Around 22,000 industry professionals attended the show
Gastronomic Forum Barcelona closes an edition celebrating talent and tradition
Gastronomic Forum Barcelona, the leading event for gastronomy and foodservice professionals, closed its doors today at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue after welcoming 450 exhibitors and around 22,000 trade visitors. This year’s edition put the spotlight on a new generation of professionals already taking the lead in the sector, while celebrating regional cuisines, local produce and culinary heritage.
Over three days, Gastronomic Forum Barcelona further strengthened its position as a professional and business platform, bringing together more than 450 exhibiting companies, 12% more than at the previous edition. Alongside major companies from the food industry, foodservice, restaurant and hospitality equipment sectors, more than 200 small producers from across Spain took part. The exhibition combined the latest market innovations with products rooted in local communities and local production.
At the same time, this year’s conference programme, held under the theme ‘Revisiting Tradition’, brought together 155 chefs holding a combined 63 Michelin stars, as well as experts and professionals from across the gastronomy and hospitality management sectors, in more than 180 activities.
According to Josep Alcaraz, “This edition confirms the strength of a sector that knows how to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Gastronomic Forum Barcelona has established itself as a place where produce, knowledge and business come together, anticipating where gastronomy is heading and giving visibility to those driving its transformation.”
A new generation takes the lead
Another major focus of this year’s edition was the new generation of professionals rethinking how gastronomic ventures are conceived and managed. Beyond culinary creativity, discussions explored new approaches to entrepreneurship and business, team and talent management, leadership and achieving a better balance between professional and personal life.
The rise of counter dining also featured prominently in discussions around new business models, as a format that brings chefs and diners closer together while offering new ways of approaching the restaurant experience.
“We wanted to offer a programme that genuinely serves the industry, providing knowledge, opening up new perspectives and giving professionals the tools they need to grow, innovate and tackle the challenges facing the restaurant sector,” said Pep Palau, the event’s Content Director.
Purple fig carpaccio, Angus beef cheek croquettes, truffle juice caviar, edible pearls, gold leaf, rendered beef fat and Castanyissa, a cured sausage made with chestnuts, were among the many new products unveiled by participating companies.
Awards and accolades
Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, Gastronomic Forum Barcelona recognised talent, innovation and professional achievement through a series of awards.
Among the highlights was the Gastronomic Forum Barcelona Cuiner 2026 Award, presented to Miquel Pardo, from Melós (Barcelona), while the Sala 2026 Award went to Marta Rombouts, from Almarge Restaurant (Badalona). Both awards were organised in collaboration with La Vanguardia.
The Josep Mercader Awards, meanwhile, recognised outstanding careers and contributions to the sector across the categories of Cuisine, Front of House, Wine, Fishing, Artisan Trades, Training, Retail, Sustainable Food and Communication.
The The Baker Award for best bread went to Emilio Ojeda, from Forn de Pa Luna (Sant Joan Despí). Lluís Costa, from Vallflorida Xocolaters (Sant Esteve de Palautordera), was named winner of Spain’s Best Artisan Panettone 2026, while Spain’s Best Chocolate Panettone 2026 went to Francisco Antonio Villagordo, from Pastelería La Roja (Almoradí, Alicante). The awards are promoted respectively by Barcelona’s Bakers’ Guild and Pastry Chefs’ Guild.
The professional programme was rounded off with the presentation of leading industry publications, including the Slow Food Guide 2027 and the Guía Augusta.
The next edition of Gastronomic Forum Barcelona will take place from 25 to 27 October 2027 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.
Barcelona, 4 November 2026
Images from the show: available here
Susana Santamaria
[email protected]
Sofía Borràs
[email protected]