Iconic Barcelona brewer Damm has been awarded the top honour at the Company of the Year Awards, a prestigious event celebrating business excellence across Catalonia. The ceremony, organised by the newspaper El Periódico and financial institution Banco Sabadell, recognised the historic company for its outstanding performance and contribution to the region’s economy.
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The gala, held on Monday, 23 February 2026, at the elegant Palauet Casades, brought together prominent figures from the worlds of business and politics to acknowledge the achievements of the Catalan business community.
A Celebration of Catalan Business Excellence
The award was presented to Damm’s Executive Chairman, Demetrio Carceller Arce, by a distinguished group including the President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Salvador Illa; the President of Banco Sabadell, Josep Oliu; and the President and Vice President of media group Prensa Ibérica, Javier Moll and Arantza Sarasola, respectively.
The event’s high-profile guest list underscored its importance, with attendees including Presidency Minister Albert Dalmau, Economy Minister Alícia Romero, and the President of the Catalan Parliament, Josep Rull.
In his acceptance speech, Carceller Arce paid tribute to the host city, highlighting its dynamic character. According to a report from Europa Press, he celebrated Barcelona as a city that consistently demonstrates its ability to innovate and grow.
“Barcelona is a city that creates, undertakes, progresses, and reinvents itself,” Carceller Arce stated, attributing part of the company’s success to its deep roots in the city’s enterprising spirit.
Damm’s Enduring Legacy in Barcelona
S.A. Damm, founded in Barcelona in 1876, is a cornerstone of the city’s industrial heritage. Best known for its flagship Estrella Damm beer, the company has grown from its historic home at the Old Estrella Damm Brewery on Carrer del Rosselló into an international beverage powerhouse. This award acknowledges not only its recent economic success but also its near 150-year history intertwined with the city’s own development.
While Damm represents the city’s established brewing heritage, Barcelona’s vibrant beer culture continues to evolve. The city’s innovative spirit is also reflected in a thriving craft scene, with several local venues even ranking among the best craft beer bars in Spain, showcasing a diverse ecosystem where large-scale industry and artisan producers coexist.
Honouring Industry Leaders
The awards ceremony also recognised other key figures and companies making a significant impact. Núria Cabutí, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, was named Businesswoman of the Year, celebrating her leadership in the competitive publishing industry.
In addition to the top two honours, seven other Catalan enterprises were awarded prizes for their exemplary work across various fields, including social responsibility, sustainability, industrial innovation, and international expansion. The event served as a comprehensive showcase of the region’s diverse and resilient business landscape, from multinational corporations to innovative startups.
The recognition of Damm as Company of the Year highlights a period of strong growth and strategic vision for the brewer, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for business success both within Catalonia and on the global stage.
