The 26th AECOC Congress brings together the meat industry to address the impact of the foreign market

 

El 26th AECOC Congress of Meat and Processed Products It will be held on February 24th and 25th in the Palau de Congressos de Lleida to analyze the impact of geopolitics and new trade agreements on Spanish industry, with the participation of more than 450 industry leaders.

 

Export strategies and international agreements

 

In a scenario marked by the geopolitical uncertainty, the Asociación de Fabricantes y Distribuidores (AECOC), which brings together more than 34.500 companies, organizes this key forum which for the first time features Anafric as a global partner. The event will serve as a platform for farmers, producers, and distributors to assess the competitiveness of the Spanish meat sector in the international market.

 

One of the highlights will be the intervention of Emilio García Muro, CEO Health of Agri-food Production and Animal Welfare of the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA)The senior official will explain the measures to protect exports through the regionalization agreements proposed to the main strategic markets in the current world order.

 

Market analysis and trends in retail

 

The first day will feature the analytical perspective of Josu Andrés Pérez, NielsenIQ, who will break down the behavior of large consumption in Spain. Likewise, executives from leading companies such as BonÀrea y Ahorramás They will discuss current trends that are transforming the point of sale and end-consumer demand.

 

The competitiveness of Spanish livestock farming in the face of trade agreements such as the one Mercosur will be analyzed by Oriol Canal (Asoprovac Cataluña) and José Luis Gesalaga (Grupo Gesalaga-OkelanThe day will conclude with a panel discussion on the value of animal protein moderated by the former minister Manuel Pimentel.

 

Key data from the 26th AECOC Congress

 

Concept	Detail
Event Date	24 and February 25 2026
Location	Palau de Congressos de Lleida
Expected attendees	More than 450 professionals
Companies represented by AECOC	+34.500 companies
Global Partner	Anafric

 

European perspective and round tables

The second day takes on an international character with the presentation by Zeev Noga, Secretary General of the UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trades Union)who will offer an overview of the sector on the continent. The congress will conclude with a debate on challenges and opportunities featuring leading voices from:

 

• El Pozo Alimentación
• AN Group
• Covap

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the AECOC Meat Congress

1. What is the main objective of this edition of the congress?

Analyzing the challenges facing the meat industry in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and the recent signing of international trade agreements such as the one Mercosur.

2. What role does the Ministry of Agriculture play in this forum?

El MAPAthrough Emilio García Muro, will present the regionalization strategies to protect and boost Spanish meat exports in the new world order.

3. What professional profiles will be attending the meeting in Lleida?

The event will bring together more than 450 professionals, including farmers, producers, processors, and major distributors from companies such as BonÀrea, Ahorramás, El Pozo y Covap.