Cajamar and the Ministry of Agriculture are promoting a ten-point plan to globalize Spanish gastronomy at Alimentaria 2026

 

During the second day of Alimentaria 2026, Cajamar and the Ministerio de Agricultura They presented a 10-point plan to internationalize Spanish gastronomy. The strategy aims to boost exports of value-added products and consolidate the "Made in Spain" brand across five continents.

 

Towards a gastronomy as a "Matter of State"

 

The second day of Alimentaria 2026 has reaffirmed its role as the epicenter of the global agri-food sector. In this scenario, the Grupo Cajamar, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its experimental station[Name of speaker] has led the debate on the international projection of Spanish industry. The central focus has been the presentation of a strategic plan that seeks to elevate gastronomy to a priority on the diplomatic and commercial agenda of [the Spanish government]. Spain.

 

José Miguel Herrero, general director of the Industria Alimentaria of the MAPAHe emphasized during his speech that España It must maintain the leading position it established two decades ago. According to José Miguel Herrero: "Twenty years ago, with the techno-emotional cuisine that he promoted Ferran Adriá, España It began to be at the forefront of the world in terms of international gastronomy."To consolidate this leadership, the Ministry has activated 10 concrete measures that include gastronomic weeks to promote local recipes and foods, as well as to encourage the opening of Spanish restaurants on all five continents.

 

Paradigm shift: From product to lifestyle

 

The analysis of trade flows reveals a profound transformation in internationalization strategies. Toni Valls, CEO AlimentariaHe emphasized that the sector is undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift. In his words Toni VallsThe national export model is transitioning from "From selling a product to selling a lifestyle and gastronomic experience"This strategic evolution transforms international trade fairs into critical platforms of influence for global producers and buyers.

 

However, international ambition must be accompanied by a more robust business structure. Toni Valls He pointed out that the current challenge lies in "gaining scalability through concentration" and internationalize brands whenever the optimal conditions for their external expansion exist.

 

For its part, Ignacio Atance, director of the Research Department of Fundación Grupo CajamarHe offered a critical perspective on the current positioning, warning that, despite the success of the stars Michelin, "We still lack leadership" in the overall management of the gastronomic brand.

 

Technical agenda and knowledge transfer

 

Involvement Cajamar at the Pavilion 2 – Grocery Foods It has been structured around competitiveness and sustainability. In addition to the sessions on exporting, the organization has focused on technological innovation through Cajamar InnovaDirected by Ricardo García Lorenzo, where disruptive solutions in biotechnology and surplus management have been presented.

 

Date	Main Event	Speakers / Key Entities
March 23.	Food Challenge 2050	Sébastien Abis, Francesc Reguant
March 24.	Global Spanish Gastronomy	José Miguel Herrero, Ignacio Atance
March 25.	Export Report 2025	Jaime Palafox, Manuel Lainez
March 25.	Export Sectors Roundtable	Acesur, COVAP, Grupo Balfegó, Grupo Tello Alimentación

 

Innovation and the Foodtech ecosystem

 

Digitalization is consolidating its position as the driving force behind the transformative industry. During the conference, success stories such as those of Nariafocused on surplus efficiency, and Bread Free, a leader in biotechnology for celiac patients. These initiatives, along with the support of centers such as the CNTAThey define the future of the Spanish agri-food value chain in an environment of constant transformation.

 

Finally, the competition celebrated its 50th anniversary with a historical dialogue between Eduardo Baamonde, President of Cajamar, Jorge Jordana y Toni Vallsanalyzing the evolution of the event as the main meeting point for the networking business and international strategic alliances.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about internationalization at Alimentaria 2026

What does the Ministry of Agriculture's 10-point plan consist of?

It is a strategy to make gastronomy a matter of state, including international gastronomic weeks and support for Spanish restaurateurs to open establishments on the five continents.

What is the new approach to Spanish agri-food exports?

A paradigm shift is taking place where the sale of a "lifestyle" and a comprehensive gastronomic experience is prioritized over the mere marketing of basic products.

What role does Cajamar play in the technological development of the sector?

Through Cajamar InnovaThe organization promotes digitalization and biotechnology, supporting companies that are transforming the value chain, such as Naria y Bread Free.

For more information, you can watch the event video here: https://youtu.be/ao23_ojg9cQ