Marcos Fernández, CEO of Ibérica and Arros QD, Receives the Foods & Wines from Spain Award

Every autumn, the entire gastronomic world turns its attention to San Sebastián, where the San Sebastián Gastronomika event is held. It is one of the most important and prestigious food conferences in the world. For the third year, this event has served as the venue for presenting the Foods & Wines from Spain Award.

This award, sponsored by ICEX, honors individuals or projects that contribute to spreading the image of excellence and diversity of Spanish gastronomy in international markets. This year, the recognition went to Marcos Fernández, CEO of Ibérica and Arros QD.

In 2008, Ibérica made its debut in London with a clear mission: to bring authentic Spanish cuisine to the UK, a country known for its gastronomic diversity but often missing the true flavors of Spain. Under the leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Director Nacho Manzano, Ibérica's menu showcases flavors from across Spain, with a special nod to Manzano’s Asturian roots. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and contemporary tapas, artisan delicacies, and traditional Spanish rice dishes. Currently, Ibérica has five locations in the United Kingdom, all of them in London.

On the other hand, Arros QD is the result of Michelin-starred Chef Quique Dacosta’s lifelong passion for paella, tapas, and wood-fired cooking, brought to life in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district. Opened in 2019, it has helped popularize traditional Valencian rice dishes cooked over fire in the British capital.

Marcos Fernández has been highly successful, developing entrepreneurial projects in the creative industries for over 20 years. As CEO of Ibérica and Arros QD, he has played a decisive role in promoting Spanish cuisine in the UK over the past 15 years.

In 2022, the Foods & Wines from Spain Award was presented to Monika Linton, the CEO of Brindisa, a pioneering company in the commercialization of Spanish products in the United Kingdom, promoting the diversity and quality of Spain's gastronomic offerings.

In 2023, the award went to Michele Buster, head of Forever Cheese, a company dedicated to importing artisanal Mediterranean cheeses into the United States.

A gathering with the best in gastronomy

San Sebastián Gastronomika is being held this year from October 7 to 9 under the theme "Open City," spreading across San Sebastián to explore the relationship between this iconic culinary conference and the city that always welcomes all attendees.

During this edition, eight chefs and head chefs will have the opportunity to attend with the support of Foods & Wines from Spain. They hail from countries such as the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. They are at the helm of restaurants certified with the Restaurants from Spain seal, which recognizes and supports initiatives worldwide that focus on authentic Spanish cuisine and products, guaranteeing the quality standards of these establishments.