Gastronomic Forum Barcelona will make culinary history this November with its largest-ever exhibition featuring all of Catalonia’s Michelin-starred chefs.
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The event, running from 3rd to 5th November at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue, brings together 419 companies – representing a 10% increase from last year and marking the most extensive showcase in the forum’s history.
Gastronomic Forum Barcelona Celebrates Catalan Culinary Excellence
Forum director Josep Alcaraz and content director Pep Palau revealed the impressive statistics during a press conference on Monday. Furthermore, they confirmed that legendary chef Ferran Adrià will deliver the opening address, setting the strategic direction for this year’s event. The programme will feature approximately 180 speakers, including 70 chefs who collectively hold 52 Michelin stars.
Under the theme ‘The New Catalan Cuisine’, the forum aims to explore this evolving culinary concept while catering to hospitality, gastronomy and foodservice professionals. This year holds particular significance as Catalonia has been designated the World Region of Gastronomy. According to recent culinary coverage, Barcelona’s food scene continues to innovate while maintaining strong regional traditions.
Tourism director Arantxa Calvera and Alkimia restaurant chef Jordi Vila both emphasised that the forum provides an ideal platform for discussing what constitutes modern Catalan cuisine. Calvera particularly highlighted how Catalan primary producers form an indispensable part of the gastronomic chain, while high-end cuisine continues drawing inspiration from traditional roots.
Alcaraz expressed confidence that the event will project Catalan cuisine globally while offering unparalleled business opportunities within the sector. Thirty years after the gastronomic revolution that placed Catalonia on the international culinary map, this Gastronomic Forum Barcelona gathering represents a full-circle moment for the region’s food culture.
The event will showcase Catalonia’s complete roster of three-Michelin-star chefs: Jordi Cruz, Joan Roca, Paolo Casagrande, Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas, Eduard Xatruch and the Torres brothers. Additionally, Ferran Adrià and emerging figures representing the sector’s generational transition will reflect on the New Catalan Cuisine movement.
International Catalan chefs with established reputations abroad will also participate, including Ramon Freixa (with restaurants in Spain and Colombia), Albert Franch (Nolla, Finland), Mateu Villaret (Masia, Tokyo) and Xano Saguer (Çuina, Mexico City). This diverse participation underscores how Catalan culinary influence continues expanding globally.
Content director Pep Palau described the new Catalan cuisine as inclusive and coexistence-promoting, blending chef innovation with tradition while leveraging Catalonia’s productive fabric. This year’s edition will gather more than 200 small producers from across Spain, with the Espai Catalunya integrating over 80 local producers coordinated by Prodeca alongside Barcelona, Girona and Lleida provincial councils.
The exhibition breakdown shows 65% of companies hail from Catalonia, 28% from elsewhere in Spain, and 7% from international destinations including Germany, Lithuania, Ireland, Portugal, France, Cyprus and Italy. Across 18,500 square metres, companies will present gastronomic products (83%), equipment (11%) and tableware for restaurants and hospitality (3%).
This record-breaking Gastronomic Forum Barcelona demonstrates the continuing strength and international appeal of Catalan cuisine, bringing together established masters and new talent in what promises to be a landmark event for food professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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