Latest Development: Alimentaria Plus Hostelco 2026 Expands Global Participation with 41 Percentage Growth in Exhibitor Space

Published on December 2, 2025

Alimentaria+Hostelco, one of the leading international platforms for the food, beverage, food service, and hospitality equipment industries, is set to take a giant leap forward in 2026. The event, which will return to Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue from March 23 to 26, 2026, will feature a massive 41% increase in the space allocated to international exhibitors compared to its previous edition. With more than 3,300 companies, including nearly 1,000 international firms from over 70 countries, Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 is poised to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s premier food industry events.

A Global Food Industry Benchmark

Alimentaria+Hostelco is widely regarded as one of the top food and hospitality trade shows in Europe. This year’s edition will mark a significant expansion, driven by a growing demand for global business opportunities. The event will see an increase of international participation from key markets such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America, confirming the show’s international stature. The 2026 edition promises to be a melting pot of global food producers, suppliers, distributors, and buyers.

Nearly 1,000 international companies have already confirmed their participation, representing an 11% increase from the last event. The increase in international participation is accompanied by a substantial rise in exhibition space—41% more than in previous years—reflecting the growing international demand for a platform to showcase food and beverage products, hospitality solutions, and culinary innovations.

Italy Leads International Participation

Italy will again lead the charge in international participation, with more than 200 Italian firms confirmed for the 2026 edition. Other key contributors include Poland, China, Turkey, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and Greece. These countries will be among the largest exhibitors, providing a diverse range of food products, equipment, and services for the hospitality and foodservice sectors.

J. Antonio Valls, Managing Director of Alimentaria Exhibitions, which organizes the event on behalf of Fira de Barcelona, expressed his satisfaction with the increase in global participation. According to Valls, the 41% increase in international exhibitors confirms that Alimentaria+Hostelco remains a global benchmark, attracting the world’s leading producers and exporters while fostering new business opportunities for the entire food industry.

Promoting Global Business Opportunities: The Buyer Invitation Programme

Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 isn’t just a trade show; it is a key platform for forging global business connections. The event’s comprehensive buyer invitation programme aims to connect exhibitors with more than 1,500 international buyers, including importers, distributors, and purchasing managers from over 80 countries. This matchmaking initiative is set to facilitate over 14,000 one-on-one meetings, offering attendees invaluable opportunities to establish business relationships and expand into new markets.

The programme will target key global markets, including the United States, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Chile, and other leading European and Latin American export destinations. The goal is to bring together decision-makers from across the food and hospitality sectors, helping them find new suppliers and expand their reach into global markets.

Diverse Exhibitors Across Multiple Sectors

Alimentaria+Hostelco’s expanded focus goes beyond the traditional food and beverage sectors. The event will cover a wide array of industries including food service, hospitality equipment, packaging, and technology. The inclusion of diverse sectors ensures that the event attracts a wide range of exhibitors, including suppliers from the defense, technology, and healthcare industries, providing valuable networking opportunities for a broader spectrum of professionals.

By diversifying the range of exhibitors, Alimentaria+Hostelco is positioning itself as a comprehensive B2B platform for the global food service and hospitality sectors. This approach also helps the event cater to emerging trends and challenges, creating space for innovation and collaboration in the global marketplace.

What to Expect: Networking, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

Attendees at Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 can expect a rich programme of networking events, live demonstrations, and interactive displays that showcase the latest innovations in the food and hospitality industries. The event is designed not only to provide a platform for companies to showcase their products but also to foster a collaborative environment where global industry leaders can exchange ideas, discover new trends, and build long-lasting partnerships.

The exhibition will feature cutting-edge foodservice equipment, the latest food processing technologies, and sustainable practices that are shaping the future of the industry. For businesses looking to explore new product lines or enter new markets, Alimentaria+Hostelco provides the perfect opportunity to engage with international buyers and suppliers.

A Growing Platform for Future Opportunities

With the event’s expansion and increasing international appeal, Alimentaria+Hostelco is set to further solidify its position as a global hub for the food, beverage, and hospitality equipment industries. The growing international participation, diverse sector engagement, and robust business matchmaking programme ensure that the event will continue to offer unparalleled opportunities for exhibitors, buyers, and industry professionals alike.

As the global food industry evolves, Alimentaria+Hostelco’s role as a pivotal trade event will only grow. With a strong foundation built on decades of industry expertise, the 2026 edition promises to offer an even greater platform for global collaboration, innovation, and business growth.

Looking Ahead to 2026: The Future of Alimentaria+Hostelco

As the event draws closer, the excitement around Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 continues to build. With more than 3,300 exhibitors expected and a significant international presence, the event is set to be one of the biggest trade shows in Europe. It represents a critical moment for the food and hospitality sectors, with industry leaders from around the world coming together to shape the future of global food business.

The success of Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026 is a testament to Spain’s growing influence in the global trade event industry. As the event prepares to take place in Barcelona, it offers a glimpse of the future of international food and hospitality business—one where collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth take center stage.