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San Sebastián Gastronomika: Celebrating the Legacy of New Basque Cuisine

San Sebastián Gastronomika is one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic congresses, bringing together leading chefs, culinary innovators, critics, and food industry professionals from across the globe. The 28th edition of the event places a special focus on the 50th anniversary of New Basque Cuisine, a movement that fundamentally transformed not only Basque culinary identity but also the broader history of contemporary Spanish gastronomy.

Held in San Sebastián, a city widely regarded as one of the global capitals of fine dining, the congress serves as a meeting point for culinary excellence, cultural heritage, and forward-thinking innovation. Each year, it gathers an international audience eager to explore new ideas, techniques, and perspectives that shape the future of cuisine.

This edition is framed under the powerful slogan “The Spark That Ignited the Fire,” emphasizing the revolutionary impact of New Basque Cuisine. This movement redefined traditional cooking by combining local ingredients with modern techniques, elevating regional gastronomy to an internationally recognized art form.

Honoring a Culinary Revolution That Changed History

The New Basque Cuisine movement, led by pioneering chefs such as Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana, marked a turning point in modern gastronomy. It introduced creativity, experimentation, and scientific thinking into traditional cooking, inspiring generations of chefs around the world. San Sebastián Gastronomika pays tribute to this legacy by bringing together the figures who shaped the movement alongside contemporary international culinary leaders.

Renowned chefs such as Pierre Gagnaire, Michel Troisgros, and Gastón Acurio join the congress to share their perspectives and experiences, creating a dialogue between past innovation and present-day culinary evolution. Their participation highlights the global influence of Basque culinary philosophy and its role in shaping modern haute cuisine.

The congress also features a global cod festival, showcasing the versatility and cultural importance of one of the most iconic ingredients in Basque and international cooking. Through demonstrations, tastings, and discussions, participants explore how a single ingredient can be interpreted in countless creative ways across different culinary traditions.

Key Highlights of San Sebastián Gastronomika

Celebration of the 50th anniversary of New Basque Cuisine
Participation of world-renowned chefs and culinary leaders
International culinary demonstrations and presentations
Global cod festival featuring diverse interpretations
Awards recognizing excellence in gastronomy and wine
Exchange of ideas between chefs, critics, and researchers

This combination of celebration, education, and innovation makes the congress a unique reference point in the global culinary calendar.

Recognizing Excellence in Gastronomy and Wine

A central aspect of San Sebastián Gastronomika is its recognition of outstanding contributions to the culinary world. The congress honors individuals who have shaped gastronomy through creativity, dedication, and influence.

In this edition, celebrated chef Martín Berasategui receives the Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his extraordinary career and impact on modern cuisine. Known for his technical mastery and multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, Berasategui represents the excellence and evolution of Basque gastronomy on the global stage.

Wine critic Luis Gutiérrez is awarded the Gueridón de Oro, recognizing his influential work in wine journalism and his contributions to promoting wine culture and education. His expertise bridges the worlds of wine production and culinary appreciation, enriching the broader gastronomic experience.

Writer and journalist Anya von Bremzen receives the Pau Alborná i Torras Journalism Award for her exceptional contributions to food writing and culinary storytelling. Her work highlights the cultural and historical dimensions of cuisine, offering deeper insight into the global food landscape.

Award Recipients

Martín Berasategui – Lifetime Achievement Award
Luis Gutiérrez – Gueridón de Oro
Anya von Bremzen – Pau Alborná i Torras Journalism Award

These recognitions reflect the congress’s commitment to honoring excellence across all dimensions of gastronomy, from kitchen creativity to critical analysis and cultural communication.

A Global Platform for Culinary Dialogue

San Sebastián Gastronomika is more than a culinary event; it is a global platform for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. Chefs, researchers, critics, and industry professionals come together to exchange ideas that shape the future of food culture. The congress encourages collaboration between different culinary traditions, promoting innovation while respecting heritage and identity.

Discussions at the event often explore broader themes such as sustainability, ingredient sourcing, culinary education, and the role of gastronomy in society. These conversations help define new directions for the industry and inspire future generations of chefs and food professionals.

By combining historical reflection with forward-looking innovation, San Sebastián Gastronomika continues to reinforce its position as one of the most influential culinary congresses in the world. The 28th edition, centered on the legacy of New Basque Cuisine, not only honors the past but also celebrates the ongoing evolution of global gastronomy, ensuring that its spark continues to ignite new ideas and culinary revolutions.

Alimentaria FoodTech: A Global Hub for Food Technology and Innovation

Alimentaria FoodTech is an international trade fair that has become a cornerstone event for the food and beverage technology sector. Established in 1984 by Alimentaria Exhibitions S.A., the fair takes place every three years at the Gran Via Venue of Fira de Barcelona in Spain, attracting industry professionals from across the globe. Its name reflects its dual focus: “Alimentaria” encompasses all aspects of food, while “FoodTech” highlights the central role of technology and innovation in modern food production.

The fair serves as a comprehensive platform for industry experts, offering insights into all stages of the food production chain. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are actively shaping the future of food processing, ingredients, and equipment.

Key Focus Areas of the Fair

Alimentaria FoodTech covers a broad spectrum of topics that are critical to the food and beverage sector. The exhibition emphasizes technological advancement, operational efficiency, and industry innovation. Core areas include:

• Food processing and preservation: machinery, tools, and solutions to enhance production quality
• Ingredients and consumables: functional additives, natural ingredients, and specialized food components
• Packaging technology: sustainable, automated, and efficient packaging solutions
• Industry 4.0 and automation: digitalization, smart production lines, and data-driven food manufacturing
• Food safety and hygiene: equipment and technologies ensuring compliance with international standards
• Refrigeration, storage, and logistics: solutions to maintain product quality throughout the supply chain

These focus areas make Alimentaria FoodTech not only a showcase of products and machinery but also a learning hub where attendees can explore trends, innovative solutions, and best practices.

Exhibitors and Product Highlights

Exhibitors at Alimentaria FoodTech represent a wide range of sectors, from machinery manufacturers to software providers and ingredient suppliers. Products and services showcased include:

• Advanced processing equipment for dairy, bakery, meat, and beverage production
• Technological solutions for automated monitoring, traceability, and production efficiency
• Consumables that support food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance
• Innovative packaging materials and systems designed for sustainability and convenience
• Tools for refrigeration, storage, and logistics, ensuring safe product handling

This comprehensive offering allows visitors to gain a complete overview of the latest innovations driving the global food industry.

Innovation and Recognition

A defining feature of Alimentaria FoodTech is its emphasis on research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The fair hosts dedicated zones and competitions, including:

• FoodTech Innovarena: a space showcasing cutting-edge technological solutions and pioneering projects
• Ingrenova area: a sector dedicated to novel ingredients and functional additives
• FoodTech Innova and Emprende Awards: prizes recognizing outstanding research, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit within the food technology industry

These activities provide valuable opportunities for startups, researchers, and companies to gain visibility, receive expert feedback, and form strategic partnerships.

International Significance

While the fair is anchored in Barcelona, its impact extends far beyond Spain. Alimentaria FoodTech draws professionals from all over Europe, Latin America, and Asia, making it a true international hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. Participants benefit not only from product displays but also from seminars, workshops, and technical demonstrations that highlight the latest global trends in food technology.

Conclusion: Driving the Future of Food Production

Alimentaria FoodTech combines innovation, technology, and industry expertise to provide an essential platform for professionals in the food and beverage sector. By showcasing machinery, ingredients, digital solutions, and sustainable practices, the fair supports both established companies and emerging innovators in driving the future of food production.

For anyone involved in food technology, Alimentaria FoodTech offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore innovations, forge partnerships, and gain insight into the evolving landscape of the global food industry. It is a celebration of creativity, science, and technology, all under one roof.

PRIVEL: A Business-Focused Meeting Point for the Private Label Industry

PRIVEL is a professional trade fair dedicated to the private label sector, bringing manufacturers and retailers together in an environment designed specifically for business. Organized by IFEMA MADRID in partnership with Alimarket as its strategic partner, the event focuses on creating meaningful commercial connections rather than simply showcasing products. It provides a place where companies can present their capabilities, identify new opportunities, discuss market developments, and build partnerships that can extend beyond the exhibition itself.

The private label market has become an increasingly important part of modern retail. Retailers are looking for products that offer a strong balance between quality, price, differentiation, and customer appeal, while manufacturers are seeking reliable commercial relationships and opportunities to expand their production and market reach. This creates a highly dynamic environment in which both sides need to understand changing consumer expectations and respond quickly to new opportunities.

PRIVEL addresses this environment with a clear business-to-business focus. The event is designed for professionals who are directly involved in developing, sourcing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling private label products. By bringing decision-makers together in one setting, it can make it easier to move from initial conversations to concrete commercial discussions.

A dedicated platform for private label partnerships

Private label is no longer simply about offering a lower-priced alternative to established brands. Retailers increasingly use their own brands to differentiate themselves, strengthen customer loyalty, develop distinctive product ranges, and respond to specific market trends.

This evolution creates new demands for manufacturers. They need to combine production expertise with flexibility, consistent quality, competitive pricing, and the ability to adapt products to retailer requirements. At the same time, retailers need suppliers capable of responding to changing volumes, specifications, packaging expectations, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences.

A specialized event can help bridge this gap. Instead of searching for partners across multiple general trade fairs, buyers and suppliers can meet in an environment where private label is the central focus.

The commercial conversations at PRIVEL can cover a broad range of priorities, including:

Product development: Creating products that respond to specific customer needs and market trends.
Quality management: Maintaining consistent standards across private label ranges.
Competitive pricing: Finding a sustainable balance between cost efficiency and product value.
Manufacturing capabilities: Identifying suppliers with the capacity and flexibility to meet retailer requirements.
Innovation: Exploring new concepts, formulations, packaging solutions, and production approaches.
Market expansion: Developing partnerships that can open access to new geographical markets.
Long-term cooperation: Building supplier relationships that support continued growth rather than one-off transactions.
The focus on business means that these discussions can be highly practical. Participants can move quickly from introductions to questions about capabilities, production, commercial conditions, and potential cooperation.

Why private label continues to evolve

Consumer behavior has changed considerably, and private label has evolved alongside it. Shoppers are increasingly attentive to value, but price is only one part of the equation. Product quality, ingredients, sustainability, packaging, innovation, and brand identity can all influence purchasing decisions.

This means retailers need private label ranges that can compete on several levels at once. A successful own-brand product may need to offer an attractive price while also communicating quality and meeting the expectations of increasingly informed consumers.

Manufacturers play a crucial role in making this possible. Their ability to innovate, scale production, maintain consistency, and respond to retailer specifications can directly influence the success of private label programmes.

PRIVEL provides a setting in which these capabilities can be presented and evaluated. Buyers can discover manufacturers with relevant expertise, while suppliers can better understand what retailers are looking for.

Innovation and quality at the heart of the market

Innovation is increasingly important in private label because retailers need to keep their product ranges fresh and relevant. New products can help attract consumers, respond to emerging trends, and create differentiation from competing retailers.

Innovation can take many forms. It may involve a new product concept, a reformulated recipe, improved packaging, a more efficient production method, or a solution designed around changing consumer lifestyles. The ability to develop and commercialize these ideas efficiently can become a major competitive advantage.

Quality is equally important. Private label products carry the retailer's reputation, meaning that inconsistent quality can have consequences far beyond a single supplier relationship. Retailers therefore need manufacturing partners capable of maintaining reliable standards over time and across potentially large production volumes.

This makes the relationship between retailer and manufacturer particularly important. Successful private label programmes often depend on communication, transparency, technical expertise, and a shared understanding of the desired customer experience.

PRIVEL encourages this type of interaction by placing manufacturers and retailers in the same professional environment.

A gateway to international expansion

One of the distinctive ambitions of PRIVEL is to promote business expansion into Latin America and other international markets. This gives the event a broader purpose than serving only domestic private label relationships.

International expansion can create significant opportunities for both retailers and manufacturers, but it also introduces additional complexity. Consumer preferences differ between markets, while regulations, logistics, packaging requirements, distribution structures, and purchasing practices may vary considerably.

Companies entering a new market therefore need strong local knowledge and reliable commercial partners. A professional international trade fair can provide an efficient starting point for developing those relationships.

Latin America represents an especially interesting region for companies exploring new private label opportunities. Retail structures, consumer expectations, and product categories vary widely across the region, creating both challenges and opportunities. Establishing connections with the right partners can help businesses better understand individual markets and identify realistic routes to expansion.

Building relationships beyond borders

International business is rarely built through a single meeting. It often develops through several stages: initial contact, understanding capabilities, assessing commercial fit, discussing product requirements, testing concepts, and eventually establishing a long-term partnership.

Events such as PRIVEL can initiate this process by bringing relevant professionals together. A conversation at the fair may become the starting point for a supplier relationship, a product-development project, or a new distribution opportunity.

The international dimension also benefits manufacturers that want to diversify their customer base. Instead of depending heavily on one market, companies may be able to use new partnerships to expand into additional regions.

A 100% business-oriented environment

The strong business orientation of PRIVEL is central to its identity. In a professional environment focused on private label, participants can spend their time discussing practical opportunities rather than navigating an event designed for a much broader audience.

This can be particularly valuable for senior decision-makers. Purchasing managers, category specialists, retail executives, product developers, and manufacturing representatives often need direct conversations with people who have the authority and expertise to assess potential cooperation.

A focused environment can also improve the quality of networking. When attendees share similar commercial objectives, conversations are more likely to address specific business questions.

The goal is not simply to increase the number of contacts but to create relevant connections. A smaller number of meaningful discussions can be more valuable than a large collection of generic leads.

The role of IFEMA MADRID and Alimarket

The organization of PRIVEL by IFEMA MADRID, together with Alimarket as its strategic partner, adds an established professional framework to the event. Their involvement supports the fair's objective of creating a structured meeting point for companies operating in the private label market.

For exhibitors, the event provides an opportunity to position their capabilities in front of an audience specifically interested in private label sourcing and development. For retailers, it creates access to manufacturers and potential partners that can contribute to their product strategies.

The combination of an established exhibition organizer and a strategic industry partner also reflects the importance of sector-specific knowledge. Private label is a specialized business environment in which purchasing, product development, manufacturing, logistics, and retail strategy are closely connected.

Turning meetings into long-term commercial opportunities

The real value of a business trade fair is ultimately determined by what happens after the exhibition. Initial meetings can lead to follow-up discussions, product samples, technical evaluations, commercial negotiations, and eventually new business.

For this reason, preparation is an important part of maximizing the value of an event such as PRIVEL. Buyers can arrive with clear category requirements and supplier criteria, while manufacturers can prepare information about their production capabilities, certifications, innovation pipeline, and target markets.

The event itself then becomes the beginning of a more detailed process. Face-to-face meetings can establish trust and provide a clearer understanding of whether two companies are commercially compatible.

Strong relationships are particularly important in private label because cooperation often extends over a long period. Retailers may depend on suppliers for consistent production, product improvements, innovation, and the ability to respond to changing market requirements.

The future of private label is built on collaboration

The private label sector continues to develop as retailers search for ways to differentiate their offerings and manufacturers look for new commercial opportunities. Success increasingly depends on the ability of both sides to collaborate effectively.

Retailers need suppliers that can deliver quality, innovation, flexibility, and competitive value. Manufacturers need customers who can provide clear requirements, sustainable business opportunities, and access to new markets. When these interests align, private label can become a powerful platform for long-term growth.

PRIVEL reflects this relationship by creating an event specifically designed around business connections between manufacturers and retailers. Its international outlook, including a focus on Latin America and other global markets, adds another layer of opportunity for companies looking beyond their existing territories.

For professionals responsible for private label strategy, sourcing, manufacturing, product innovation, or international expansion, the event provides a concentrated environment for discovering potential partners and understanding where the market is heading.

Ultimately, the strength of private label lies in its ability to combine commercial efficiency with innovation and quality. Consumers may see the finished product on a retail shelf, but behind it is a network of manufacturers, buyers, developers, logistics providers, and other specialists working together.

PRIVEL brings many of these professionals into one place and gives them the opportunity to turn ideas into business relationships. With its clear B2B focus and international ambitions, the fair offers a platform for companies that want not only to participate in the private label market but to help shape its next stage of development.

Xantar: Celebrating Galician Gastronomy, Culture, and Tourism

Food has the unique ability to connect people with a region’s history, traditions, and identity. In Galicia, gastronomy is far more than a culinary experience it is an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage. Xantar was created to showcase this rich legacy, providing a dedicated space where visitors can discover the flavors, traditions, and tourism opportunities that make Galicia one of Spain’s most distinctive destinations.

Organized by Expourense, Xantar has become one of the most recognized gastronomic events in the region. Open to both professionals and the general public, the exhibition serves as a meeting point for restaurants, food producers, tourism organizations, public institutions, and consumers. By bringing together the different elements that contribute to Galicia’s culinary identity, Xantar promotes not only local products but also the culture, landscapes, and traditions that inspire them.

A Showcase of Galicia’s Culinary Heritage

Galicia is internationally renowned for the quality of its food products and the authenticity of its culinary traditions. From seafood harvested along its extensive coastline to agricultural products cultivated inland, the region offers a remarkable diversity of flavors that have earned widespread recognition.

Xantar provides a platform where these products can be presented directly to visitors. Restaurants, producers, and institutions participate in the event to showcase the best of Galician cuisine, offering tastings, demonstrations, and information about the origins and characteristics of their products.

The exhibition allows attendees to experience the region’s gastronomy in an interactive way, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that define Galician cooking. For many visitors, Xantar serves as an introduction to a culinary culture that combines authenticity, quality, and a strong connection to local heritage.

Bringing Together the Key Players of the Food Sector

One of the strengths of Xantar is its ability to unite a wide variety of participants involved in promoting Galicia’s gastronomy. The event creates opportunities for collaboration between businesses, institutions, and tourism organizations while providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the region’s food culture.

Participants typically include:

Restaurants representing traditional and contemporary cuisine.
Food producers with certified products of origin.
Tourism promotion organizations.
Public institutions supporting regional development.
Artisans and specialists linked to local food traditions.

This diverse representation helps create a complete experience that extends beyond food itself, highlighting the economic, cultural, and social importance of gastronomy within Galicia.

The direct interaction between exhibitors and visitors also encourages knowledge sharing and strengthens appreciation for regional products and culinary traditions.

The Importance of Products with Guaranteed Origin

A significant feature of Xantar is the presence of food products that carry recognized guarantees of origin. These certifications help protect traditional production methods, ensure quality standards, and promote regional specialties in both national and international markets.

Products with protected designations often reflect unique environmental conditions, local expertise, and generations of accumulated knowledge. By showcasing these products, Xantar helps raise awareness of the value of authenticity and traceability in modern food systems.

Examples of What Visitors Can Discover

The event offers opportunities to explore:

Traditional Galician food products.
Regional specialties with protected origin certifications.
Artisan-produced ingredients and delicacies.
Local wines and beverages.
Innovative culinary interpretations of classic recipes.

These experiences allow visitors to better understand the diversity and richness of Galician gastronomy while supporting the producers who preserve these traditions.

Gastronomy as a Driver of Tourism

Food tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry, and Galicia has successfully positioned itself as a destination where gastronomy plays a central role in the visitor experience. Xantar contributes to this development by promoting the connection between cuisine and tourism.

Tourism organizations and public institutions use the event to showcase destinations, cultural routes, festivals, and experiences linked to local food traditions. Visitors can discover not only what Galicia has to offer on the table but also the landscapes, towns, and communities that make these culinary experiences possible.

The relationship between gastronomy and tourism benefits local economies by encouraging visitors to explore rural areas, support small producers, and engage with cultural heritage. Through this approach, Xantar helps strengthen the visibility of Galicia as a destination known for both its cuisine and its cultural richness.

An Event Open to Everyone

Unlike many industry-specific exhibitions, Xantar is designed to welcome both professionals and the general public. This inclusive approach contributes significantly to its popularity and success. Food enthusiasts, families, tourists, chefs, producers, and industry representatives all share the same space, creating a lively and accessible atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy tastings, culinary demonstrations, cultural activities, and opportunities to purchase regional products directly from exhibitors. At the same time, professionals can establish contacts, explore business opportunities, and learn about emerging trends in gastronomy and food tourism.

The combination of public engagement and professional participation creates a dynamic environment where culinary culture can be celebrated and shared with a broad audience.

Promoting Culture Through Gastronomy

While food remains at the heart of Xantar, the event also serves as a platform for promoting Galician culture in a wider sense. Gastronomy is presented as part of a broader cultural identity that includes history, traditions, craftsmanship, language, and community values.

Through exhibitions, presentations, and cultural activities, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how food is connected to everyday life in Galicia. This cultural dimension distinguishes Xantar from a conventional food fair and reinforces its role as an ambassador for the region.

The event demonstrates that gastronomy is not only about consumption but also about preserving traditions, supporting local communities, and sharing cultural heritage with future generations.

A Reference Event for Galician Gastronomy

Over the years, Xantar has become an important reference point for the promotion of Galician cuisine and culture. By bringing together restaurants, producers, tourism organizations, and institutions, the event offers a comprehensive view of everything that makes Galicia a unique gastronomic destination.

Its open and welcoming format allows visitors of all backgrounds to experience the region’s culinary richness while creating valuable opportunities for businesses and organizations. The combination of gastronomy, tourism, culture, and public participation ensures that Xantar remains much more than a food exhibition.

As interest in authentic culinary experiences continues to grow, Xantar plays a vital role in promoting Galicia’s traditions, supporting local producers, and strengthening the connection between food, culture, and tourism. Through its commitment to quality, authenticity, and cultural preservation, the event continues to showcase the very best of Galicia to audiences from across Spain and beyond.