Alimentaria 2028 – Food & Beverage Trade Show Spain

What to expect in 2028

Alimentaria 2028 will return to Fira Barcelona Gran Via from March 20 to 23, 2028, bringing together the international food, beverage, gastronomy, retail, foodservice and HORECA industries. The organiser has already confirmed the dates and venue for the next edition following the record-breaking 2026 show, which celebrated Alimentaria’s 50th anniversary.

The 2028 edition will continue Alimentaria’s role as a professional trade platform connecting food and drink manufacturers with distributors, retailers, importers, exporters, hospitality businesses, restaurants, foodservice operators, buyers and international markets.

The latest edition attracted more than 109,600 professional visitors and more than 3,300 exhibiting companies. Around 25% of visitors were international and came from 120 countries, demonstrating the show’s strong international business focus.

The event combines a large-scale exhibition with gastronomy, product presentations, innovation showcases, cooking demonstrations, professional conferences, networking, business meetings and specialist activities. The 2028 programme will be announced progressively, but the show’s established format indicates a strong emphasis on internationalisation, innovation, sustainability, food trends, gastronomy and new consumption habits.

Alimentaria is held alongside Hostelco, creating a broader platform covering food, beverages, gastronomy, foodservice and hospitality equipment. Together, the events address a large part of the professional value chain from food production and distribution to restaurants, hotels and institutional catering.

Event dates

Alimentaria 2028 will take place from March 20 to 23, 2028, at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. The organiser has officially confirmed the dates on its international website.

The current official visitor schedule lists:

• March 20–22: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
• March 23: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

The four-day schedule provides opportunities for professionals to divide their visit between exhibition halls, product meetings, specialist areas, cooking activities, innovation programmes and networking.

Visitors planning meetings with exhibitors should allow enough time to move between the different halls because Alimentaria occupies a substantial part of the Gran Via complex.

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

Venue & festival site

Alimentaria 2028 will be held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.

Venue: Fira Barcelona Gran Via
Address: Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

The exhibition centre is one of Barcelona’s major international trade-fair venues and provides extensive exhibition halls, conference spaces, foodservice facilities, visitor services, transport connections and parking.

The official 2028 visitor information identifies several entrances, including the Northeast Access serving Halls 4–6, the East Access serving Halls 2–3 and the South Access on Av. Joan Carles I.

The Gran Via site also hosts Hostelco at the same time, making the combined event particularly relevant to professionals working across foodservice, hospitality, restaurant operations and food and beverage supply.

Full food & drink programme

The detailed Alimentaria 2028 activity programme has not yet been published. However, the exhibition’s established structure combines specialised food and beverage sectors with gastronomy, innovation, foodservice, sustainability and professional knowledge.

The latest programme included specialist areas such as Intercarn, Interlact, Expoconser, Restaurama, Snacks, Biscuits & Confectionery, Fine Foods, Organic Foods, Coffee, Bakery & Pastry, Alimentaria Trends, International Pavilions, Lands of Spain and Grocery Foods.

The 2028 programme is expected to include content around:

• Food innovation: New products, functional foods, alternative proteins, health-oriented products and emerging consumption trends.
• Gastronomy: Cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, culinary presentations and professional competitions.
• Retail and distribution: FMCG, grocery, private-label opportunities, purchasing and changing consumer behaviour.
• Foodservice: Restaurant chains, catering, institutional foodservice and hospitality.
• Bakery and pastry: Bread, pastry, chocolate, confectionery, desserts and specialist production.
• Coffee: Coffee products, preparation, equipment, professional barista culture and HORECA applications.
• Sustainability: Organic products, circularity, waste reduction, responsible sourcing and environmental innovation.
• International business: Country delegations, international pavilions, importers, exporters and hosted buyers.

The Alimentaria Hub has previously provided conferences, seminars, presentations and industry discussions covering innovation, nutrition and health, internationalisation, distribution and retail, sustainability, food safety and consumer trends.

Featured foods & specialties

Alimentaria brings together an exceptionally broad range of food categories, reflecting both Spain’s regional food culture and the international food industry.

Visitors can expect the exhibition to showcase products such as:

• Meat and meat products: Fresh, processed, cured and prepared meat products.
• Dairy: Milk products, cheeses, yoghurts and other dairy specialities.
• Gourmet foods: Premium ingredients, delicatessen products and speciality foods.
• Organic foods: Certified organic products and sustainable food ranges.
• Frozen products: Frozen meat, seafood, prepared foods and convenience products.
• Snacks and confectionery: Biscuits, sweets, snacks, chocolate and other indulgent products.
• Bakery and pastry: Bread, pastries, desserts, ice cream and professional bakery products.
• Coffee: Roasted coffee, specialty coffee and professional coffee solutions.
• Grocery: Packaged food and everyday consumer food products.
• Regional specialities: Food products representing Spain’s autonomous communities and international markets.

The 2026 edition also included dedicated routes designed to help visitors explore specific categories. The Frozen Food Route covered more than 80 exhibitors across Halls 1–7, while the Eco Route and Coffee & Tea Route provided additional sector-focused ways to navigate the exhibition.

Restaurants, vendors & producers

Alimentaria is primarily a professional trade exhibition rather than a public food festival, so its food offer is structured around manufacturers, producers, distributors, brands, foodservice companies and professional demonstrations.

The exhibition brings together both major corporations and smaller companies, family-owned businesses, regional producers and emerging food brands.

Companies that have maintained a long-standing presence at Alimentaria include bonÀrea, Coca-Cola, Dani, Danone, Damm, Elgorriaga, Helios, Lacasa, Noel, Santiveri and Ybarra. These were among the established companies highlighted by the organiser around the 2026 edition.

The event also provides international companies with dedicated space through International Pavilions. In 2026, Poland presented more than 100 companies across approximately 1,200 square metres as Country of Honour, with exhibitors appearing in areas including International Pavilions, Intercarn, Coffee, Bakery & Pastry, Grocery Foods, Snacks and Restaurama.

Direct retail sales are not permitted because Alimentaria is a professional trade show. Visitors therefore attend primarily to discover products, conduct business, establish distribution relationships and meet suppliers rather than shop like at a consumer food fair.

Wine, beer & beverage selection

Beverages form an important part of Alimentaria’s broader food and hospitality ecosystem. The exhibition brings together beverage manufacturers, distributors, foodservice suppliers and companies serving restaurants, hotels, cafés and retail channels.

The beverage offering can include:

• Coffee and specialty coffee
• Tea and infusions
• Soft drinks
• Functional beverages
• Ready-to-drink products
• Water and hydration products
• Beer and beer-based products
• Wine and other alcoholic beverages
• Foodservice beverage solutions

The Coffee, Bakery & Pastry area has become an important specialist platform, while beverage-related products also appear across Grocery Foods, Restaurama, Fine Foods and international participation areas.

The 2028 beverage programme has not yet been released, so individual brands, tastings and beverage sessions should be checked once the official agenda becomes available.

Tastings, cooking demos & workshops

Tastings, culinary demonstrations and professional cooking activities are among the most visible parts of Alimentaria.

The 2026 programme included showcookings, masterclasses, food tastings, professional competitions and specialist activities across the exhibition. The organiser also highlighted the First International Cooking Championship, Chef of the Year and Waiter of the Year competitions, the Best Bread Award and the Championship of Student Baristas.

The Bakery & Pastry Hub and Coffee Stage provided specialist programming for professionals working in baking, pastry, chocolate, ice cream and coffee.

The Alimentaria Hub also hosted presentations and professional discussions alongside the exhibition. Its 2026 programme included 129 activities, more than 300 innovations, 125 presentations, 219 speakers and around 3,800 congress attendees.

For 2028, the exact chefs, competitions, demonstrations and workshop schedule will be announced closer to the event.

Ticket types & entry options

Alimentaria 2028 ticket prices have not yet been published. The official visitor information confirms that professional accreditation will be required and that different badge durations can be selected, including one-day, two-day and four-day options.

As a previous-edition reference, a 2026 visitor guide reported the following professional badge prices:

• 1-day badge: approximately $82 standard or $47 online
• 2-day badge: approximately $94 standard or $59 online
• 4-day badge: approximately $111 standard or $70 online

These figures are 2026 reference prices rather than confirmed 2028 rates. The organiser recommends purchasing accreditation online in advance because online registration can provide discounts.

The professional accreditation process is personal and individual. Each visitor must register using their own email address, and selected profiles such as Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers require validation.

VIP & premium experiences

Alimentaria’s premium professional experience is closely connected with its buyer programmes and business networking infrastructure rather than a conventional consumer VIP ticket.

Hosted Buyers Programme: Designed for international professionals with purchasing responsibility, offering selected buyers special participation conditions and opportunities to meet exhibiting companies.

Key Buyers Programme: Designed for important national buyers with purchasing decision-making responsibility in relevant food and beverage channels.

Business meetings: Selected buyers can participate in scheduled meetings with exhibitors, helping companies identify new suppliers, products and commercial partners.

Professional activities: Accredited visitors can add individual activities to their registration when tickets are available.

The Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers programmes are subject to eligibility and prior validation.

Event rules

Alimentaria is an exclusive professional trade show for food, beverage, hospitality and HORECA professionals. The organiser may request proof that a visitor currently works for a commercial entity connected to the relevant industries.

Important visitor rules include:

• Professional access: Visitors must meet the professional admission requirements.
• Personal accreditation: Badges are personal and cannot be transferred.
• Digital badge: Visitors must have their valid accreditation available digitally or in printed form.
• No direct product sales: Exhibitors cannot sell products directly to visitors.
• No animals: Animals are generally not permitted except where legally required.
• No scooters or bicycles: Bicycles, electric scooters, skateboards and similar items are not permitted inside the venue.
• No refunds: The organiser states that purchased badges and activities are not refundable.
• Badge changes: Once registration is completed, the badge type or selected date cannot normally be modified.

Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors, and cloakroom services are provided in designated pavilions. The current cloakroom reference price is approximately $3.53 per item.

How to get there

Fira Barcelona Gran Via is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, southwest of Barcelona city centre.

Visitors arriving from Barcelona can use Metro, FGC rail, local buses or taxis. The venue is also connected to Barcelona-El Prat Airport through the metropolitan transport network.

The official Alimentaria visitor information provides access routes for the different halls and entrances, including the Northeast, East and South entrances.

International visitors can use Barcelona-El Prat Airport and then continue by metro, train, bus or taxi. The event’s travel services have previously provided information on accommodation, rail discounts and flight offers for registered participants.

Public transport & parking

Metro: Europa Fira is one of the principal public transport connections for Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Metro Line L9 Sud provides an important connection between the airport and the exhibition area.

FGC: Europa Fira is also served by FGC rail services, connecting the venue with Barcelona and surrounding areas.

Bus: Local Barcelona metropolitan bus services connect the Gran Via exhibition complex with surrounding districts.

Taxi: Taxis provide direct access to the exhibition centre and can be useful for international visitors carrying luggage or samples.

Parking: Fira Barcelona Gran Via has approximately 4,580 parking spaces, with designated areas for visitors and exhibitors.

Visitors driving to the venue should check the latest parking conditions before travelling because rates and access arrangements can change between editions.

Accommodation areas

Barcelona provides accommodation across a wide range of neighbourhoods, and visitors can choose their location according to whether they prioritise proximity to the exhibition centre or access to the city centre.

L’Hospitalet de Llobregat: One of the most practical areas for visitors attending all four days, with hotels close to Gran Via and strong public transport links.

Plaça d’Espanya: A convenient base with metro and FGC connections toward the exhibition centre and easy access to central Barcelona.

Sants: Useful for visitors arriving by train because Barcelona-Sants provides major rail connections and metro services.

Eixample: A central Barcelona district with extensive hotels, restaurants and transport connections.

Barcelona city centre: Areas around Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia provide a broad choice of hotels, restaurants and attractions, although commuting to Gran Via takes longer.

The official Alimentaria travel service has previously offered accommodation and transport arrangements for registered visitors and exhibitors.

Food & drink highlights

One of Alimentaria’s defining features is the combination of commercial food exhibition and professional gastronomy.

Key areas to watch in 2028 include:

• Intercarn: Meat and meat products.
• Interlact: Dairy products.
• Expoconser: Preserved and canned foods.
• Fine Foods: Premium and gourmet products.
• Organic Foods: Organic and environmentally focused food.
• Grocery Foods: Broad FMCG and food categories.
• Restaurama: Foodservice and professional restaurant solutions.
• Coffee, Bakery & Pastry: Coffee, bread, pastry, chocolate and ice cream.
• Snacks, Biscuits & Confectionery: Snacks, biscuits, sweets and confectionery.
• Alimentaria Trends: New consumer trends and innovative products.
• International Pavilions: Food and beverage products from international markets.
• Lands of Spain: Regional Spanish food and beverage representation.

The 2026 edition occupied approximately 100,000 square metres across seven pavilions, with Intercarn alone accounting for around 15,000 square metres and 350 companies.

Accessibility

Fira Barcelona Gran Via is a purpose-built international exhibition complex with facilities for large-scale professional events.

Visitors who require accessible entrances, mobility assistance or other specific services should contact the venue or event organiser before travelling to confirm the available arrangements for 2028.

The extensive public transport network around the venue also gives visitors multiple options for reaching the exhibition site.

The final 2028 accessibility information should be checked when the visitor guide and venue services are updated.

Best days to attend

March 20: The opening day is useful for professionals who want to begin meetings early and experience the exhibition before the final days. It can also be suitable for visitors with a concentrated business agenda.

March 21: A strong choice for visitors planning several supplier meetings, product discoveries and professional activities, with a full exhibition day available.

March 22: Another full-length exhibition day and potentially useful for visitors who want to combine sector exploration with conferences, tastings and networking.

March 23: The final day has shorter official hours, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, making it more suitable for visitors who have already identified the exhibitors and activities they want to see.

For a first-time professional visitor, two full days can provide enough time to cover priority halls and meetings, while buyers and exhibitors with extensive agendas may benefit from attending across several days.

Previous year’s highlights

Alimentaria 2026 was a landmark edition celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary. More than 109,600 professionals attended during the four-day event, including approximately 25% international visitors from 120 countries. More than 3,300 companies exhibited, with around 1,200 companies coming from 70 countries.

The exhibition covered approximately 100,000 square metres across seven pavilions. Intercarn remained the largest specialist sector, with 350 companies occupying approximately 15,000 square metres.

Innovation was another major focus. Innoval presented more than 300 innovations, while The Alimentaria Hub hosted 129 activities, 125 presentations and 219 speakers. The Hub also attracted around 3,800 congress attendees.

The 2026 event also featured approximately 60 companies in Food & Hospitality Startups, highlighting emerging businesses and new foodservice solutions. Topics included functional foods, plant-based proteins, digitalisation, sustainability, food safety and artificial intelligence applications in personalised nutrition.

International participation was particularly strong, with Poland serving as Country of Honour and presenting more than 100 companies across approximately 1,200 square metres.

The 2024 edition had already attracted more than 3,200 exhibiting companies and 107,900 professional visitors, confirming the show’s position as a major biennial meeting point for the food and beverage industry.

Official tickets

Alimentaria 2028 registration and ticket information will be provided through the official Alimentaria website as the new edition approaches.

The organiser has confirmed that the 2028 show will take place from March 20 to 23 at Barcelona Gran Via, while the detailed 2028 programme, exhibitors, activities and ticket pricing will be released progressively.

Visitors should use the official https://www.alimentaria.com/ for registration, professional accreditation, buyer programmes, event updates, the exhibitor directory, activity programme and final visitor information.

The organiser’s latest registration guidance confirms that visitors can purchase their accreditation online, download their digital badge and upgrade a shorter-duration badge when applicable. Hosted Buyers and Key Buyers require additional validation.

For pricing reference, the previous 2026 visitor guide listed approximately $82 for a one-day badge, $94 for two days and $111 for four days at standard rates, with lower online prices of approximately $47, $59 and $70 respectively. These are previous-edition reference prices only and are not confirmed 2028 prices.