FoodTech Awards 2026 drive sector innovation
The FoodTech Awards 2026 have opened for entries, signalling a renewed push for innovation across the global food and drink technology sector.
Alimentaria FoodTech aims to accelerate digitalisation, sustainability and industrial transformation through this new edition.
Awards highlight the sector’s accelerating evolution
Alimentaria FoodTech will host the awards during its show from 6 to 8 October at Fira de Barcelona. The event strengthens its role as a strategic platform for advanced processing, automation and next‑generation manufacturing solutions.
Two categories structure the programme. The FoodTech Innova Awards recognise exhibiting companies developing technologies or ingredients that improve production, transformation or preservation. Meanwhile, the FoodTech Emprende Awards focus on start-ups with disruptive ideas and strong growth potential. The call remains open until 3 July. Organisers will prioritise entries that advance automation, digitalisation or sustainability.
Spain’s agrifoodtech ecosystem strengthens the backdrop
The awards launch within a rapidly expanding innovation landscape. Spain now hosts around 420 active agrifoodtech start-ups, according to ICEX and Eatable Adventures. These companies span the entire value chain, from primary production to processing and consumption.
Ricardo Márquez, director of Alimentaria FoodTech, emphasises the country’s momentum. He says Spain benefits from “a powerful food industry, a solid technological capacity and an extensive innovation network.” He highlights more than 30,000 potential driving companies, over 50 universities and 20 specialised technology centres.
A platform for future‑ready solutions
Alimentaria FoodTech continues to position itself as a hub for collaboration. The show connects manufacturers, startups and institutions, enabling knowledge transfer and visibility for emerging technologies.
The FoodTech Awards 2026 will take place on 6 October in the FoodTech Innovarena space. The wider exhibition is expected to host around 400 companies from 15 countries. Exhibitors will present new machinery, processing technologies and ingredients designed to support the next phase of industrial transformation.
