Category: Blog

The organic wine market in France has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, becoming an important part of the country’s wine industry.

Peculiarities of the organic wine market in France

In the distribution of organic wine market in France, it is important to distinguish:

• On the one hand, the sector specialised in the distribution of organic products (wholesalers of organic products, organic shops and chains of organic shops).
• On the other hand, the non-specialised sector (wine merchants, HORECA, mass distribution).

Other particularities of the organic wine market in France indicate that:

• 74% of the volumes of organic wines marketed are DO.
• More than half of the organic wines consumed are red wines.
• 12% of organic wines consumed are sparkling wines.
• Imports of organic wines are very low (1%).
• Organic wines account for 12% of household organic consumption

France, third largest producer in the world after Spain and Italy

France is the world’s third largest producer of organic wine after Spain and Italy. These three countries account for 73% of the world’s vineyards.

Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in Europe

Organic vineyards in 2016 represent 9.1% of French vineyards, i.e. 68,556 hectares have organic vineyards, which shows an important evolution in recent years. In fact, the areas converted to organic have increased eightfold since 2007 and we can now count more than 5,200 organic vineyards. In exports, organic wine represents 2/3 of sales.

Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in France

Origin of supplies of the organic wine market in France according to types of organic products

France produces 99% of the wine it markets.

Organic wine consumption habits of the organic wine market in France

The consumption criteria are as follows:

• The origin of the wine
• respect for the environment
• AOP reputation
• the price
• availability in the shop
• the proximity of the product.

French consumers are in the habit of buying their wines directly from the producer (41% of total consumption in France).

Consumption of the organic wine market in France by type of organic products

The consumption of alcohol from organic farming has remained stable over the last 4 years and represents 12% of the sales of organic products in France.

The organic wine market in France and its consumer profile

Profile of the type of consumer in France

• 1 out of 3 wine consumers consume organic wine in France.
• 1 out of 6 organic consumers consume organic wine.
• 12% of organic wine drinkers do not drink conventional wine.
• 1% of the French consume only organic wine.
• Young people (18-24 years old) are particularly interested in organic wine. They represent 14% of organic wine consumers compared to 8% for conventional wine. Young consumers of organic wine are particularly sensitive to organic arguments.
• According to the 2015 edition of the BIO Agency Barometer, 11% of organic wine consumers intend to increase their consumption of organic wine over the next 6 months.
• 51% of French consumers would like to be able to find more organic wine in supermarkets.

Conclusions on the organic wine market in France

• French wines have a good image, but compete with organic wines of Spanish and Italian origin in many countries.
• To sell abroad, it is necessary to communicate even more about the quality of organic wines, their specificities and to increase their participation in organic fairs (many in Europe), participation in competitions, organisation of tastings (wine shops, boutiques), to make themselves known by prestigious sommeliers.

If you need to market your organic wines in France do not hesitate to cont us.

A new edition of Spain’s biannual international food and beverage trade fair, Alimentaria 2018, will take place from 16 to 19 April inclusive . This year’s edition joins another well-known trade fair, Hostelco, the equipment fair for the hotel and catering industry.

Some interesting facts

This major trade fair platform will bring together 4,500 companies, 150,000 professionals (27% of whom will be international from 70 different countries), will occupy 100,000 m2 and will attract 1,400 key buyers from 150 countries.

300 innovations will be presented, 120 conferences will be held, 35 chefs with 45 Michelin stars will be present (at Hostelco), and 150 gastronomic activities will take place.

Exhibitors at Alimentaria 2018

Exhibitors at Alimentaria 2018, one of the most important food and beverage trade fairs in Europe, cover a wide range of products and services related to food and beverages. This event, held in Barcelona, brings together companies from different segments, including fresh food, gourmet products, beverages and solutions for the food industry.

Exhibitors include both large internationally recognised brands and small and medium-sized companies looking to showcase their innovations and unique products. Trends such as sustainability, healthy eating and packaging innovation are presented, reflecting consumers’ growing interest in more responsible and nutritious products.

In addition, many exhibitors offer live tastings and demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the quality and taste of the products. The show also serves as a meeting point for industry professionals, facilitating networking and the creation of new business opportunities.

In short, Alimentaria 2018 is a vibrant showcase for diversity and innovation in the food sector, with exhibitors representing the best of the industry both nationally and internationally.

Alimentaria 2018

Alimentaria will occupy 6 pavilions at the Gran Vía exhibition centre, bringing together food, beverage and food service companies. To facilitate the visit to the show, the exhibition is organised around 6 sectoral events:

• Food Service
• Intervin: wine industry. With the presence of Jancis Robinson, Nick Lander and Eric Asimov.
• Intercarn: meat industry
• Restaurama
• Expoconser: preserves and semi-preserves industry
• Interlac: dairy products and by-products
• Multiple Foods: with consumer products
• Premium: reserved for haute cuisine and oenology

Hostelco 2018

It will take place in Hall 8 and will share space with the Restaurama event. It will present new products, technologies and solutions in the fields of equipment and machinery for the hotel and catering industry.

The subsectors present are:

• Houseware, tableware, utensils and packaging.
• Equipment and machinery technologies for the hotel and catering industry.
• Technology, entertainment and software
• Textiles, clothing and uniforms
• Interior design, decoration, lighting and furniture
• Cleaning and laundry
• Vending
• Spa, wellness and accessories
• Bakery, ice cream and confectionery

The Hostelco Experience and the Food Experience

35 chefs with more than 45 Michelin stars will be present, among them:

• Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz, Guipúscoa)
• Fina Puigdevall (Les Cols, Girona)
• Nando Jubany (Can Jubany)
• Paco Roncero (La Terraza del Casino, Madrid)
• Mario Sandoval (Coque, Madrid)

The internationalisation of exhibitor companies at Alimentaria 2018

One of Alimentaria’s priorities this year is to promote the internationalisation of exhibitor companies and the sector as a whole.

In this sense, Alimentaria is clearly committed to a powerful programme of quality Host Buyers with a large import capacity. All of this is reinforced by a great networking tool such as the Matchmaking application, both online and mobile, which facilitates the relationship between buyers and exhibitors.

The show attracts a large number of companies from different countries, allowing exhibitors to expand their reach and explore new markets. This global approach facilitates the exchange of ideas, trends and products between food industry professionals from around the world.

Many exhibitors take the opportunity to present their products in an international context, seeking not only to increase their visibility, but also to establish business relationships with distributors, importers and retailers from other countries. The fair includes specific pavilions for the different regions, allowing visitors to discover the diversity of the world’s food supply.

In addition, internationalisation is also reflected in the presence of buyers and industry professionals of various nationalities, enriching interactions and networking. Exhibiting companies can obtain valuable information about consumer preferences and trends in other markets, which helps them to adapt their strategies and products to meet international demand.

Alimentaria 2018 is a key meeting point for the internationalisation of exhibiting companies, providing opportunities to expand their presence in the global market and foster growth in an increasingly competitive sector.

Barcelona Export’s participation

In this edition Barcelona Export has organised agendas of meetings with buyers from more than 15 different countries for its 3 clients:

• Gourmet and artisan croquettes
• Gourmet vegetable chips
• Artisanal vodka and gin distillery

We have managed to close more than 70 interviews that will take place during the 4 days of the fair.

As a complement to the pre-fair preparation service, we will accompany our clients to their stands to help them translate and negotiate on an international level.

To conclude our trade fair accompaniment service, we will follow up on each of the contacts made during the event and beforehand, in order to close as many business collaboration agreements as possible.

The sources of information for finding commercial agents are varied and important. The choice of a good commercial network is key for our export project to work. This is why we recommend our clients to dedicate the necessary time and effort. Making a good selection will be crucial in order to have the best possible candidates.

Before starting with the selection of agents, we advise you to dedicate some time to draft a document where we reflect the list of activities or complementary products of ours in order to find the most suitable profiles and oriented to the commercial visit that best suits us.

The value of commercial agents

Commercial agents can bring a lot of value to your project. Here are some of the main advantages:

• Access to New Markets: Commercial agents usually have an established network and knowledge of the local market, which allows you to access new clients and regions that you might not be able to reach on your own.
• Industry Experience and Knowledge: Many agents have industry experience and knowledge of market trends, which can help you better position your products or services.
• Reduced Costs: By working with sales agents, you can reduce marketing and sales costs, as they are in charge of promoting and selling your products, which can be more efficient than having an in-house team.
• Flexibility: Sales agents often work independently, which allows you to adjust your sales strategy without the long-term commitments of hiring permanent staff.
• Established relationships: Agents already have relationships with potential customers, which can facilitate the introduction of your products and speed up the sales process.
• Focus on Sales: By delegating the sales function to an agent, you can concentrate on other areas of your business, such as product development or customer service.
• Market Feedback: Agents can provide you with valuable information about customer needs and preferences, which will help you adjust your offer and improve your value proposition.
• Increased Sales: With their expertise and network of contacts, sales agents can contribute to a significant increase in your sales, helping you reach your business goals faster.

In short, sales agents can be a great ally to your project, bringing experience, connections and a sales focus that can boost your business.

What sources of information are available?

We list the most common sources of information, in order of success rate:

–International trade shows in the sector: Through the list of exhibitors at trade show we can find companies that manufacture complementary products or provide complementary services to ours. And through them we can find the commercial networks they have in each of the markets we are interested in. This is the best of the sources of information to reach them.

–Professional social networks: such as Linked In, Viadeo (strong presence in France) or Xing (strong presence in Germany) through which to achieve a network of professional contacts (networking) in our sector. In addition to using them to locate the most relevant commercial agents, we can use them to carry out advertising actions and to position ourselves as experts or specialists, through interesting content and other publications. They help to build customer loyalty. And they are very interesting sources of information.

– Chambers of Commerce: Many local and international chambers of commerce have directories of commercial agents and can offer you useful contacts. And are very reliable sources of information.

–Buying databases: there are companies that sell databases of commercial agents, listed by sector or activity. The main drawback is that in most cases these databases are not updated or up to date. And we may find ourselves with agents who have already retired, or who have changed activity or who are currently in-house salespeople for a company, rather than multi-portfolio agents. Sometimes, these sources of information are not updated, pay attention.

–Competitor research: following our competitors helps us in two ways. We know which agents already have a concurrent portfolio with ours and which we should therefore discard, as well as giving us an idea of the agents who have worked for them in the past and who are therefore qualified agents with extensive knowledge of our product/service and sector.

–Federations or associations of commercial agents: they allow us to place advertisements that are disseminated among their associates in order to attract suitable profiles. They tend to have a low response.

–Industrial Associations: Many industries have associations that can help you find commercial agents specialised in your sector.

– Consultancies and Export Agencies: These companies can offer you services to find suitable trade agents for your business. As we do.

–Online platforms: There are websites such as LinkedIn, Alibaba, and Kompass where you can search for commercial agents and distributors in different industries.

–Free Google search: if we search for the commercial networks of the companies in our activity we will get the list of the companies that in some section of their websites list their international commercial networks, thus providing us with very complete information.

–References and Recommendations: Asking other entrepreneurs or colleagues in your industry can be an effective way to find reliable commercial agents. Do not hesitate to contact your colleagues.

The commercial agent is a key figure especially for those companies that offer a customized product / service. They need a good commercial agent who knows how to identify opportunities and knows the clientele of their geographical area/ sector. Before starting with the selection of agents, we recommend spending some time to write a document where you reflect the list of activities or complementary products of your company to be able to find the most appropriate profiles.

What are the key aspects when selecting a commercial agent?

There are certain key issues. Even though they are not definitive and may vary depending on the type of product. Also time of the export project or the need for market penetration are influencers. Thus we will show you the most important ones:

• Age: Young agents are dynamic and maintain a very proactive attitude. On the contrary, they may lack a deep knowledge of the market. On the other side, those whose age is close to retirement have extensive experience. Moreover, they have many contacts resulting from years of presence in the sector. With a simple call you can get quotes and open commercial doors. There is no recommended age and it will depend on the speed of market penetration that you want or need.
• Experience: Some agents have been sales agents throughout their professional career. Others may come from industry businesses, commercial sector etc. Some agents have made their professional career in the same sector, while others have been changing their course.
• Percentage of commission: It is important to know the different percentages of commissions for the various sectors. This is important to be able to negotiate adequately. In the industry we usually speak of a compensation of 3% to 8%.  For interior products, for example, 10% to 15% (France, Spain).
• Portfolio of representation: It is important to know the existing portfolio in order to filter out the complementarity with the one from the company.
• Billing: It is important to know the level of billing (global or in commissions) to determine the value of the candidate you are interviewing. We often find sales agents that bill more than one national SME. This will also determine the interest that our portfolio may arouse, depending on the amount that can be invoiced with it.
• Geographic coverage area: No sales agent can adequately cover an entire country of large dimensions, such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy or the UK. It is advisable to limit the coverage area in addition to doing it by sectors.
• Typology of clientele: It is convenient to ask him about the type of client he worked with. The cadence of his routes and number of active clients that he has at the present time are also interesting.
• References: It is important that you can call any of the clients of the agent to request references and evaluate the degree of moral and professional integrity of the candidate.
• Structure: Some agents work completely alone while others associate with colleagues by creating representative agencies. The most common is to find agent who use back office or telephone support to their commercial prospecting.
• Languages: Although it is not a key aspect, it is always interesting to know what languages the commercial agent speaks if he has to interact with a neighboring market.
• Training: If the product / service is very technical it is important to know if the agent had a proper training and is qualified to work with it.

If you need to create a network of commercial agents, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Barcelona Export organizes, once again, a new meeting of commercial agents in Paris, France. One of the fastest and cheapest ways to find commercial agents and establish a commercial network in a new international market.

What does the meeting of commercial agents consist of?

A group of at least 10 companies, looking for agents in a foreign market, has the opportunity, thanks to this type of programme, to meet a range of multi-portfolio commercial agents that fit their profile in the course of a single day, in a European city. This time it is the turn of France, the European market most in demand by Spanish companies.

How does it work?

After meeting with each of the participants, we will establish their profiles in order to determine the most suitable type of commercial agent in each case.

Then, we will search for and filter candidates and validate them together with the companies.

Finally, we will travel to Paris to hold interviews with the different commercial agents selected. Barcelona Export will travel with several consultants to provide support in terms of translations and international negotiations.

At the end of the day we will fly back to Barcelona to close our meeting of commercial agents.

Other services available

At Barcelona Export we can offer other complementary services, after the end of the commercial agents’ meeting, such as:

–Negotiation of international contracts: we propose contract models, taking into account the most important clauses, according to French legislation.

–Follow-up service for offers and orders generated by the commercial agents: some of our clients have difficulties with the target language and require a follow-up and translation service for the actions being developed in the new market.

–Long commercial accompaniment of 12 months with the aim of prospecting final clients and being able to set up interviews between the purchasing managers of the companies and the new commercial agents selected. The aim is to make the portfolio more attractive for the agents and to be more incisive in the commercial prospecting at the beginning of the relationship.

What are the services or products most in demand in France?

– Consumer goods

– Vehicles

– Hydrocarbons

– Pharmaceutical products

– Agri-food

– Industrial subcontracting

Come and join us! We are waiting for you…

Exporting alone is always a tough challenge. And if our range is small, we don’t always get the attention of the interlocutors who are the most interesting for us: the heads of the most important purchasing centres or the purchasing managers of the largest chemical groups in France. Thanks to the export group in the chemical sector, we are able to increase our receptivity.

But who is export group in the chemical sector made up of?

Our export group in the chemical sector is made up of the following companies:

• Seven Seas S.L.: manufacturer of magnetic drive chemical process pumps, homogenisers, mixers, micronisers. Oriented to the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industry.
• Olmos Maquinaria: manufacturer of complete packaging lines for liquid products (non-carbonated) in rigid containers. Aimed at the chemical, petrochemical and food industries.
• Esteryfil: manufacturer of all types of filters for liquids. Aimed at the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, perfumery and food industries.
• GMS SISTEMAS: manufacturer of packaging solutions such as intelligent robots for packaging delicate and small parts as well as positioners. Focused on the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, perfumery and food industries.

And what are the export group in the chemical sector advantages?

This export group of the chemical sector offers, in many occasions, different types of equipment that are used in the same production plant and for the same production process, acting as complementary products.

Thanks to the group , we are able to reinforce the range of products we present to our buyers. We also manage to reduce the costs of international prospecting, which are shared by the 4 companies. Shared prospection leads to a much higher rate of progress, with earlier positive results for the participants. In addition, we exchange experiences between the different participants and synergies between them. In many cases, the participants in the export group end up becoming each other’s customers and suppliers.

And finally, it allows group participation in leading international trade fairs in the sector.

What are the working dynamics of the export group in the chemical sector in France?

The export group starts with a group meeting that allows the different participating companies to get to know each other and establish their own synergies.

In fact, follow-up group meetings are held once a quarter.

Every export group has a group manager who leads the group’s actions and carries out the prospecting in the target market.

The manager maintains constant communication via telephone and e-mail with each of the group’s members. He or she is in charge of prospecting and exchanges offers, quotes and orders with the participants.

An export group canvasses the same market for 12 months, approaching various sales channels such as: sales agents and/or distributors and end customers.

What is the role of the group manager?

The group manager not only leads the group and carries out the prospecting, but is also in charge of ensuring a good atmosphere among the participants and ironing out any tensions that may arise. He also leads the meetings and provides the information he receives from the target market.

He is the integrating element and gives dynamism to the group. They contribute their knowledge and solutions to the demands that arise, as well as their command of the target language. In addition, he travels with the companies that wish to visit their prospects.

Barcelona Export has extensive experience in managing an export groups that wishes to open up new international markets, especially in French-speaking markets. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to be part of one of them.

Mediterranean wine producers have welcomed the most relevant buyers from 5 continents, in an exhibition that is considered one of the 5 most important international events in the world of wine, Vinisud 2018.

Vinisud is an international trade fair dedicated to wine and spirits, held in the south of France, specifically in the Occitania region. The event brings together producers, distributors, importers and wine industry professionals from all over the world.

The trade show provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products, establish business contacts and discover new trends in the wine market. It also includes tastings, conferences and workshops that allow attendees to learn more about wine production, winemaking and innovations in the industry.

Vinisud is known for its focus on Mediterranean wines, but also covers a wide variety of wines from different regions. It is an ideal place to network and explore business opportunities in the wine sector. If you are interested in the world of wine, this is an event definitely worth considering!

This edition of Vinisud takes place in Montpellier on 18, 19 and 20 February 2018.

A few figures about Vinisud

This 2018 edition, the last to be held in the city of Montpellier, brought together 1,500 exhibitors from several Mediterranean countries (France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Macedonia… etc) to give the world a taste of some 26,000 references of still wines, sparkling wines, pearl wines, cavas and champagnes. The next edition of the Vinisud fair, in 2019, will take place in Paris.

The global wine trend at Vinisud 2018

The general trend at the fair was towards responsible and sustainable techniques. This is why the presence of organic wines is becoming increasingly strong. And that of certain winemaking processes with the absence of chemical ingredients. Many buyers were looking for wines without added sugars, without wine alcohol, with little or no oak, with little batonnage so as not to tire the wines, balanced, fresh and light. The sample of rosés from the Provence area was very large, as was that of Italian Prosecco, a direct competitor of our cava, which has recently seen a sharp increase in sales. And we were able to confirm the good health and reputation of Spanish wines and specifically Catalan wines, which are often more highly valued for being lighter and easier to drink in new markets with little wine culture.

Barcelona Export’s presence at Vinisud

We attended the Vinisud fair with our client Bouquet d’Alella, a producer DO Alella, producer of certified organic wines, which with 14 hectares of cultivated vineyards has wines of the highest quality, in line with new global trends: low alcohol wines, balanced, fresh, light, without additives, with very little oak.

Barcelona Export has been in charge of hiring the space, the decoration of the stand, the agenda of contacts to get meetings agreed with buyers from several countries such as: Finlancia, Norway, Sweden, France, Poland, USA, UK and Costa Rica.

We have also accompanied our client during all the days of the fair in order to support them with translations and international negotiations. And to finish our service, we managed the sending of the post-fair thank you e-mails and the relevant follow-up of each of the contacts generated by the event.

We wish Bouquet de Alella a lot of success in international markets, and we are convinced that it will come to you very soon.

                      

The Fòrum Gastronòmic de Girona closes with a new success of public and a great satisfaction of the participating companies. More than 25,000 people visited the exhibition centre over the three days of the event. It has been announced that the next edition of the Forum Gastronomic de Girona will be held on 18, 19 and 20 November 2018.

The Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017 was held from November 13 to 15, 2017, in Girona, Spain. This annual event has become one of the key gastronomic conferences in Spain, where chefs, food professionals, and industry leaders gather to explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the culinary world. The Forum is a hub for networking, learning, and celebrating the culinary arts, with a particular focus on the future of food, sustainability, and the evolving role of technology in gastronomy.

Here are some of the main aspects of the 2017 edition of the Forum Gastronomic de Girona:

Key Highlights:

1. Focus on Innovation and Excellence: The 2017 edition focused on showcasing gastronomic innovation, emphasizing how chefs and food professionals are pushing the boundaries of culinary techniques, presentation, and sustainability. Innovations in food production, presentation, and cooking technologies were featured prominently, with the aim of inspiring chefs to evolve and improve their practices.
2. Gastronomy and Sustainability: Sustainability was a central theme at the Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017. There was a strong focus on how sustainable practices can be integrated into the culinary world, from using locally sourced ingredients to adopting zero-waste practices in kitchens. Chefs and experts discussed how the food industry can minimize its environmental impact while maintaining high standards of culinary quality.
3. Live Cooking Demonstrations: As in previous years, the Forum Gastronomic de Girona featured live cooking demonstrations by world-renowned chefs. These demonstrations allowed attendees to see firsthand how top chefs approach culinary challenges, share their techniques, and explore the use of new ingredients or technologies. These live sessions are always one of the most exciting features of the event.
   • Some notable chefs from Spain and beyond participated, including Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, considered one of the best chefs in the world. Roca, along with other leading figures, demonstrated innovative dishes and discussed their creative process.
4. Workshops and Masterclasses: The Forum also hosted workshops and masterclasses led by culinary professionals and food experts. These interactive sessions offered practical, hands-on learning experiences for chefs and food industry professionals. Topics covered included new cooking techniques, food pairing, and the future of dining experiences.
5. Exhibitions and Product Showcases: The exhibition area featured a range of suppliers and food producers showcasing their products, including everything from premium ingredients to innovative kitchen equipment. This provided attendees with the opportunity to discover new products and services that could help improve their culinary practices or business operations.
6. Networking and Business Opportunities: The Forum Gastronomic de Girona also served as a networking platform for professionals in the food and hospitality industries. Chefs, restaurateurs, food producers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. This helped foster business growth and innovation across the sector.
7. Regional Culinary Identity: The Forum highlighted the gastronomic identity of Girona and the surrounding region of Catalonia. Known for its rich culinary traditions, Girona is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including El Celler de Can Roca. The event celebrated the region’s culinary heritage while showcasing modern techniques and ideas.
8. Cultural and Social Impact: There was also a discussion about the cultural and social impact of food. In addition to exploring food as an art form, speakers discussed how gastronomy can contribute to social change, address food security, and promote healthier eating habits. This connected the culinary world with broader issues such as sustainability and social responsibility.
9. International Participation: The Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017 attracted participants from across the globe, including notable chefs, food innovators, and gastronomy professionals. International attendance highlighted the growing global importance of the Forum as a place to exchange ideas and discover new trends in the food industry.

Key Participants and Speakers at Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017:

• Joan Roca, Chef and co-owner of El Celler de Can Roca (considered one of the best restaurants in the world), was a key figure at the event. Roca participated in live cooking demonstrations and shared insights into the evolving world of fine dining.
• Andoni Luis Aduriz, Chef-owner of Mugaritz, another leading Spanish restaurant, also participated and showcased his creative approach to gastronomy.
• Michelin-starred chefs and other culinary innovators from Spain and internationally led discussions, presentations, and workshops on the future of food.

Importance and Legacy:

The Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017 further cemented Girona’s status as a leading culinary hub in Spain and beyond. By bringing together renowned chefs, food experts, and food producers, the event encouraged the exchange of ideas and knowledge within the culinary community. It also helped raise awareness about the importance of sustainability, innovation, and creativity in gastronomy, providing a platform for professionals to grow, learn, and explore new opportunities.

In summary, the Forum Gastronomic de Girona 2017 was an important event that highlighted the intersection of culinary tradition and innovation. The Forum’s focus on sustainability, creativity, and global culinary trends provided participants with valuable insights, practical knowledge, and networking opportunities. The event solidified Girona’s reputation as a key destination in the world of gastronomy, attracting chefs, food professionals, and innovators from around the world.

If you wish we accompany you to an international exhibition, please, do not hesitate to contact us.

Our consultancy is present at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2017 to assist and accompany one of our clients, a custom software developer with its own QA (Quality Assurance) department.

The Smart City Expo World Congress 2017 was held in Barcelona, Spain, from November 14 to 16, 2017. It is one of the most significant events globally for urban innovation and the development of smart cities, bringing together leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and academia, to discuss the future of urban living.

Here are some key details about the 2017 edition:

Key Highlights:

• Technological Innovations: Among the innovations showcased, there were solutions aimed at improving urban mobility, energy efficiency, waste management, security, and healthcare. Startups and large companies alike highlighted their role in leveraging technology to create sustainable, livable, and more efficient cities.
• Theme: The 2017 edition of the Smart City Expo was centered around the theme of “Better City, Better Life,” with a focus on the importance of cities as spaces for sustainable development, innovation, and inclusion. The event explored how technology and innovation could improve urban life while addressing challenges such as climate change, mobility, and social inequality.
• Exhibitions: The event featured more than 400 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions and technologies aimed at transforming urban environments. These included innovations in areas such as mobility, energy, housing, healthcare, and urban infrastructure. The exhibition offered a platform for companies to display smart solutions for cities to become more efficient, sustainable, and livable.
• Participants: The event attracted over 20,000 attendees from more than 140 countries. Participants included mayors, city officials, technology companies, start-ups, researchers, and urban planners, making it a global meeting point for stakeholders in the smart city ecosystem.
• Keynote Speakers: The event featured a range of prominent speakers, including political leaders, CEOs, and experts in urban development and technology. Some of the key speakers included:
  • Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona, who emphasized the role of cities in driving the global sustainability agenda.
  • Carlos Moreno, a professor and expert in smart city and urban planning, who discussed concepts such as “The 15-Minute City,” which aims to ensure that all urban needs (work, education, healthcare) are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
• Topics Covered: The Smart City Expo World Congress 2017 covered various pressing topics that cities across the globe face. These included:
• Urban Mobility: Discussions on how to improve transportation networks, reduce traffic congestion, and increase the use of sustainable transport modes, such as electric vehicles, cycling, and public transit.
• Circular Economy: Strategies for rethinking waste management and resource use, with the goal of minimizing waste, recycling, and promoting sustainability.
• Digital Transformation: The role of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics in transforming urban services and infrastructures, making them smarter and more responsive.
• Social Inclusion and Equity: Ensuring that smart cities are inclusive and benefit all residents, with particular attention to social equity and the provision of accessible services for marginalized communities.
• Smart City Awards: The Smart City Expo also hosted the Smart City Awards, which recognized the most innovative and impactful smart city projects worldwide. The awards celebrated urban initiatives that showcased the use of technology and innovation to improve the quality of life for citizens.
• Global Networking: The event provided opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among cities, corporations, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Many countries and cities presented their own smart city projects and initiatives, enabling global dialogue on the future of urban living.
• Side Events and Workshops: In addition to the main program, there were side events, workshops, and panel discussions that allowed participants to dive deeper into specific topics. These provided a more hands-on and practical approach to understanding the challenges and solutions related to smart cities.

We also had the opportunity to participate in the Brokerage Event where more than 1264 meetings were arranged and 400 companies from 38 different countries participated. It was a pleasure to meet companies with a wide variety of products and technologies that needed our services to expand their business internationally.

Among the most innovative products on display, we had the opportunity to discover geolocation applications that include a multitude of measurable parameters, such as pollution, the presence of gases, humidity, etc. Open data applications to provide cities with a multitude of applications containing valuable information for citizens: bus timetables, hospitals, concerts, rubbish collection schedules, taxes, etc., all brought together in a single application. Drones that help to measure the architectural parameters of a building under construction, energy efficiency applications, test circuits for the cars of the future, independent and pilotless, windows containing photovoltaic panels to store solar energy and give energy autonomy to homes.

In its seventh edition, the list of cities, countries and pavilions exhibiting are:

• Andorra Metropolitan Area of Barcelona
• Aspern
• Aurangabad
• Australia
• Austria
• Baden-Württemberg
• Barcelona
• Bayern
• Belgium
• Berlin
• Bizerte
• Brussels
• Bucaramanga
• Busan
• Casablanca
• Chile
• Denmark
• Lódz
• London
• Taipei
• Tarnów
• Tel Aviv
• UN-Habitat
• USA USA
• Vienna
• Wallonia
• Zheijhang
• Dubai
• Estonia
• European Commission
• Finland
• Flanders
• Generalitat de Catalunya
• Germany
• Grenoble
• Netherlands
• India
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Karlsruhe
• L’Hospitalet de LLobregat
• Leeds
• Lyon
• Madrid
• Montevideo
• Moscow
• New York
• Norway
• Prato
• Puebla
• Quebec
• Rivas Vaciamadrid
• Russia
• Selangor
• Spain
• Sweden

If you wish to be accompanied to a trade show, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.