Dates

    20–23 Mar 2028

    City / country

    Barcelona, Spain

    Venue

    Barcelona - Gran Via

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    Event overview

    Overview

    Alimentaria 2028 will take place from March 20 to 23, 2028, at the Gran Via venue in Barcelona, Spain.

    This event celebrates its 50th anniversary, showcasing the latest innovations in the food and hospitality sectors.

    It aims to connect industry professionals and promote sustainability in food production.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Edition Dates: Alimentaria 2028 runs 20-23 March 2028 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.
    2. 2Venue: Fira de Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain hosts the four-day food and beverage exhibition.
    3. 3Milestone: The 2028 edition continues Alimentaria's 50-year history in the Spanish food and drink sector.
    4. 4Sector Hook: Food, hospitality and foodservice innovation anchor the exhibition and conference programme.
    5. 5Organiser: Fira de Barcelona and Alimentaria Exhibitions run the show, with visitor registration via alimentaria.com.

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into the latest industry trends, network with leading professionals, and discover innovative products and solutions that can enhance their business operations. The event offers a unique opportunity to engage with exhibitors and attend informative sessions. Dates: March 20-23, 2028. Location: Barcelona - Gran Via. Alimentaria 2028 will take place from March 20 to 23, 2028, at the Gran Via venue in Barcelona, Spain. This event celebrates its 50th.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at Alimentaria provides unparalleled access to a diverse audience of industry professionals, potential buyers, and decision-makers. Alimentaria is a pivotal event in the food and hospitality industry, bringing together key players to discuss trends, innovations, and sustainability practices. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration, essential for driving growth in these sectors.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Food and beverage industry professionals
    Retail buyers and distributors
    Hospitality and restaurant operators
    Food technologists and researchers
    Sustainability advocates in the food sector
    Culinary experts and chefs

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food manufacturers and suppliers
    Beverage producers and distributors
    Packaging and logistics companies
    Food technology innovators
    Sustainable food brands
    Catering and hospitality service providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Organic and sustainable food products
    Beverages including wines and spirits
    Food processing and packaging solutions
    Culinary equipment and technology
    Bakery and pastry products
    Frozen and convenience foods

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Barcelona - Gran Via

    Barcelona, Spain

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Fira de Barcelona

    Alimentaria Exhibitions

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2024

    Completed

    Visitors: 100,000

    Exhibitors: 3,200

    This edition

    2028

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Alimentaria 2028 will take place from March 20 to 23, 2028, at the Gran Via venue in Barcelona, Spain. This event celebrates its 50th anniversary, showcasing the latest innovations in the food and hospitality sectors. It aims to connect industry professionals and promote sustainability in food production. Alimentaria is a pivotal event in the food and hospitality industry, bringing together key players to discuss trends, innovations, and sustainability practices. It serves as.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Food and beverage industry professionals, Retail buyers and distributors, Hospitality and restaurant operators, Food technologists and researchers. Edition Dates: Alimentaria 2028 runs 20-23 March 2028 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. Venue: Fira de Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain hosts the four-day food and beverage exhibition. Milestone: The 2028 edition continues Alimentaria's 50-year history in the Spanish food and drink sector. Sector Hook: Food, hospitality and foodservice.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at Alimentaria provides unparalleled access to a diverse audience of industry professionals, potential buyers, and decision-makers. It is an opportunity to showcase products, enhance brand visibility, and establish valuable connections in the food and hospitality sectors. Networking opportunities with industry leaders. Alimentaria is a pivotal event in the food and hospitality industry, bringing together key players to discuss trends, innovations, and. Exhibitor categories include Food manufacturers and.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain — Southern Europe / EU single market

    Why it matters

    Alimentaria is one of Europe's largest food, drink and foodservice trade fairs and the principal gateway to the Spanish and Portuguese markets, with strong pull from across the Mediterranean, Latin America and North Africa. Spain is a heavyweight F&B producer — the world's leading olive oil producer and a major pork, wine, fruit and vegetable exporter — and Barcelona's Fira Gran Via brings producers, distributors, retail buyers, private label and HoReCa operators together in a single venue, with the co-located hospitality equipment segment extending the buying audience for suppliers of machinery, packaging and services.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    European and global food & beverage trade-fair circuit

    12–18 months ahead for exhibitors; 3–6 months for visitors

    Alimentaria sits in a biennial European rhythm: even-year March in Barcelona, alternating with major October shows (SIAL Paris in even years, Anuga in odd years), while annual events such as Gulfood, BIOFACH and ISM cover the Middle East, organic and sweets/snacks segments. Use Alimentaria 2028 for the Iberian and Mediterranean leg and pair it with one northern-European show for full European coverage.

    February (annual)

    Gulfood in Dubai and BIOFACH in Nuremberg.

    March (even years)

    Alimentaria in Barcelona — the Iberian/Mediterranean edition.

    October (even years)

    SIAL Paris.

    October (odd years)

    Anuga in Cologne.

    Peer events and typical calendar windows compiled from sector context; verify dates, halls and registration deadlines with each organiser before committing budget.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    BCN

    Barcelona El Prat

    Aerobús or L9 Sud metro to Fira Gran Via / Montjuïc.

    to venue

    20–30 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Cornellà de Llobregat / L'Hospitalet outskirts — one or two metro stops or a short taxi ride from Fira Gran Via

    USD 70–120 / night

    source
    Mid-range
    Plaça Espanya / Plaça Europa (L'Hospitalet) — 10–20 min walk or one metro stop to the venue

    USD 120–210 / night

    source
    Premium
    Plaça Europa / Gran Via axis, immediately adjacent to Fira Gran Via

    USD 210–380 / night

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    metro

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 2.75 single; EUR 13.00 T-casual 10-ride card (airport surcharge applies)
    Best forBCN airport T1/T2 → Fira station on L9 Sud (direct to Fira Gran Via)

    The only direct metro link to the venue; runs roughly 05:00–24:00 and takes about 25–30 min from T1 to Fira.

    bus

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 7–8 one way
    Best forAerobús A1/A2: BCN terminals → Plaça Espanya / Plaça Catalunya, then metro or FGC to Fira

    Frequent departures; Plaça Espanya is two metro stops (L8/FGC or L9 Sud) from the venue.

    rail

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 1.50–3.00 per trip (zone 1)
    Best forBarcelona Sants → L'Hospitalet / Europa | Fira by Rodalies R2 or FGC; also AVE/Long-distance into Sants

    Best option if you stay in central Barcelona; Sants is the main rail hub and a 5–10 min connection to the venue area.

    taxi

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 30–40 taxi including airport minimum fare; approx. EUR 25–40 rideshare (Cabify/Bolt/Uber)
    Best forBCN airport → Fira Gran Via (Avinguda Joan Carles I entrance)

    15–25 min off-peak, 30–45 min in peak; licensed black-and-yellow taxis use a fixed minimum fare from the airport, so ask for the receipt for expense claims.

    parking

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 15–25 per day (confirm current rates with the venue)
    Best forFira Gran Via on-site car parks (halls 1–8 perimeter)

    Pre-book or arrive early during show week; walking distance from the car parks to hall entrances can be 5–10 min.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 35–45 (taxi to Fira Barcelona)
    Best forBarcelona El Prat (BCN) to Barcelona - Gran Via

    Aerobús or L9 Sud metro to Fira Gran Via / Montjuïc.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)Nationals of countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement (e.g. India, China, Türkiye, most of Africa, South and Southeast Asia) travelling to Alimentaria for meetings, sourcing or stand duty for up to 90 days in any 180-day period—Statutory 15 calendar days; can extend to 45 days in peak periods — apply 4–6 weeks before travel
    Visa-free entry (90 days / 180 days)EU/EEA and Swiss citizens (unrestricted) plus visa-waiver nationals including UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Brazil attending as business visitors—None today — ETIAS pre-travel authorisation will need to be obtained online once the system is operational

    Visa-waiver visitors still need a passport, proof of accommodation and evidence of the business purpose of the trip. Check the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa list for your specific nationality before booking, as waiver lists change.

    Spain accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of exhibition goods, samples and professional equipment — confirm documentation requirements and deadlines with the organiser's official freight forwarder before shipping to Fira Gran Via.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    March in Barcelona is early spring: daytime highs typically 16–18°C and nights around 8–10°C, with roughly 40–50 mm of rain spread over about 5–6 wet days — one of the year's wetter months, so pack layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes for the long walks inside the very large Fira Gran Via halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Spain.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business etiquette & meal times

    A handshake is standard on first meeting (two cheek kisses are common among acquaintances). Lunch is typically 14:00–15:30 and dinner from 21:00, so schedule stand meetings late morning and early evening; a coffee or vermut is the usual informal meeting format.

    Tipping

    Tipping is not obligatory — round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants, roughly EUR 1 per drink at bars, and round up taxi fares. Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small bars and taxis.

    Language & local context

    Spanish and Catalan are both official in Barcelona and Catalan is widely used in signage and local business; English is common in the trade-fair and hotel environment. Fira Gran Via sits in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, connected to central Barcelona by metro L9 Sud, FGC and Rodalies.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: BCN

    Book flights to BCN (Barcelona) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

    Visa

    Spain is in the Schengen area. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals travel freely; UK, US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, South Korean, Brazilian and other visa-waiver nationals may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period and can attend a trade fair as business visitors. Nationals of countries without a waiver (e.g. India, China, Türkiye, much of Asia and Africa) need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa (EUR 90 adult fee, statutory 15-day processing, apply 4–6 weeks ahead). ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is expected to apply to visa-free travellers once launched. Carry a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure plus proof of the trade-fair purpose, accommodation and onward travel.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Apply at the Spanish consulate or its visa centre in your country of residence; biometrics are collected in person. Reduced fee (EUR 45) for children 6–11, free for under-6s. Bring the organiser invitation/registration confirmation, hotel booking, insurance and return flight. ETIAS is expected to carry an approximate EUR 20 fee and be valid three years; check the EU status page before booking. Pas

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: BCN airport T1/T2 → Fira station on L9 Sud (direct to Fira Gran Via): Approx. EUR 2.75 single; EUR 13.00 T-casual 10-ride card (airport surcharge applies). The only direct metro link to the venue; runs roughly 05:00–24:00 and takes about 25–30 min from T1 to Fira.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Barcelona - Gran Via: Cornellà de Llobregat / L'Hospitalet outskirts — one or two metro stops or a short taxi ride from Fira Gran Via: ibis Barcelona Cornellà de Llobregat, Sercotel Cornellà Barcelona, Hostales and apart-hotels around L'Hospitalet centre; Plaça Espanya / Plaça Europa (L'Hospitalet) — 10–20 min walk or one metro stop to the venue: Catalonia Barcelona Plaza (Plaça Espanya), SB Plaza Europa (L'Hospitalet), Hotel Hesperia Fira Suites; Plaça Europa / Gran Via axi

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Barcelona; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Metro L9 Sud and L1 serve Fira Gran Via and Montjuïc.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Barcelona - Gran Via; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: March 2028

    Temperature: 8–18°C (typical March range: 8–10°C at night, 16–18°C by day)

    Seasonality: March is one of Barcelona's wetter months, with roughly 40–50 mm of rain over about 5–6 wet days; expect mild spring sunshine between showers and breezy evenings.

    Packing: March in Barcelona is early spring: daytime highs typically 16–18°C and nights around 8–10°C, with roughly 40–50 mm of rain spread over about 5–6 wet days — one of the year's wetter months, so pack layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes for the long walks inside the very large Fira Gran Vi

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Tuesday 21 March 2028 (Day 2 of the show)

    Day 2 combines a fully populated floor (all exhibitors and stands are set up after opening day) with the congress programme at full density, while opening-day accreditation queues have cleared. It also leaves Day 3 available for follow-up meetings and negotiation, and mid-week flights and hotel rates are generally more favourable than the Monday and Thursday shoulders.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and check Spain Schengen entry needs — Passport should be valid at least 3 months beyond departure; Schengen entry rules depend on nationality. Verify requirements through official Spanish consular channels before booking.

    2

    Book flights into Barcelona El Prat (BCN) — BCN is the main gateway to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. Compare fares early for 20-23 March 2028 travel.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near Gran Via or the city centre — Stay within practical reach of Fira de Barcelona Gran Via and confirm the cancellation policy before paying.

    4

    Complete online visitor registration for Alimentaria 2028 — Register through alimentaria.com and keep the confirmation email for badge collection.

    5

    Review the exhibitor list and hall plan — Download the hall plan from alimentaria.com to route across the food and beverage halls at Gran Via.

    6

    Request B2B meetings with target exhibitors — Shortlist food, hospitality and foodservice suppliers and buyers before the show and send meeting requests.

    7

    Shortlist conference sessions and tastings — Note session times on the programme and reserve places where the organiser requires sign-up.

    8

    Plan airport to venue transport — Use taxi, metro or shuttle from BCN to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via and allow extra time on peak show mornings.

    9

    Download badge and travel documents — Save the badge QR code, registration email and hotel booking offline for check-in.

    10

    Pack business attire, samples and materials — March in Barcelona is mild, so pack layers plus any product samples or brochures needed for meetings.

    11

    Confirm meeting documents and contacts — Print or save agendas, business cards and any signed documents needed for on-site discussions.

    12

    Arrive and collect badge on Day 1 — Arrive early on 20 March 2028 for badge collection and security screening at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · trade visitor pass

    EUR 40–70 / per person (show pass)

    estimate

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · shell scheme (space + basic build)

    EUR 200–320 / per sqm

    estimate

    booth_space

    exhibitor · raw space only

    EUR 150–250 / per sqm

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Schengen short-stay Type C

    EUR 90 / per applicant

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You source, specify or distribute food, drink or hospitality products and can commit 2–3 days on the floor, with follow-up time in Iberia.

    Best for

    Food & beverage buyers, importers, distributors and retail/HoReCa sourcing teams evaluating Iberian, Mediterranean and international suppliers in one trip

    Min. budget

    $550.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks (accreditation, flights, hotel and Schengen visa if required)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Trade-only entry: bring business credentials (company card, invoice or registration confirmation) for accreditation.

    Show week lifts Barcelona hotel rates sharply; book 2–3 months ahead.

    The venue is very large — budget two full days to cover the sectors that matter to you.

    exhibit

    You have an active Iberian/Mediterranean distributor pipeline or are entering the Spanish market and can fund a stand plus a travel team.

    Best for

    Exporters, ingredient houses, brand owners and equipment/machinery suppliers targeting Spanish, Portuguese and Mediterranean distribution

    Min. budget

    $2,750.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months (space booking, stand design and build, logistics, staffing, insurance)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from stand and travel cost signals — confirm booth pricing and availability with the organiser.

    Good floor positions at Fira Gran Via are allocated early; late booking means weaker locations.

    Food sampling, cold-chain and labelling rules apply to stands handling product.

    Shipping and ATA Carnet documentation takes weeks — schedule freight early.

    skip

    Your target buyers do not attend, or the same audience is more efficiently reached via the alternating SIAL Paris / Anuga circuit and distributor networks.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no Spanish, Portuguese or Mediterranean route to market, or teams that can cover the sector through existing distributors and trade press

    Timeline

    n/a

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Alimentaria 2028
    Official imagery from Alimentaria 2028

    Trust footer

    Sources

    10

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Alimentaria

    2

    Barcelona travel reference

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