One of the greatest events in the world of premium food has arrived at IFEMA the 37th edition of Salon Gourmets
This international fine food and beverages fair has arrived in Madrid. The event describes itself like this “Salon Gourmets is the main annual showcase of high-end food and beverages. At this top event, visitors can find from the most exquisite of traditional products to the newest trends, aimed exclusively at gastronomy professionals.” However, we had access to the event and could walk through its many halls and exhibitions.
From all parts of the world quality food and beverage fair in Europe reunites in Madrid for one of the most prestigious fairs in the world. With a history of 35 consecutive events with growing numbers. Equally important, we must remark the event has a purely commercial spirit, it is the most visited by national and international professionals in the gastronomic sector: restaurants, hotels, distributors, catering and specialized wholesalers and retailers.
All along the four days Salon Gourmets takes place, visitors can enjoy different thematic areas to learn about and taste the product and assist to Show Cookings. In addition, at the Salon Gourmets, the organization tries to reward excellence, track record and innovative ideas, which is why every year it presents its awards dedicated to different aspects of the world of gastronomy and wine. Together with, championships, contests and round tables, regarding the gastronomic world take place every year at the event. Some of them have been running for years. However, others are way more recent and new.
National and international stands from all parts of the world arrive at the Salon Gourmets
Headed by the country it takes place in, Spain. The campaign Alimentosdeespaña created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which does not miss its annual appointment with Salon Gourmets through “The Richest Country in the World”. It is a Gastronomic Space in which to enjoy show cooking, conferences and presentations with quality products of Spanish gastronomy. In addition to the traditional Wine Tunnel and EVOO Tunnel. All the products on display demonstrate year after year their commitment to quality and the environment, protected by their respective quality labels: Designation of Origin (DO), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) or Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).
On the international side, The Kingdom of Morocco was selected to be the Country of Honour. For 4 days, visitors are able to get to know the country’s gastronomic culture up close in the exceptional space it will occupy in Hall 3.
A perfect opportunity to taste a selection of typical dishes and gastronomic products from the Maghreb country thanks to Morocco Foodex, a public body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forestry, which is responsible for the control and coordination of exports of agricultural and fishery food products.
Canarias settles itself as a reference for production and exportation
After walking through most if not all of the halls a very special corner calls the attention in hall 3. On a cold Madrid day, the vivid colors of the Canary Islands make everyone turn their heads. The Canary Islands are the great paradise islands of Spain. With the zone having different stands for different islands with all kinds of products. The special invitation and the place that was the most welcoming came from the lands of Fuerteventura. The stand was small with just three tables but managed to make an impression. Usually, Spaniards from the peninsula would come close and ask the people attending questions like: “are there really olive trees in Fuerteventura?” after seeing bottles of olive oil from the island, same thing for the chocolate made from locally produced cocoa among other products.
Other products such as a very special beer describing itself as a metaphor of the island with an earthy color like the terrain of the island and a foam that reminds of the sea in Majorera by Taro Beers. Liquor and Wine also produced locally together with chocolate and olive oil are some of the products most people don’t associate with the island. On the contrary, more “traditional” ones like Canarian mojo picón from Fuerteventura also made an appearance. All products from Fuerteventura stand can he seen here.
The rest of Spain also promotes itself as top luxury and leisure destination
Cheese, cold meats, top quality seafood, liquors and wines from all over the country also join the event from all parts of the country and hold the biggest space in the convention. In addition, other countries and regions also held a place and stands.
The 37th Salon gourmets is still running for the whole week and the products are coming and going until this Friday. Madrid will certainly keep holding this top tier convention as the event keeps growing even bigger.
Guillermo Lorenzo Manzano
