The Spanish Business Federation of Meat and Meat Industries (FECIC) and trade show Alimentaria FoodTech have signed a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at fostering technological innovation, competitiveness, and growth across the meat sector.

The agreement was formalised by Ricardo Márquez, director of Alimentaria FoodTech, and Ignasi Pons, secretary general of FECIC. Under the partnership, both organisations will work together to increase the visibility of meat enterprises, encourage greater participation in the upcoming trade fair, and provide industry professionals with direct access to strategic partnerships and advanced technology solutions.

Bridging technology and meat processing

Alimentaria FoodTech, a premier event dedicated to equipment, technology, and ingredients for the food and beverage industry, is scheduled to take place from October 6 to 8, 2026, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition venue.

Through this collaboration, FECIC aims to bring cutting-edge solutions directly to meat processors looking to modernise their operations and meet shifting market dynamics. Key focus areas for the 2026 event will include:

• Automation & digitalisation: enhancing operational efficiency and smart manufacturing in meat processing plants.
• Sustainability: Reducing environmental footprints through resource management and green technology.
• Food safety: implementing advanced monitoring and sanitation systems to ensure high quality standards.
• Process optimisation: streamlining production workflows to boost yield and lower operational costs.

Driving sector transformation

Emphasising the importance of tech adoption for the future of the industry, FECIC highlighted that innovation is essential for maintaining a competitive edge: “At FECIC, we firmly back innovation as one of the main drivers of competitiveness, growth, and transformation in the meat sector. In a constantly evolving environment marked by new technological, production, and sustainability challenges, we consider it essential to promote the adoption of innovative solutions that enable companies to improve their processes and adapt to new market demands.”

The joint initiative establishes a strong foundation ahead of Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, reinforcing the meat industry’s commitment to technological leadership, sustainable practices, and operational excellence.