Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 – Barcelona, Spain

What to Expect

Alimentaria FoodTech is a major professional trade show dedicated to machinery, technology, ingredients, processing, preservation, automation, digitalisation, and innovation across the food and beverage industry. The event brings together the different stages of the food production chain, from raw materials and ingredients through processing, packaging, preservation, logistics, and distribution.

The exhibition is designed primarily for professional visitors, including food manufacturers, technology suppliers, ingredient companies, distributors, importers, researchers, investors, purchasing managers, production managers, and other decision-makers. The organisers describe it as a business and innovation platform covering the entire food and beverage production value chain.

Visitors can expect a combination of exhibition stands, product demonstrations, innovation showcases, technical presentations, networking opportunities, business meetings, startup activities, awards, and knowledge-transfer sessions. The event also provides access to specialist areas such as FoodTech Innovarena and FoodTech Ingrenova, giving visitors opportunities to examine emerging technologies and innovative intermediate food products.

The exhibition covers a particularly broad range of food sectors. These include meat, dairy, seafood, beverages, bakery, confectionery, ready-made meals, frozen foods, preserves, fruit and vegetables, sauces, pet food, alternative proteins, ingredients, and other food-industry applications.

For professionals, the event combines commercial discovery with technical education. Attendees can compare machinery and technology solutions, meet suppliers, discover ingredients, investigate automation and digitalisation systems, and connect with companies looking to expand their presence across international food markets.

Event Dates

Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 will take place from October 6–8, 2026, at Barcelona Gran Via, Hall 2, in Spain. The official opening hours are 9:30 AM–6:00 PM on October 6 and 7, and 9:30 AM–5:00 PM on October 8.

The official event details identify the location as Hall 2, Gran Via Venue, Fira de Barcelona, Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & Exhibition Site

Alimentaria FoodTech takes place at the Gran Via Venue of Fira de Barcelona, one of the major exhibition complexes serving Barcelona and the surrounding metropolitan area. The event is concentrated in Hall 2, providing a dedicated environment for exhibitors, professional activities, networking, product presentations, and innovation areas.

The official venue address is Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

The exhibition is planned as an approximately 18,000-square-metre showcase with more than 350 companies and a broad cross-section of the food production industry. Organiser information also highlights a strong international component, with exhibitors from multiple countries.

The Gran Via location offers modern exhibition infrastructure, visitor services, meeting areas, food and beverage facilities, transport connections, and professional event facilities. Its location within the Barcelona metropolitan area also makes it practical for international business travellers.

Full Event Programme

The programme combines technical sessions, presentations, round tables, innovation activities, business-development content, startup discussions, ingredient showcases, sustainability topics, and networking.

FoodTech Innovarena is one of the central knowledge areas. It brings together technology and innovation centres, associations, startups, investors, technical specialists, opinion leaders, and exhibitors to discuss developments affecting the food industry.

Other programme components include FoodTech Ingrenova, which focuses on innovative intermediate food products, and FoodTech Awards, which recognise innovation and entrepreneurship in food technology, machinery, ingredients, and related applications.

Confirmed programme themes include:

• Artificial intelligence and digitalisation
• Robotics and automation
• Food safety
• Sustainability and circular bioeconomy
• Alternative proteins
• Ingredients and formulation
• Packaging innovation
• International business
• Food processing technology
• Industry 4.0
• Resource efficiency
• New food products
• Research and technology transfer
• Entrepreneurship and startups

The programme is designed to allow visitors to combine exhibition-floor activity with educational sessions and professional networking.

Key Speakers & Keynote Speakers

The speaker programme includes researchers, technology specialists, business executives, consultants, food-industry professionals, innovation experts, and representatives of research and technology organisations.

The published speaker list includes professionals such as Enric Tardio of Innova Market Insights, Eduardo Cotillas of FIAB, Xavier Pera of AECOC, Esteve Espuña of INNOVACC, Rubén Hidalgo of CAPSA FOOD, Bosco Emparanza of MOA Foodtech, Roselyne Chane of FATE – Food & Agri Tech Europe, and Juan Requena Sanz of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub.

Other confirmed programme speakers include specialists from IRTA, Eurecat, TECNALIA, AER Automation, GMV, Keyland, ifm, Novonesis, IDRO, Packaging Cluster, and other organisations active in food technology and industrial innovation.

Sessions address practical business and technical issues rather than focusing solely on theoretical discussion. Topics include robotics, physical AI, digitalisation, food safety, alternative proteins, sustainable packaging, resource efficiency, ingredients, international growth, and industrial competitiveness.

Conference Sessions & Tracks

The programme is divided across several specialist themes, allowing visitors to select sessions according to their professional interests.

Digitalisation and automation

Sessions examine artificial intelligence, robotics, smart sensors, MES systems, production planning, automation, physical AI, and digital transformation within food manufacturing.

Food safety

Food safety sessions examine preventive approaches, microbiological safety, hygienic design, regulatory compliance, high-pressure processing, bioprotective cultures, and technologies designed to improve food safety.

Sustainability and circular bioeconomy

This track covers resource efficiency, water and energy management, circular production, packaging innovation, by-product valorisation, and methods for creating additional value from underused resources.

Ingredients and product innovation

Ingredient-focused sessions examine novel ingredients, alternative proteins, flavours, functional ingredients, health and wellness trends, and new approaches to food formulation.

International business

Business sessions focus on international growth, market opportunities, technology partnerships, and strategies for foodtech companies seeking new commercial opportunities.

Startups and entrepreneurship

Startup-oriented activities provide opportunities for emerging companies to present technologies, meet potential partners, and connect with investors and industry professionals.

Session Times & Schedule

The programme contains sessions throughout the exhibition opening hours, with activities taking place in specialist areas including Speakers’ Corner, Innovation Room, Start Up Corner, and other FoodTech Innovarena spaces.

Examples of confirmed sessions include discussions on AI applications in the meat sector, smart processing, robotics and physical AI, food safety, sustainable packaging, alternative proteins, resource optimisation, and innovative ingredients.

The organisers also provide an official digital programme that allows visitors to filter activities and identify sessions according to topic, day, speaker, and programme area.

The official Alimentaria FoodTech app can also be used to access the programme, exhibitor information, floor-plan information, and networking tools.

Because individual sessions can be updated, visitors should check the official programme shortly before attending to confirm the latest times, rooms, speakers, and session availability.

Ticket Types & Registration

Alimentaria FoodTech uses several professional visitor categories.

The standard Professional Visitor badge provides three-day access to the exhibition and includes access to FoodTech Innovarena, FoodTech Ingrenova, and networking through the event app. The currently published online price is approximately $45, reduced from a standard published price of approximately $56. These USD amounts are converted from the organiser’s published prices using the ECB reference rate of €1 = $1.1225.

Other visitor categories include:

• Professional Visitor: approximately $45 online
• Distributor Visitor: approximately $45 online
• R+D+i Visitor: free, subject to professional accreditation
• Investor Visitor: application-based access
• Hosted Buyer: free for selected qualifying professionals
• Key Buyer: free for selected qualifying professionals

The organiser states that Hosted Buyers can receive preferential access, use the Buyers’ Lounge, arrange meetings with exhibitors, and potentially receive full or partial travel support subject to eligibility.

Key Buyers can also receive a free professional badge and access to dedicated buyer facilities and innovation areas, subject to the organiser’s selection criteria.

Registration Deadlines

The official visitor information does not identify a separate general visitor registration deadline. Professional visitors can register online through the official badge system, while specialised programmes such as Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers are subject to individual eligibility and selection procedures.

Visitors who want access to specialist programmes should apply as early as possible because these programmes are selective and depend on professional profile, purchasing authority, company activity, and other criteria established by the organisers.

The Hosted Buyers Programme is aimed at international professionals with purchasing, investment, or decision-making capacity. Selected participants are expected to attend for at least two days and complete a minimum number of meetings with exhibitors through the organised matchmaking system.

Exhibitor List & Major Companies

Alimentaria FoodTech brings together hundreds of companies working across food machinery, ingredients, processing technology, packaging, automation, digitalisation, food safety, refrigeration, preservation, and other areas of the production chain.

The organisers have announced participation from nearly 400 companies, with leading companies including MIMASA, Dordal, Handtmann, Weber, Vaessen Schoemaker, Hiperbaric, ULMA, Frontmatec, Tetra Pak, Roser Group, Haratek, CSB System, Brenntag, Impag Iberia, and Bizerba.

The exhibitor catalogue is available through the official event website and app. Visitors can search companies and products by sector and identify where exhibitors are located within the exhibition.

The exhibitor base reflects the event’s broad value-chain approach, with companies covering equipment, machinery, ingredients, automation, packaging, processing, food safety, digital systems, and specialist solutions for different food categories.

Exhibition Halls & Floor Plan

The main exhibition area is located in Hall 2 of the Gran Via Venue. The organisers describe the event as an approximately 18,000-square-metre showcase containing more than 350 companies, while current exhibitor communications indicate participation approaching 400 represented companies.

The official event app provides a digital map and exhibitor information, allowing attendees to search for companies, products, sectors, and stand locations.

The floor-plan system is especially useful for visitors with scheduled business meetings because the exhibition covers a wide range of technology and ingredient categories. Planning a route in advance can help attendees reach several relevant exhibitors efficiently.

The event also uses dedicated innovation and networking areas alongside the main exhibition floor, including FoodTech Innovarena, FoodTech Ingrenova, Speakers’ Corner, Innovation Room, and Start Up Corner.

Networking & Business Meetings

Networking is a major part of Alimentaria FoodTech. The event is structured around professional interaction between food manufacturers, technology suppliers, ingredient companies, distributors, buyers, researchers, startups, investors, and other industry stakeholders.

The official app provides networking functionality that enables visitors to connect with exhibitors and communicate through the event platform.

The Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers programmes add a more structured business component. Hosted Buyers can receive customised meeting agendas with exhibitors, while exhibitors can recommend potential buyers through the organiser’s Recommend Programme.

Business meetings can focus on equipment procurement, technology partnerships, ingredients, distribution, international expansion, production improvements, automation, sustainability, and other commercial opportunities.

For exhibitors, the event therefore provides opportunities not only to demonstrate products but also to develop direct relationships with purchasing and decision-making professionals.

Industry Sectors & Highlights

Alimentaria FoodTech covers solutions for a wide variety of food and beverage sectors.

Food sectors

• Meat
• Dairy
• Seafood
• Beverages
• Bakery and pastry
• Confectionery and snacks
• Ready-made meals
• Frozen foods
• Preserves
• Fruit and vegetables
• Sauces
• Pet food
• Alternative proteins

Technology sectors

• Processing machinery
• Automation
• Robotics
• Digitalisation
• Sensors
• Packaging
• Preservation
• Refrigeration
• Food safety
• Ingredients
• Quality control
• Production management
• Industrial technology

The show places particular emphasis on technologies capable of improving efficiency, productivity, sustainability, food safety, and competitiveness. The organisers also highlight growing attention to ready meals and pet food, alongside automation, digitalisation, collaborative robotics, and other emerging technologies.

Event Rules & Visitor Information

Alimentaria FoodTech is a professional trade event, and access is subject to the organiser’s visitor rules and accreditation requirements.

Children under 18 are generally not permitted to enter the venue, with a limited exception for women attending with infants up to one year old.

Visitors should bring their professional accreditation or digital badge information and follow the access procedures established by the organisers.

The official exhibitor catalogue and visitor guide are managed by Alimentaria Exhibitions and Fira de Barcelona. The organiser also warns exhibitors about unofficial companies offering directory listings or attempting to appear connected with the official event.

Visitors and exhibitors should therefore use official Alimentaria FoodTech communication channels when arranging registration, exhibitor information, sponsorship, business meetings, or other event services.

How to Get There

The Gran Via Venue is located in the Barcelona metropolitan area, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Its location provides convenient connections from Barcelona city centre, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and other parts of the metropolitan area.

The official venue address is Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

Visitors arriving by air can travel from Barcelona-El Prat Airport toward the Gran Via exhibition area using public transport, taxi, or private transfer.

For international business travellers, staying near central Barcelona or close to the Gran Via exhibition complex can make it easier to combine exhibition attendance with business meetings and city activities.

Public Transport & Parking

Public transport is one of the easiest ways to reach the Gran Via Venue.

The official Alimentaria FoodTech visitor information identifies Europa Fira as the principal metro and FGC rail station. The metro connection is provided by Line L9S, while FGC services include S8, S33, R6, R5, and S4. Bus lines 79 and 125 also serve the area.

Taxi services are another convenient option, particularly for visitors carrying exhibition materials or travelling with several colleagues.

Visitors choosing to drive should follow the venue’s parking and traffic information and allow additional time around busy exhibition periods. Public transport can be especially practical for visitors staying in central Barcelona.

Accommodation Areas

Visitors can choose accommodation in central Barcelona, around Plaça d’Espanya, near the Gran Via exhibition area, or closer to L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

Central Barcelona is suitable for travellers who want access to restaurants, attractions, shopping areas, business districts, and nightlife after the exhibition. Staying closer to the venue can reduce daily commuting time and may be preferable for visitors with early meetings.

The organisers also provide accommodation information and special rates through bnetwork for visitors and exhibitors.

When selecting a hotel, visitors should consider proximity to the Europa Fira transport connection, ease of access to the exhibition venue, airport connections, and the location of their scheduled business meetings.

Previous Year’s Highlights

The previous completed edition attracted more than 370 exhibitors and approximately 15,800 professional visitors from 30 countries, according to official Alimentaria FoodTech communications. The event also provided approximately 32,000 square metres of exhibition space during that edition.

The event demonstrated its role as a meeting point for food manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, technology, ingredients, automation, and processing solutions.

Business networking was a major feature, supported by hosted buyer activities and professional meetings. Innovation and knowledge-transfer activities also provided opportunities for visitors to examine emerging technologies and developments across the food production chain.

The exhibition’s continued focus on digitalisation, sustainability, automation, food safety, ingredients, and production efficiency has strengthened its role as a professional platform for companies seeking practical solutions for modern food manufacturing.

Official Registration & Tickets

The official Alimentaria FoodTech website provides the current registration system, visitor information, exhibitor catalogue, activity programme, floor plan, networking tools, and event updates.

Official Alimentaria FoodTech Website (https://www.alimentariafoodtech.com/)

Official Visitor Registration & Badge Information (https://www.alimentariafoodtech.com/en/buy-your-badge/)

Official Activities Programme (https://www.alimentariafoodtech.com/en/activities-program/)

The currently published standard Professional Visitor price is approximately $45 for online registration, based on the organiser’s published discounted price and the ECB reference exchange rate used for the conversion. The standard published price is approximately $56. R+D+i visitors and selected buyer categories may qualify for free access subject to professional verification or selection.