Expo Foodtech 2026: More than 7.000 executives endorse technology as key to food resilience

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The editing 2026 Expo Foodtech, celebrated in BilbaoThe event brought together 7.124 food industry executives to analyze the role of technology and innovation in responding to inflation and new consumption habits. Pick&Pack for Food IndustryIt consolidates automation and digitization as strategic pillars to optimize the value chain, from production to distribution.

 

The meeting, which has generated an economic impact of over 20 million euros for the city, has reaffirmed the position of Bilbao as an international epicenter in the field foodtechOver two days, 261 exhibiting companies presented their latest solutions in robotics, processing machinery, packaging, and food safety. The event also included the participation of a delegation from Italia, interested in the Spanish agri-food ecosystem.

 

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Key Data: Foodtech Expo 2026

 

Indicator Figure Professional Attendees 7.124 Exhibiting Firms 261 Experts at the Congress 329 Economic Impact in Bilbao >20 million euros nn

 

C-Level leadership drives innovation and digitalization

 

Within the framework of the congress Food 4 Future World Summit329 executives and experts have discussed the challenges facing a sector shaped by the geopolitical situation and changing consumer behavior. Senior management agrees that the sector's transformation depends on agile, transparent leadership that fosters generational diversity. Susana Entero, General Manager of KellanovaHe pointed out that current leadership must go beyond production:Change is constant. Leading the transformation of the sector means moving beyond being mere producers to adding value. We want to improve consumers' lives and protect the planet.«.

 

In the same line, Jordi LlachCEO Nestlé IberiaHe emphasized the speed of change: “The transformation is accelerating and will be more ephemeral than in the past. We must accept that the current food system is not globally sustainable and act accordingly.” Data and technology as key tools" On the other hand, Cristóbal ValdésCEO DeoleoHe emphasized the importance of agility: “Teams must understand that adapting is essential. It’s not just about results, but about building trust with people and with the consumer.”

 

Operational resilience was another key point, as explained Jorge EscuderoCEO Grupo Nueva Pescanova: "The world moves at breakneck speed, and challenges arrive before you can react. We constantly operate in crisis mode, prepared to adapt to last-minute changes. This independence allows us to act quickly and confidently.«.

 

Artificial intelligence as a strategic ally

 

La Artificial intelligence (AI) and digitization They are emerging as fundamental tools for improving efficiency. According to the CEO of Nestlé Iberia“Everything is faster and we must embrace this technology, measuring in real time what we do, which gives us the opportunity to be more focused.” Susana Entero de Kellanova He added practical applications: "We are experimenting with demand planning and its application in marketing and sales activation, for example, to discover new flavors or select influencers. AI helps us refine decisions, but never replace them."

 

Fostering a culture of innovation is vital, as the CEO pointed out. Deoleorecommending "giving teams space to fearlessly discover everything that can be done with AI and supporting their training." In conclusion, Jorge Escudero de Grupo Nueva Pescanova He summarized the sector's vision: "We see AI as something compatible, but not replaceable. It helps us grow, become more efficient, and constantly improve."

 

New consumption habits: sustainability, health and convenience

 

The transformation of the sector is driven not only by technology, but also by profound demographic changes and changes in consumption habits. Marta González-Mesones, General Manager of Unilever EspañaHe stated that “we have gone from trend changes every five years to changes practically in real time. We invest in team training and recipe flexibility to adapt to geopolitical changes and satisfy the consumer.”

 

Population aging is another determining factor. Óscar VicenteCEO Angulas AguinagaHe explained that this phenomenon, "and the return to seafood protein, forces us to rethink formats and solutions for consumers, combining health, accessibility, and convenience." In this regard, Antonella Sottero, General Manager of FerreroHe added that "consumers demand transparency, sustainability, and convenience. We must work with agility, simplify processes, and commit to innovation to constantly move forward."

 

Finally, health has become established as a lever for transformation. François Lacombe, General Manager of DanoneHe pointed out that "preventive nutrition, the microbiota and overall well-being are fundamental pillars for innovation and offering real value" in the face of the challenge of population aging.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the impact of technology on the food industry

 

How does digitalization affect decision-making in the Spanish food industry?

Digitalization, and AI in particular, is redefining decision-making. It doesn't replace human judgment, but it enhances it. Spanish companies are using it to optimize demand planning, personalize marketing strategies, discover new consumer trends, and improve operational efficiency in real time, enabling greater agility in the face of market volatility.

 

What are the main consumer trends that Spanish food exporters should monitor?

Exporters should focus on several macro trends: the sustainability (transparency in the supply chain), the health (functional foods, preventive nutrition and wellness), the convenience (easy and quick to consume formats) and the adaptation to demographic segments key, such as the senior population, which demands affordable and healthy products.

 

What role does management leadership play in the transformation of the sector, according to the CEOs gathered in Bilbao?

Leadership is considered the driving force behind change. Executives emphasized the need for agile, approachable, and transparent leadership. Their role is to foster a culture of innovation, empower teams to experiment with new technologies like AI, and anticipate consumer needs, moving beyond simply being producers to becoming value providers.