Spain’s culinary talent takes the central stage at the Salon Gourmets in Madrid
Every April, Madrid transforms into the vibrant epicenter of European gastronomy. Salón Gourmets, Europe’s premier fine food and beverages fair, takes place in Madrid from April 13 to 16
Salon Gourmets is a tribute to Spain’s rich diversity.
Every April, Madrid transforms into the vibrant epicenter of European gastronomy. In 2026, the energy reaches new heights with the return of Salón Gourmets, Europe’s premier fine food and beverages fair, taking place at IFEMA Madrid from April 13 to 16. This 39th edition unites top-tier products, renowned chefs, and innovative culinary narratives from across Spain and beyond.
Far more than a trade show, Salón Gourmets serves as a dynamic platform where cherished regional traditions collide with bold modern innovation. Producers showcase their finest ingredients, while chefs battle it out in thrilling national championships. Organized by Grupo Gourmets—which proudly marks its 50th anniversary this year—the event delivers four unforgettable days filled with exceptional flavors, technical mastery, and forward-thinking creativity.
While the fair boasts thousands of exhibitors and products, the true excitement lies in the live competitions, where precision, speed, and imagination take the spotlight.
Canary Islands infuse volcanic intensity into Madrid
The Canary Islands make a striking entrance, proclaiming that their cuisine matches the raw power of their volcanic terrain.
A standout is Tacomanía – Campeonato de Tacos Mexicanos by IGP Aguacate de Canarias, a fresh contest challenging six chefs to reimagine the taco with IGP Aguacate de Canarias—the world’s only avocado bearing this Protected Geographical Indication. The task: craft six identical tacos that blend creativity, flawless technique, and perfect balance, all while letting the star ingredient lead.
The next day, the islands continue their showcase with “Gastronomía Volcánica: Descubre el sabor de las Islas Canarias.” Through live showcooking and talks, attendees explore how volcanic soils shape signature elements like gofio, artisanal cheeses, papas arrugadas, and wines from indigenous grapes such as Listán Negro and Malvasía.
Málaga’s Gazpachuelo
On April 14, Málaga claims the stage with the 2º Campeonato de Gazpachuelos Gourmet by Sabor a Málaga.
This comforting coastal soup—rooted in broth and mayonnaise—competes in Traditional and Creative categories. Chaired by the legendary Elena Arzak, the jury assesses authenticity, technique, and originality. Contestants prepare six identical portions, each designed to elevate the dish’s simple yet soulful essence.
The Art of cutting meat
Crowds gather for the 7th National Championship of the Art of Cisoria El Encinar de Humienta
What seems straightforward—a steak tartare—begins with a demanding butchery phase. Competitors receive identical beef tenderloins and have 25 minutes to dissect them with surgical precision and grace. Judges scrutinize cut cleanliness, movement efficiency, and overall expertise.
Then, in just 20 minutes, they craft six servings of tartare, unleashing creativity in seasoning, harmony, and innovation. The esteemed jury features experts like Joaquín Capel, Eduardo Collado, Dobrica Ene, Andrés Madrigal, Denis Keller, David Lecanda, José Francisco Zarza, and defending champion Gabriela Medina. It’s a captivating display where knife work elevates to pure artistry.
Iberian pork elevated in “montados”
Iberian pork, a Spanish icon, takes center stage in the Mejor Montado Ibérico by Arturo Sánchez y Berkel 2026.
Six finalists have 20 minutes to assemble montados—bite-sized sandwiches—using premium Arturo Sánchez products. Half focus on cold versions with jamón, chorizo, or salchichón; the rest craft hot ones featuring prized cuts like presa or secreto. Precision slicing with Berkel’s classic Volano machine, technique, and inventive flair decide the victor.
La Rioja’s pincho mastery
Shifting to bar culture, La Rioja hosts the 4º Master Pinchos Gourmets #productoriojano.
Eight chefs race against a 30-minute clock to create six identical pinchos incorporating at least one protected Riojan product (such as DOP Queso Camerano or IGP Chorizo Riojano). The key rule: must be devoured in two bites. Success demands intense flavor, refined presentation, and seamless execution—embodying Spain’s lively tapas scene.
Navarra reimagines their traditional “menestra”
Navarra shines with the Reto Reyno Gourmet, backed by the Reyno Gourmet seal.
Six chefs reinterpret the traditional menestra navarra using seasonal stars like IGP Espárrago de Navarra or IGP Alcachofa de Tudela. Judges reward fidelity to the ingredients, cooking precision, and inventive flair in this timeless vegetable-forward classic.
Timeless favorites that endure
Salón Gourmets revives cherished staples, including the ninth edition of the national best cachopo contest with Ternera Asturiana IGP, the 32nd ham slicing championship honoring Spain’s legendary cured ham, and the high-stakes oyster opening championship, where speed and skill meet to shuck dozens flawlessly.
At its core, Salón Gourmets transcends competitions—it celebrates Spain’s extraordinary culinary mosaic, from the Canary Islands’ volcanic terroir to Navarra’s lush produce, Andalusia’s seafood heritage, and the vast Iberian dehesa.
For four days, Madrid unites chefs, producers, and passionate food lovers united by one truth: exceptional cuisine starts with exceptional ingredients. Nowhere is this ethos more vividly alive than at Salón Gourmets 2026.
Cheese
Last but not least, #GourmetQuesos returns with its 16th edition of the Best Spanish Cheeses Championship 2026, bringing together an impressive 801 entries from across Spain. During the semi-final, a panel of 65 experts evaluated each cheese—assessing rind, colour, texture and flavour—to select the 100 finalists across 20 categories. The chosen cheeses will compete once again in the grand final on Monday, 13 April, held במסגרת Salón Gourmets, the world’s leading international fine food and beverage fair.
Norway, guest of honour
Norway will be the Country of Honour at the 39th Salón Gourmets, showcasing the richness of its seafood and culinary tradition with Seafood from Norway and chef Íñigo Urrechu. Visitors will discover premium products from Norway’s pristine waters, including salmon and a wide range of seafood renowned for their quality.
On 15 April, the Auditorium will host a live cooking show where Iñigo Urrechu will highlight specialties such as scallops, king crab and Norwegian lobster. These products will also be featured throughout the event (13–16 April) at the Seafood from Norway stand.
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Salón Gourmets is the prestigious professional trade fair for high-quality food and beverages, which has been held consecutively for 36 years and continues to grow in scale. It is the most visited event by national and international professionals from the gastronomic sector, including restaurants, hotels, distributors, catering companies, and specialized wholesalers and retailers. It is truly a global event that celebrates the very best of the gastronomic world.
The 39th edition of Europe’s leading Quality Food and Beverage Fair will be especially significant, as Grupo Gourmets celebrates its 50th anniversary as a pioneer and reference point in the gastronomic revolution. From April 13 to 16, 2026, Salón Gourmets will once again bring together the best of the gastronomy, wine, and agri-food sectors, filling six halls of IFEMA Madrid with the most exquisite national and international products.
#SG26