Asia Food & Beverages Report (AFBR) is proud to be the supporting media partner for Alimentaria 2026, one of the world’s leading F&B exhibition with more than 3,300 exhibitors occupying a gigantic space of 100,000 sq.metre.
AFBR has the opportunity to interview Anna Canal, Director of Operations, Alimentaria to find out more on this international event and its major highlights for 2026. The following are excerpts of the interview with her:
Can you give us a brief introduction on Alimentaria 2026 ? Why is it considered a leading F&B trade show in the world today?
Throughout its 50-year history, Alimentaria has become Spain’s leading food industry trade fair and a major international benchmark. It has showcased the development of one of the European Union’s (EU) strongest economic sectors, supporting its growth and competitiveness. As the country’s leading industrial sector expanded abroad, Alimentaria was a key ally, promoting internationalisation and fostering innovation. The fair is synonymous with renewal, introducing disruptive formats and spaces that connect buyers, exhibitors and the wider value chain. Its 50th anniversary highlights not only its historic role but also its proven capacity to adapt to industry needs and anticipate future challenges.
For the upcoming 2026 event, what is the expected size of the exhibition ? (in terms of floor area, visitors, and exhibitors)
Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026 will occupy more than 100,000 sq.metres at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Vía venue. The fair is expected to host over 3,300 exhibitors, 30% of them international, and attract nearly 110,000 professional visitors from around 120 countries. About 900 international companies will take part, and 15,000 sq.metre of exhibition space will be dedicated to global pavilions. To foster business opportunities, organisers will invite some 2,200 international buyers, with an estimated 14,000 business meetings taking place during the fair.
For the Asian customers/businesses, what can they expect from Alimentaria 2026 when they visit the show?
Asian businesses visiting Alimentaria + Hostelco 2026 will gain direct access to European and Latin American markets while connecting with global buyers. Dedicated international pavilions, sector-focused halls, and new collaborative spaces will highlight opportunities across categories from meat and bakery to organic products and food service equipment. To maximise business potential, the organisers will host 2,200 major international buyers from key markets, offering Asian companies’ direct access to high-level decision makers. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the fair will feature special programmes designed to foster innovation, partnerships, and cross-border growth. For Asian companies aiming to expand internationally, Alimentaria offers both a showcase for their products and a platform to discover emerging trends, technologies, and consumer demands shaping the global food and hospitality sectors.
Are there any new innovations/concepts which will be introduced at Alimentaria 2026 which visitors can look forward to?
The synergies between Alimentaria and Hostelco have created one of the largest international meeting points for the hospitality industry, responding to the sector with a comprehensive and cross-cutting offer. Alimentaria 2026 will introduce new and expanded spaces such as the Alimentaria Hub, showcasing research and ideas that will shape the industry’s future, and a dedicated Food & Hospitality Startups zone with around 60 emerging companies supported by Institute of Agrifood Research & Technology (IRTA). The Horeca Hub will host presentations, tastings and live demonstrations on sustainability, digitalisation and management, while Alimentaria Trends will highlight the 3 forces driving a new paradigm: sustainability, health and pleasure.
What makes Alimentaria 2026 unique from other F&B trade events?
Alimentaria + Hostelco combine two leading fairs into one, creating a cross-sector platform that covers the entire value chain, from food production and retail to hospitality and foodservice. Its size, international reach, and level of sector specialisation set it apart. At the same time, it balances business with knowledge and innovation, offering spaces dedicated to new launches, sustainability, and startups.
In your own words, what will you like to say to Asian F&B manufacturers/ distributors/importers to invite them to visit Alimentaria 2026?
To manufacturers, Alimentaria 2026 is the ideal platform to showcase products and connect with international partners. Over the past 50 years, the fair has become one of the world’s benchmarks for food, beverage and gastronomy, constantly introducing new formats and spaces that encourage collaboration, business contacts and knowledge exchange. The event’s 50th anniversary will highlight its role as a global business centre and a driver of innovation in the industry.
To distributors and importers, we offer exclusive loyalty and invitation programmes that ensure the presence of buyers with strong purchasing power from 120 countries. Through the Recommendation, Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers programmes, companies gain direct access to high-level decision makers and can strengthen their international business opportunities.
For more information, visit www.alimentaria.com/en/
Anna Canal, Director of Operations
Alimentaria Exhibitions
