A significant boost to the internationalization of the Riojan food sector It was completed on April 10 and 11 with the successful extension in La Rioja from the prestigious international buyers program Gourmet Lounge. This initiative, coordinated by the Institute of Foreign Trade (ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) and the Federation of Companies of La Rioja (IRON), with the valuable support of the General Directorate of Business, Energy and Internationalization of the Government of La Rioja, allowed five prominent buyers from strategic markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Colombia and Switzerland to experience firsthand the excellence and diversity of the region's food offerings.
This business immersion program is part of the strategy of ICEX and FER to maximize the impact of the main food and beverage fairs held in Spain. By extending the experience of the Gourmet Show, whose 38th edition took place at the fairgrounds of Ifema in Madrid From April 7 to 10, it is offered to the international buyers the opportunity to establish direct contact with local producers, explore their facilities and taste their products in an authentic setting.
The international delegation, comprised of professionals with in-depth knowledge of the sector and influence in their respective markets, toured eight emblematic companies in La Rioja, covering a wide range of products that reflect the region's culinary richness.
The day of April 10 began with a visit to Virto Preserves in Calahorra, a leading company in the production of high-quality canned vegetables, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in its processes. The group then moved to Autol to visit the facilities. Empress Preserves, a brand with a long tradition in the production of canned fish and seafood, appreciated for its flavor and premium quality.
The itinerary continued in Rincón de Soto, where buyers had the opportunity to discover the products of Juan José Jiménez Preserves – JJJ, a family business that has managed to maintain the artisanal essence of its preserved vegetables, standing out for its traditional recipes and the use of local raw materials. The morning culminated in Calahorra with a visit to Calatayud Poultry Meats, a company with a solid track record in the poultry sector, offering fresh products prepared with the highest standards of quality and food safety.
In the afternoon, the delegation went to Albelda de Iregua to see the facilities firsthand. Food Palaces, a business group with a wide range of products, including sausages, refrigerated pizzas, and tortillas, present in numerous international markets thanks to its commitment to innovation and adaptation to the demands of the global consumer.
The second day of the trade mission, April 11, will focus on exploring other key segments of the Riojan food industry. The first stop will be Haro, where buyers will visit Martinez dairy, a family business with a long tradition of producing quality dairy products, from fresh milk to artisanal cheeses, known for its commitment to animal welfare and sustainable production.
The delegation will then travel to Galilee to learn about Hejul, a company specializing in the production of high-end extra virgin olive oils, made with native olive varieties and processes that guarantee maximum quality and flavor. The day of business visits will conclude in Arnedo with an exploration of Sacesa Selection, a company dedicated to the marketing and distribution of a select range of gourmet products, including preserves, oils, wines, and other regional delicacies.
To conclude this fruitful trade mission, ICEX and FER are organizing an exclusive wine tasting at the emblematic Rioja Cultural Center (CCR) in Logroño.
The commercial extension of the Gourmet Show in La Rioja joins other similar initiatives organized by ICEX and FER, such as the recent extension of the Barcelona Wine Week, and anticipates future actions to continue promoting the internationalization of Riojan companies. The organization of the commercial extension of the Fenavin Fair, which will be held in Ciudad Real on May 8 and 9, providing new opportunities for the Spanish wine and agri-food sector.
Looking ahead to 2026, ICEX and FER have confirmed the continuation of these successful commercial expansions in La Rioja, once again including Barcelona Wine Week and the Barcelona Food Fair, consolidating the region as a strategic destination for international buyers interested in the quality and authenticity of Spanish products.
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