After Salón Gourmets, 36 Hosted Buyers Tour Spain to See and Experience its Gastronomy First-Hand

One of the most important international trade fairs in the world, Salón Gourmets, recently celebrated its 38th edition in Madrid. There, 36 hosted buyers from 24 different countries had the opportunity to discover more than 1,000 activities and 55,000 products from all over the world.

After the event, the 36 international buyers took part in organized trips throughout Spain to meet producers and immerse themselves in the country’s diverse and high-quality gastronomy. They visited wine makers, canned goods producers, honey artisans, and many more. All visits were co-organized by Foods and Wines from Spain and each participating region’s institutional partners.

Heading to Andalusia

Guided by Foods and Wines in collaboration with Andalucía Trade, a group of international buyers from Japan, Taiwan, Australia, USA, Brazil, and beyond embarked on a flavorful journey through southern Spain.

After attending Salón Gourmets, the group ventured into the heart of Andalusia, exploring iconic landscapes like the Sierra de Montilla. Along the way, they visited local wineries known for their unique use of grape varieties such as Verdejo and Pedro Ximénez.

The journey also included a deep dive into the world of extra virgin olive oil, witnessing biodynamic production methods and the meticulous process of extracting Andalusia’s “liquid gold.” To round out the experience, the group explored salt and fish preserves factories and almond cultivation practices, connecting with producers who are preserving traditional techniques while innovating for the future.

A Trip to the Yummy Heart of Almería

One group of international buyers set out on a journey organized by Foods and Wines from Spain and Sabores Almería to explore the agri-food sector of the region.

The delegation, made up of participants from the USA, Romania, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Hungary, experienced firsthand the exceptional quality of Almería’s preserved vegetables and refrigerated products. They also discovered the unique varieties of honey produced in the Sierra de Filabres, made from the nectar of desert flowers.

Additionally, they explored organic olive oil production, touring the olive groves, tasting the oil, and enjoying Almería’s rich culinary traditions.

A Taste of Granada

Guided by ICEX in collaboration with the Granada Chamber of Commerce, a group of international buyers from Ecuador, Morocco, and Hong Kong embarked on a flavorful journey through the vibrant region of Granada.After attending Salón Gourmets, the group had the opportunity to explore firsthand the diversity and innovation behind Granada’s food and beverage industry. From non-alcoholic wines, ciders, and syrups to premium infusions and nutritional supplements, they discovered a landscape where tradition and creativity go hand in hand.

Their itinerary included tastings of artisanal charcuterie and meats made using time-honored techniques, as well as extra virgin olive oils and vinegars crafted with precision and care. A highlight of the trip was a visit to Riofrío, where they delved into the world of organic caviar, learning about its meticulous production process and refined flavor.

The group also visited a family-run company producing vegetable preserves and a wide variety of olives—including innovative offerings like caramelized olives—alongside guided tastings. They explored sustainable packaging innovations at a local asparagus specialist and witnessed the preparation of gourmet croquetas and ready-to-eat meat-based products.From field to fork, the experience offered a deep dive into Granada’s dynamic agri-food sector—rich in heritage, forward-looking in spirit.