Alimentaria, the leading food fair in southern Europe, is developing successfully in Barcelona. The seven halls dedicated to food and hospitality are going to gather more than one hundred thousand people in the four days of the fair. Everything reminds of the previous one 2018 edition. Although the fair brings together different industries and products from the sector, the big news revolves around sustainability, health and the digitalization of companies.
Sustainability
Undoubtedly one of the great protagonists in Alimentaria 2022 is sustainability. Although the importance of the ecological product increases its presence in the market, companies and consumers give more importance to how it has been produced and elaborated and that it is respectful of the planet. Reducing the use of plastics in packaging. The reduction of water consumption and its origin. The use of green energy as well as the use of native varieties or breeds are attributes that are increasingly valued by the consumer and provide differentiation and value to the brand.
"Salud"
The advance in the number of products that are nutritionally better is indisputable. We see it in newly created products such as plant-based proposals (simulated meat products made with vegetable protein). The trend is here to stay and leading meat groups such as Campofrío, El Pozo, Valls Companys and Noel present their proposals. These are in addition to companies that were innovative at the time like Beyond Meat and Heura.
This new trend continues to increase products with less salt, fats and added sugars. Craft and organic products improve their presence in search of consumers with greater purchasing power. In this new health trend, products such as kombucha, kefir and vegetable milk substitute drinks are added with more force.
Digitization
It is important to highlight the proposals for improvement offered by Alimentaria in digital transformation. Processes that improve efficiency in payment systems, customer loyalty, communication. Also of information systems to improve data and establish the foundations of the new economy based on artificial intelligence, manufacturing or service robots in the hospitality industry, systems for improving food safety systems and traceability.
