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The forum explores how the world of gastronomy is changing, from the role of artificial intelligence to how the foodtech community tackles today’s challenges
If Umberto Eco had been born sixty years later, he would likely publish his classic Apocalyptic and Integrated today. The "integrated" of the title would undoubtedly be those who embrace artificial intelligence (AI) without fear of what it may bring. The Dreams #SpainFoodTechNation agora, part of Madrid Fusión’s dedicated space for the intersection of technology and gastronomy, has given AI a central role this year for one reason: it’s here to stay. Dreams is promoted by ICEX, that highlights Spain's image worldwide, going beyond food and positioning the country as a high-value-added economy by applying science and technology to the value chain.
As Cecilia Tham, Co-founder and CEO of Futurity Systems, stated in the opening keynote: “This is the first time in human history that technology is enabling entirely new possibilities at an exponential rate. In previous paradigms, technology merely allowed us to do certain things better.”
An excellent example comes from Catalan pastry chef Christian Escribà. With 40 years of experience, he has integrated AI into his business to “formulate solutions in 15 minutes for requests that require personalized responses,” he explains, calling these tools “a creative atomic bomb.” AI has also been highlighted as a driver of new tools with the potential to revolutionize the culinary experience, such as the Nigal smart stopper, which monitors the evolution of wine in barrels, or Ekonoke’s circular cultivation system, which ensures a consistent supply of improved products.
Foodtech Facing Challenges
The foodtech ecosystem also took center stage this year, addressing key challenges facing the gastronomic industry. While the emergence of AI as a creativity tool was a major highlight, technology’s potential to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues—sustainability—was also a focal point. Pablo Sosa Domínguez, CEO and co-founder of Spanish startup Oscillum, noted that “achieving zero waste requires the implementation of technologies,” while acknowledging that “small innovations can make a difference.” As Pedro Luis Prieto, General Director of Spanish startup Be Food Lab, reminded attendees: “In an ultra-technological world, the most disruptive element will still be the human.”
Sustainability also involves considering how to feed a planet that will soon exceed 10 billion inhabitants. Scientist Carlos Duarte, one of the world’s leading biologists, advocates for the blue economy and marine superfoods as solutions. He describes them as “essential sources of nutrients that are affordable, healthy for both people and the ocean, and come with an extremely low carbon footprint—such as algae, which also have zero water footprint.”
Ferran Adrià: In His Element
The Dreams space—with its amphitheater layout, speakers on the same level as the audience, and countdown timers for presentations—is a perfect stage for Ferran Adrià. The legendary chef from elBulli took to the floor on the opening day of Dreams to explore, in a session dedicated to culinary revolutionaries, why minimalism is often misunderstood. He concluded that “minimalism is a style based on using few tools and products, aiming to maximize the purity and essence of the ingredients.” Adrià made multiple appearances at Dreams, emphasizing the importance of supporting chefs in restaurant management.
Focus on Health
The third day of Dreams was devoted to the present and future roles of food and health. AI was once again in the spotlight, with its contributions to allergen management, personalized menu planning, interpreting nutritional labels, and evaluating food sustainability. Discussions also highlighted how restaurants can play a vital role in the health of not only their customers but also their employees. Finally, the forum explored how innovations in food biotechnology address topics such as crop improvement, the use of functional foods, and food sustainability.
An inspiring program that offered some answers, but also raised new questions that will undoubtedly be explored in future editions of Dreams.