Tenerife Boosts Industry with Independent Alimentaria 2026 Debut

Tenerife is working to diversify its economy and rely less on tourism. As part of this plan, the island will make an unprecedented independent appearance at Alimentaria 2026, a leading international food and drink trade show. The island's Council hopes this move will help local businesses reach international markets, marking a significant step for Tenerife's industries on the global stage.

Alimentaria 2026 will take place in Barcelona from March 23 to 26 and is a crucial event for the food and drink industry. Previous shows have attracted over 100,000 professionals and 3,200 companies, using 80,000 square meters of space at Fira Gran Vía. In the past, Tenerife exhibited within the Canary Islands Government's pavilion. But this year, the island will have its own dedicated stand, organized by its newly formed Department of Industry, headed by Manuel Fernández.

A delegation of twelve Tenerife companies, chosen by the Canary Islands Industrial Association (Asinca), will attend. Their goal is to create a unified platform to showcase local products, making them more visible and helping them connect with international buyers and distributors. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to business growth and expanding into new markets, aiming to present Tenerife's industrial sector as strong and competitive.

This project highlights the Tenerife Council's strong commitment to the industrial sector as a key part of diversifying the island's economy. The Council has allocated 20 million euros to this activity for 2024-2025, tripling its previous contributions. The industry directly employs 17,400 people, a number that rises to 50,000 when indirect jobs are included. It has also seen nearly 6% growth in recent years, with over 1,300 companies operating on the island.

Lope Afonso, Vice President of the Tenerife Council, emphasized the strategic importance of this participation. He highlighted the potential for local industry to compete globally and stressed the need to open doors to national and international markets for these businesses. Manuel Fernández, the Minister of Industry, also praised this international platform, noting the great opportunity it offers Tenerife companies, many of whom will showcase products proudly bearing the "made in Tenerife" label.

The Council intends to make Tenerife's presence at Alimentaria a regular fixture in its annual international promotion schedule. The 2026 calendar already includes events such as Fitur and Madrid Fusión in January, ITB Berlin from March 3 to 6, San Sebastián Gastronomika from October 5 to 7, and the World Travel Market in London from November 3 to 5.