Francisco López Canís

Francisco López Canís, born on 1932 in Madrid, is the Honorary president of Grupo Gourmets, an organization dedicated to spreading information about gastronomy. He is the editor of the Club de Gourmets magazine, established in 1976, which continues today to be a highly influential publication for both amateurs and professionals in the culinary field.

The first issue of the magazine went on sale in April 1976, and in September of the same year, López Canís organized a historic round table discussion featuring culinary icons such as Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana, and Paul Bocuse, among other great names. This round table is widely regarded as marking the beginning of the culinary movement known as Nueva Cocina Vasca (Basque New Cuisine), which revolutionized modern Spanish gastronomy.

Since its inception, Club de Gourmets magazine has closely followed the evolution of Spanish cuisine, chronicling its rise to international prominence as part of the global avant-garde.

Salón Gourmets, a fair like no other

In addition to publishing Club de Gourmets, the group of companies presided over by López Canís produces acclaimed restaurant and wine guides. It also organizes the annual Salón Gourmets, one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events in the global food industry, showcasing the latest trends and innovations.

Under his leadership, Grupo Gourmets continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Spanish gastronomy. The 37th edition of Salón Gourmets, held in 2024, was a testament to this, featuring a wide array of exhibitors and activities that highlighted the dynamism and excellence of the Spanish food and beverage industry.

In 2020, Francisco López Canís passed the executive leadership of Grupo Gourmets to his son, Francisco López-Bago, who assumed the presidency after serving as the company's general director. López Canís became honorary president and advisory board member. López-Bago began his career at Grupo Gourmets in 1997, leading departments such as Guides and the Club de Vinos Gourmets, and professionalizing the company's tasting committee.

The Salón Gourmets hosts a variety of prestigious competitions that attract professionals from different sectors of the gastronomic world. These include the Concurso de Cortadores de Jamón / Dehesa de Extremadura, which evaluates skills in slicing and presenting jamón; the Campeonato de España de Sumilleres Tierra de Sabor, a contest to select Spain’s top sommelier for the ASI World Sommelier Championship; GourmetQuesos, Campeonato de los Mejores Quesos de España, which crowns the best cheese in Spain through blind tastings; and the  new Cheese from Spain Awards, sponsored by ICEX, which aims to recognize the best Spanish cheeses with export potential. These events, along with others, make the Salón Gourmets a dynamic showcase of talent and innovation in the food and beverage industry and acknowledge the importance of López Canís as a true pioneer in the gastronomy sector.