Asturias dazzles international buyers on gastronomic mission after Madrid Fusion

 

Asturias has successfully hosted a gastronomic reverse mission, attracting international buyers from HORECA channel coming from Italy, United Kingdom and United States. The initiative, organized by Asturex In collaboration with ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, took place from January 29 to 31, right after the prestigious fair Madrid Fusion.

 

During their stay, the buyers, who also work as chefs in their respective countries, took a tour of Asturian gastronomy. They visited local producers of canned fish and seafood, cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin, cider makers and coffee roasters. They also enjoyed gastronomic experiences ranging from traditional cuisine in cider houses to avant-garde offerings in Michelin-starred establishments.

 

The delegation consisted of:

• Sergio Chahin – Centurion Restaurant Group (United States) – Director of Analysis
• Stephen Mark Lironi – Manager Bar Esteban (United Kingdom)
• Mattia Olivi – Chef Sabor Catalán (Italy)

 

This action is part of the international promotion plan of the agri-food sector of Asturex, which seeks to position Asturian products in strategic marketsThe selection of buyers who are also chefs responds to the objective of reaching professionals who, in addition to their purchasing power, act as prescribers of Asturian gastronomy in their respective markets.

 

The selection of this joint activity was framed in Madrid Fusión, as it is the setting that brings together prominent chefs, producers and experts in the gastronomic field. The participation of purchasing managers who are also chefs responds to their double role as prescribers and key decision-makers in the selection of products, which allows them to identify unique and quality ingredients to incorporate into their kitchens and spread Asturian gastronomy in national and international markets. This synergy between haute cuisine and the selection of products reinforces the projection of Asturias as a gastronomic destination of reference.

 

The event, organized by Asturex and ICEX, included visits to local producers and gastronomic experiences

 

Internationalization plan for the food and beverage sector

 

Asturex, the Sekuens Group company that supports the internationalisation of Asturian companies, has designed a plan of activities for the food and beverage sector. These are attractive and accessible destinations for Spanish agri-food producers, as confirmed by its exports and highlighted as of interest to Asturian companies. The activities are made up of promotional actions of a sectoral and institutional nature, such as participation in international fairs and specialized promotional events, indirect marketing actions; training sessions and other seminars/webinars to raise awareness and provide market information, and finally, community building in the food technology sector through a collaborative working group with ICEX.

 

The Plan designed for 2025 includes participation in key fairs such as the Gourmets Hall or Food Expo Greece, and its objective is focused on showing the world the quality and unique flavor of Asturias. It includes showcookings en Belgium and tastings in Sweden, designed to attract the attention of international importers and distributors.

 

In addition, Asturex helps Asturian agri-food companies to connect directly with buyers through Asturex IMPORTMATCH and the innovative digital platform @tastingasturias, which increases the visibility of its products in international markets.

 

Asturex works in a coordinated manner with the General Directorate of Agriculture, Agroindustry and Rural Development in several of the activities that will be developed, such as International Gourmets Hall. In addition, work is carried out in a coordinated manner with ICEX, the MAP, FIAB and other regional organisations in the sector's working group led by ICEX, in order to join forces and support their initiatives that may be of interest to Asturian companies.