Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, the machinery, technology and ingredients fair that integrates the entire value chain for the production, transformation and preservation of food and beverages, will reinforce its role as one of the main knowledge forums for the sector. From 6 to 8 October 2026, at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, the show will address key issues for the future of the food industry.
For three days, in the Innovarena space, more than 80 experts will analyse the transformations that are redefining the food value chain, from the incorporation of smart technologies in production processes to the development of new ingredients, more sustainable production models and advanced solutions to guarantee food quality and safety.
Digital transformation will feature prominently at the next edition of Alimentaria FoodTech. Among the sessions planned is the presentation of the study 'Digitalisation, changes in occupations and new skills in the meat sector in Spain', prepared by the Observatory of Digital Skills and Employment, which analyses the impact of automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics on productivity, traceability and food safety.
Likewise, the Observatory of Industry and Technology will release a new edition of its report 'Smart Industry 4.0'. Javier de la Cuerda, CEO of the technology company Structurit, will provide an update on the degree of digitalisation of industrial companies and the main technological trends that are driving their competitiveness.
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Food security will be another of the main axes of the program. Xavier Pera, head of Food Safety at AECOC, will present the results of the second edition of the 'AECOC Shopperview Barometer', a study on food handling, conservation and preparation habits in homes that will allow us to know the role of the consumer within the "farm to fork" model.
For her part, Yolanda Torres, from the consulting firm Kersia, will present the latest tools to anticipate and manage microbiological risks through advanced monitoring, analysis and prevention systems.
Global trends in ingredients will also have a prominent space. Enric Tardio, Senior Business Development Manager at Innova Market Insights, will analyse how the demand for healthier, more transparent products aligned with consumer expectations is driving innovation in food and beverages.
Entrepreneurial projects
The Startup Corner area will once again become one of the main innovation spaces of Alimentaria FoodTech led by IRTA (Institut de Recerca i Tecnologies de l'Alimentació), a strategic partner of the show. This space will bring together some thirty start-ups that will present disruptive solutions with the potential to transform the food industry. Their participation will be possible thanks to the collaboration of entities that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, such as DARPA (Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat), ICEX, Galician Food Cluster (CLUSAGA), European Business and Innovation Center of Navarra (CEIN) and KM ZERO Foundation.
Its programme will address some of the emerging technologies and trends with the greatest impact on the sector, such as artificial intelligence, the evolution of the foodtech ecosystem, food safety, new packaging materials, alternative proteins, the recovery of fish by-products and the factors that will mark the competitiveness of food towards 2030.
The programme of activities at Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 will also include the collaboration of leading organisations such as INNOVACC, Packnet, Fundación Triptolemos, Fi Group and Hygiena, among others. These entities will share studies, technologies and experiences aimed at accelerating innovation, improving sustainability and strengthening business competitiveness.
Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 is expected to bring together more than 350 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, which will present the latest innovations in machinery, technology and ingredients for the agri-food industry.