The food sector is undergoing a period of constant transformation: new consumption habits, a push for sustainability, innovation in packaging, traceability, and technology applied to food. In this context, food fairs are becoming key spaces for brands to connect with buyers, distributors, suppliers, and strategic partners.
Below, we present the key food industry trade fairs that you should have on your radar in 2026 if your brand is looking for visibility, expansion, and strategic contacts.
Gourmets Salon (Madrid)
The Salón Gourmets is undoubtedly the most influential trade fair for gourmet products in Spain and one of the most powerful in Europe within the premium segment. Held annually at IFEMA Madrid for over 35 years, it brings together thousands of professionals from the gastronomic sector who seek to discover trends, new brands, and high-quality products. In its more than 50,000 m² of exhibition space, the event gathers distributors, importers, gourmet shops, hotels, premium restaurants, supermarkets, and specialty chains, all with a common goal: to find distinctive offerings that add value to their product range. During the four days of the fair, the Salón Gourmets becomes the epicenter of gastronomic innovation, hosting competitions, showcookings, tastings, and themed areas such as the Wine Tunnel, the Olive Oil Tunnel, and the Fish Tunnel. Furthermore, it is a strategic meeting point for artisanal producers, wineries, designations of origin, and companies seeking to position themselves in the gourmet market, both nationally and internationally. Its focus on quality, traceability and locally sourced products has made it an essential benchmark for any brand that aspires to stand out in the gourmet world.
Reasons to exhibit at Salón Gourmets:
- It is an excellent fair for gourmet, organic, local or signature products.
- It receives a high volume of national and international professional buyers.
- It is perfect for demonstrating brand value through tastings and experiences at the fair itself.
Recommendation for exhibitors at Salón Gourmets:
Stands for Salón Gourmets should highlight product quality, with open spaces, tasting areas, and premium elements. The aesthetic typically leans towards elegance, naturalness, and refinement.
Alimentaria Barcelona
Alimentaria Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the world’s largest and most influential food fairs, an essential meeting point for all stakeholders in the food sector’s value chain. Held every two years at Fira Barcelona, with its next edition scheduled for March 23-26, 2026, the fair attracts thousands of professionals from over 150 countries, establishing itself as a global hub for innovation, international business, and the food trends that will shape the future.
Across its various specialized halls, such as Intercarn, Interlact, Snacks, Organic Foods, Fine Foods, and Restaurama, Alimentaria brings together manufacturers, distributors, importers, strategic buyers, retail managers, HORECA professionals, hotel chains, and major restaurant groups. Its cross-sector approach allows brands to showcase new products, close deals, access new markets, and discover opportunities for international expansion. Furthermore, Alimentaria Barcelona stands out for its strong commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, new consumption patterns, and the growth of foodtech. Its forums, conferences, presentations, and culinary demonstrations transform the fair into a space where creativity, knowledge, and business converge. For any company in the sector seeking to strengthen its presence, launch products, or position itself globally, Alimentaria Barcelona represents an unparalleled platform.
Why exhibiting at Alimentaria Barcelona is essential:
- You will find great international business opportunities.
- It is a key space for brands seeking distributors outside of Spain.
- Meeting point for global trends in food innovation.
Recommendation for exhibitors at Alimentaria Barcelona:
The goal here is to stand out from the competition. The average size of the stands is larger, so it’s essential to build a striking architecture, with meeting areas, product displays, and a clear concept aligned with the brand identity.
1. Seafood Expo
Seafood Expo is the world’s leading trade fair for the seafood industry, firmly established as the largest international meeting point for professionals in fishing, aquaculture, and processing. Held annually in Barcelona, it brings together thousands of exhibitors from over 80 countries, making it an essential platform for companies seeking to expand their sales network, launch new products, or strengthen their presence in international markets.
Its audience is highly professional and specialized: international buyers, large distribution chains, importers, exporters, wholesalers, processors, machinery suppliers, industrial refrigeration companies, and technology companies linked to traceability and food safety. The trade fair covers the entire seafood supply chain, from fresh and frozen products to packaging solutions, logistics, certifications, and processing equipment. Furthermore, Seafood Expo is known for its focus on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency—three key pillars for today’s industry. The event includes seminars, conferences, cooking demonstrations, and presentations that explore topics such as the responsible management of marine resources, the evolution of global consumption, new preservation techniques, and advances in aquaculture. For companies operating in the seafood sector, participating in this trade fair is synonymous with visibility, credibility, and real, large-scale business opportunities.
Why exhibiting at Seafood Expo is essential:
- It is a trade fair with a very clear niche, ideal for companies in fishing, aquaculture, frozen or processed foods.
- A key meeting point to create crucial connections to expand the product in European and Asian markets.
- It generates a large volume of closed business during the event.
Recommendation for exhibitors at Seafood Expo:
At this fair, the key is to convey quality, freshness, and food safety. Clean designs, clear lighting, and spaces that reflect transparency and trust work particularly well.
SIAL Paris
SIAL Paris is one of the world’s most influential and strategic events in the food sector, a true global showcase for the trends and technologies that will define the future of food in the coming years. Held every two years in Paris Nord Villepinte, it brings together more than 7,000 exhibitors and visitors from over 200 countries, making it an essential meeting point to understand how the industry is evolving globally.
Although online searches for the trade fair have experienced a slight year-on-year decline in recent months, its professional relevance remains undiminished. SIAL continues to be an essential event for manufacturers, distributors, retail chains, foodservice companies, foodtech startups, and professionals interested in innovation, sustainability, and the transformation of consumption. Its prestigious SIAL Innovation area showcases the most disruptive products each year in categories such as plant-based foods, alternative proteins, food technology, smart packaging, and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, the fair offers a comprehensive program of conferences, roundtables, and demonstrations that enable companies to understand new consumer behaviors, identify market opportunities, and anticipate changes in the value chain. For any brand aspiring to expand internationally or strengthen its innovative positioning, SIAL Paris remains an unparalleled platform on the global stage.
Why exhibiting at SIAL Paris is essential:
- This fair generates a high international impact.
- There you will find exhibitors from more than 200 countries.
- It is the ideal platform to showcase innovation.
Recommendation for exhibitors at SIAL Paris:
Here, booths should combine a strong visual identity with product storytelling. Incorporating screens, audiovisuals, and interactive experiences works very well.
1. ISM Cologne
ISM Cologne is the world’s leading trade fair dedicated to the world of sweets, chocolate, and snacks, a highly specialized event that brings together manufacturers, distributors, retail chains, and professional buyers from the confectionery sector every year. Held in the German city of Cologne, ISM stands out for its ability to combine tradition and innovation, making it a unique showcase for discovering everything from artisanal products to disruptive innovations that are shaping new consumer trends.
Despite having a lower search volume compared to other more general food fairs, ISM is experiencing rapid growth and increasing international interest, with a remarkable increase of over 900% in recent months. Its specialization makes it a strategic platform for companies seeking to position themselves in highly competitive European markets, where quality, flavor, and differentiation are key.
The event covers categories such as premium chocolates, biscuits and pastries, savory snacks, vegan products, functional confectionery, sugar-free alternatives, and products geared towards healthy lifestyles. Its parallel program includes spaces like the ISM Newcomer Area, where emerging brands present innovative concepts, and the Expert Stage, a forum analyzing global trends, changing consumer habits, and emerging opportunities. For companies looking to stand out in the creative and emotionally resonant confectionery and snacking sector, ISM Cologne represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with international buyers, showcase iconic products, and strengthen their brand identity with a visually striking and memorable booth.
Why exhibiting at ISM Cologne is essential:
- It is a highly specialized food fair.
- ISM is ideal for brands with distinctive or handcrafted products.
- ISM is ideal for brands with distinctive or handcrafted products.
Recommendation for exhibitors at ISM Cologne:
Stands at ISM typically feature creative, colorful, and highly product-oriented concepts. Effective visual storytelling can make all the difference.
In conclusion, 2026 is the perfect year to boost your presence at food fairs.
With the growth of the sector and the rise in interest in these events, 2026 offers a unique opportunity for your brand to take a qualitative leap in visibility and sales.
Whatever the trade fair—Alimentaria Barcelona, Salón Gourmets, SIAL Paris, ISM Cologne, or Seafood Expo—your presence must be strategic and memorable. And that’s where stand design makes all the difference.
For companies seeking growth, differentiation, and a stronger international presence, simply attending these events isn’t enough: standing out is essential. And one of the most influential factors in a brand’s impact at a trade fair is its booth: its design, functionality, visual narrative, and ability to attract visitors.
At Dextail, we have over 15 years of experience creating stands for leading food and beverage brands at Europe’s major trade fairs. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to the most important food fairs of 2026 and recommendations for maximizing your presence at each one.