GastroCanarias 2026 Expands to National Stage with Galicia as First Guest Region
The 11th edition of GastroCanarias, scheduled for May 19–21 in Tenerife, will expand to a national stage by featuring Galicia as its first mainland guest region while introducing new culinary competitions and industry forums.
The 11th edition of the Canary Islands Gastronomic Salon, GastroCanarias 2026, is set to be a milestone in the event's history as it expands beyond the archipelago to a national stage. Organizers have announced that Galicia will be the first guest region from mainland Spain, a move designed to foster culinary and professional collaboration between the northwest peninsula and the islands.
Event director Cristina Hernández explained that this shift marks a significant evolution from the previous ten editions, which focused exclusively on the eight Canary Islands. Scheduled for May 19–21 at the Tenerife Fairgrounds, the salon aims to serve as a vital hub for the food, hospitality, and catering industries—sectors that local officials, including Vice President of the Cabildo Lope Afonso and regional Agriculture Minister Narvay Quintero, describe as essential pillars of the local economy.
The event will feature nearly 80 exhibitors and over 200 stands showcasing the latest industry innovations. The program has also been updated to address modern professional challenges, most notably through the new "GastroCanarias Trends Talk" forum, which will host debates on the future of gastronomy.
Competitions remain the heart of the salon, with 14 categories planned for this year. Four new championships have been added, focusing on potato salad, breakfast toasts, artisanal baking, and barista skills—reflecting a growing market emphasis on high-quality breakfast and coffee services. Additionally, the event will host "The Masterchef World Tenerife 2026 Challenge," a digital competition offering finalists a direct path to the popular television show.
Registration for the contests opened in March and has already attracted nearly 100 participants. With the deadline set for May 4, organizers are emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses, retaining talent, and ensuring the sustainability of Canarian companies in an increasingly competitive market.