Fira de Barcelona
| 2014 Report
Alimentaria
International Food and Drink Exhibition
31/March – 03/April
Gran Via. 20th edition
An Alimentaria that exported, innovated
and focused on cuisine more than ever was
confirmed as one of the major platforms for
the internationalisation and promotion of the
Spanish food industry throughout the world.
The number of foreign buyers at the show,
which received 140,000 visitors, increased by
30% over the previous year, whilst more than
10,000 meetings took place between exhibiting
companies and large international import
and distribution firms, multiplying business
opportunities abroad, particularly as regards
small and medium-sized enterprises.
This great commitment to internationalisation
is in line with the goals of the Spanish food and
drink industry, which hopes to double its exports
over the next six years, reaching a value of
46,000 million euros by 2020.
Efforts were also made to strengthen the
connection between industry and gastronomy,
given the great international renown that
Spanish cuisine is enjoying at present. This
should serve to increase the recognition and
exports of food and drink products made in
Spain. To this end, one of the new features
in 2014 was “The Alimentaria Experience”
a section where leading chefs, with a total of
more than 50 Michelin stars between them (and
including Joan Roca, Juan Mari Arzak, Quique
Dacosta, Pedro Subijana, Carme Ruscalleda
and Paco Pérez) gave demonstrations and led
cookery workshops. The show also hosted the
final of Cook of the Year, won this time round
by Joaquín Baeza Rufete from Alicante.
Other gastronomic activities included the
traditional “Vinorum” tasting experience, which
featured 50 of the finest wines of the moment;
the Oliva Gourmet Oil Bar, where visitors could
try more than one hundred top-range oils; and
the exhibition “Spain, Land of 100 Cheeses”,
illustrating the development of Spanish cheese-
making over the last 20 years.
Area
95,000 m
2
Exhibitors
3,800
Type
Professional
Activities
Innoval prizes,
International Congress
on the Mediterranean
Diet, Nestlé Forum,
Innovation and
Technology Meetings
(FIAB), Best Pack
prizes, Cook of the Year
competition, exhibitions,
technical sessions
