- As Country of Honour at the show, Poland will present its agri-food potential through around 100 exhibiting companies across more than 1,200 m2
- More than 3,300 companies will take part in Alimentaria+Hostelco, including close to 1,000 international firms from 70 countries
Poland, one of the European Union’s leading agri-food players, will take centre stage at the next edition of Alimentaria+Hostelco, the international platform for the food and hospitality industries, held from 23 to 26 March 2026 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue. As Country of Honour, Poland will highlight the strengths of its national industry through a major exhibition presence at a distinctly international edition, which will bring together more than 3,300 companies, including about 1,000 exhibitors from 70 countries.
Poland’s large agricultural base, diversified food industry and strong export performance place it among the European leaders in agri-food trade. This strategic role within the EU has earned it the distinction of Country of Honour at Alimentaria+Hostelco 2026.
To illustrate the foundations of its success, including high production capacity, a modern processing sector, record export levels and a model that combines tradition with innovation, Poland will attend the fair with more than 100 companies occupying 1,200 m2 of exhibition space. It will be the second largest country delegation at the event, after Italy, marking a historic presence.
Coordinated by the National Support Centre for Agriculture, the body responsible for managing and promoting Poland’s agricultural and food sector, the country will host several stands across the Alimentaria halls, located primarily in the International Pavilion and the Intercarn area, as well as in Coffee, Bakery & Pastry, Grocery Foods, Snacks, Biscuits & Confectionery and Restaurama. Poland will also take part in the fair’s institutional, business and international promotion activities.
According to Anna Canal, Director of Alimentaria, ‘the recognition of Poland as Country of Honour reinforces the global dimension of Alimentaria+Hostelco as a key platform for companies worldwide to expand into new markets and generate business opportunities’.
For Piotr Kondraciuk, Director of the Polish Export Support Department, ‘this role of honour will give Polish producers increased visibility at one of Europe’s leading trade fairs. It will allow them to connect directly with distributors, importers and key decision-makers from Spain and beyond, showcase Polish culinary excellence and cement a strong position in the Mediterranean market’.
Meat, fruit and cereals
The Polish presence will include two large areas dedicated to meat products and a national pavilion bringing together leading companies from across the country’s food industry. This will be complemented by the first-ever participation of two major producing regions: Świętokrzyskie and Łódzkie. Świętokrzyskie will highlight its agricultural heritage and products with protected geographical indication, such as Sandomierz apples and Szydłów plums. Łódzkie will present its strengths in food processing, logistics and innovation, with advanced solutions for European distribution.
Poland is currently the EU’s largest producer of poultry meat and a major exporter of bakery and cereal products, fruit and vegetables, dairy goods, confectionery and seafood. Agri-food exports reached a record €53.5 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3 per cent, with 72 per cent destined for EU markets. Since joining the EU in 2004, the value of Poland’s agri-food exports has increased tenfold, placing it among the continent’s leading producers and exporters.
IInternational showcase
Alimentaria + Hostelco, Spain’s leading international platform for food, beverages, food service and hospitality equipment, and one of the sector’s main global benchmarks, will return to Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue from 23 to 26 March 2026 with an expected increase of around 41 per cent in international exhibitors compared with the previous edition. Of the more than 3,300 participating companies, nearly 1,000 will come from over 70 countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
IInternational exhibitors already represent more than 30% of the total, an increase of 11% compared with the previous edition. Many will attend as part of delegations organised by national or regional bodies.
Organised by Alimentaria Exhibitions, part of Fira de Barcelona, Alimentaria+Hostelco is the leading international platform for the food and hospitality sectors, with a strong focus on fostering synergies between retail, hospitality and food service. The event, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, hosted more than 3,300 exhibitors at its last edition in 2024, 28% of which were international, occupying more than 100,000 m2 of exhibition space.
Barcelona, 4 December 2025