Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, The trade fair for machinery, technology and ingredients that integrates the entire value chain for the production, processing and preservation of food and beverages will be held from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona.
Over three days, at the Innovarena venue, more than 80 experts will analyze 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 in the next edition of FoodTech Food. Among the planned sessions is the presentation of the study “Digitalization, changes in occupations and new skills in the meat sector in Spain”, prepared by the Observatory of Digital Skills and Employment, which analyzes the impact of automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics on productivity, traceability and food safety.
The Industry and Technology Observatory will also release a new edition of its 'Smart Industry 4.0' report.Javier de la Cuerda, CEO of the technology company StructuritIt will offer an update on the degree of digitization of industrial companies and the main technological trends that are driving their competitiveness.
Food security will be another major focus of the program. Xavier Pera, Head of Food Safety at AECOC, It will present the results of the second edition of the 'AECOC Shopperview Barometer', a study on the handling, preservation and preparation habits of food in homes that will allow us to understand the role of the consumer within the "farm to table" model.
For its part, Yolanda Torres, from the consulting firm KersiaIt will showcase the latest tools for anticipating and managing microbiological risks through advanced monitoring, analysis and prevention systems.
Global trends in ingredients will also have a prominent place. Enric Tardio, Senior Business Development Manager at Innova Market InsightsIt will analyze how the demand for healthier, more transparent products that are aligned with consumer expectations is driving innovation in food and beverages.
Entrepreneurial projects
The Startup Corner will once again become one of the main innovation hubs at Alimentaria FoodTech, led by IRTA (Institut de Recerca i Tecnologies de l'Alimentació), a strategic partner of the trade fair. This space will bring together around thirty startups presenting disruptive solutions with the potential to transform the food industry. Their participation is made possible through the collaboration of organizations that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, such as DARPA (Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat of Catalonia), ICEX, the Galician Food Cluster (CLUSAGA), the European Business and Innovation Centre of Navarre (CEIN), and the KM ZERO Foundation.
His program 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 valorization of fish by-products and the factors that will mark the competitiveness of food towards 2030.
The Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 program will also feature collaborations with leading organizations 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 expects to bring together more than 350 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, who will present the latest innovations in machinery, technology, and ingredients for the agri-food industry.
