New year, new fairs

2018 kicks off with sound perspectives for the food sector. This fresh year will feature once again prominent sector trade fairs, all of which come with new ingredients. The second edition of Hospitality Innovation Planet (HIP), an international edition of Alimentaria and other senior exhibitions such as the Salon de Gourmets and the International Frozen Seafood Exhibition (CONXEMAR) will be very relevant meeting points along the 12 months to come.

Save the date for the following on your show calendar, starting with February 19th to 21st at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid. It is the Hospitality Innovation Planet (HIP), which is preparing for the second edition by expanding the exhibition areas and the strategic collaborations with the most innovative agents in the food service industry. The organisers have based their proposal around technological transfer and new business models with the objective of bringing together thousands of professionals looking for new ways to improve different management areas.

After the 2017 intermission, the biennial Alimentaria will rise again in 2018 for its biggest exhibition ever. With over 100,000 square meters of net displaying surface – almost the entire Gran Via de Fira de Barcelona facility – it will be celebrated from April 16th to 19th simultaneously with Hostelco, The International Hotel, Food Service & Restaurant Equipment and Machinery Show, becoming that way one of the largest international platforms for the food, cuisine and restaurant equipment industries, with the most comprehensive and vertical offer for both distribution and Horeca.

The new edition of the biannual fair will spread its international influence in order to act as leverage for the Spanish industry, gathering this time over 4,500 companies, 27% of which based abroad. Alimentaria 2018 plans a huge exhibition that will offer the food, drink and food service industry a great platform for internationalisation and business acquisition, featuring new spaces, content and high level innovation, which makes cuisine a differentiating attribute.

The next not-to-be-missed event in the calendar will be the Salon de Gourmets, the International Fine Food & Beverages Fair, which celebrates its 32nd edition between May 7th and 10th at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid. This show, covering top quality food and beverages, has become the place to be for any national or international firms that intend to market their best gourmet products. This year 1,500 exhibitors are expected, from over 22 countries, taking up again the Business Centre, the enclosed area set up by the organisers so that the participants may access new markets.

The last quarter will bring the key event for the entire processing frozen sector: manufacturers wholesalers and distributors, importers, exporters and transformers. From October 2nd to 4th the International Frozen Seafood Exhibition (CONXEMAR) will celebrate its 20th edition. The show takes place at IFEVI, the fair precinct in Vigo (Pontevedra), and has established itself as one of the most prominent sector exhibitions worldwide.