artificial intelligence to support more personalized nutrition.
Beyond its commercial and technological focus, the event also incorporated a social dimension. In collaboration with Fundació Banc dels Aliments, organizers and volunteers collected more than 20,000 kg of food and beverages donated by exhibitors.
The next edition of Alimentaria+Hostelco is scheduled to take place from March 20 to 23, 2028, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, as the event continues to position itself at the intersection of global food industry trends and hospitality innovation.
Find out more at: https://www.alimentaria.com