FIAB's R+D+i Director analyses the current situation of technological innovation in the food industry and the role of Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 as a key space for connecting technological supply and demand. Digitalisation, sustainability, water efficiency and human-robot collaboration are the main challenges and opportunities of the foodtech ecosystem, from large industry to SMEs.

The food industry faces the challenge of producing more efficiently and sustainably and, at the same time, responding to a consumer who demands products that are increasingly adapted to their needs and ideology. Digitalisation, automation and AI work together in this conjunction of interests. From 6 to 8 October, Alimentaria FoodTech will bring together at Fira de Barcelona the main companies that decide how we are going to feed ourselves in the increasingly near future. Its director, Ricardo Márquez, explains this.

Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, the machinery, technology and ingredients fair that integrates the entire value chain for the production, transformation and preservation of food and beverages, will reinforce its role as one of the main knowledge forums for the sector. From 6 to 8 October 2026, at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, the show will address key issues for the future of the food industry.

Alimentaria FoodTech is launching a new edition of its FoodTech Awards, awards that recognise the most innovative and disruptive solutions in the field of technology applied to the food industry. With these awards, the show – which will take place from 6 to 8 October at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue – reinforces its commitment to promoting and enhancing the digitalisation, sustainability and industrial transformation of the sector.