Madrid Fusión, the World's Most Important Culinary Congress, Returns with a Tribute to the Revolutionaries of Spanish Cuisine

Once again, for its 23rd edition, Madrid hosts Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España, the world’s most important gastronomic congress, held in the Spanish capital on January 27, 28, and 29.

This year’s theme, Revolutionaries, honors the pioneers, led by Ferran Adrià of elBulli, who transformed Spanish gastronomy 30 years ago, putting it at the forefront of global cuisine. The key figures of that revolution, alongside chefs who have continued their legacy, will participate in the congress to reflect on a movement whose impact remains alive and vibrant today.

Since 2021, Madrid Fusión has also hosted the parallel congress The Wine Edition Wines from Spain, which highlights Spanish wines. Through talks and tastings, it explores the unique characteristics of various designations of origin, celebrates producers, and proposes wine pairings. This year, the focus will include volcanic wines from the Canary Islands, pairings with natural wines, and an exploration of age-worthy white wines.

Additionally, this marks the second edition of DREAMS, a new forum where innovation and the future of food take center stage, with a strong presence of the Spanish foodtech ecosystem. This year, the spotlight will be on artificial intelligence and its culinary applications, sustainability initiatives, waste reduction in gastronomy, and discussions on the role of gastronomy as a cultural ambassador both within and outside Spain.

Once again, Madrid Fusión will serve as the best platform to discover Spain’s most innovative products, the chefs shaping the future of Spanish cuisine, and the growing prominence of the pastry world. MF Pastry, the congress’s pastry section, will feature figures such as Jordi Roca and Lluc Crusellas, named the world’s best chocolatier, and will highlight the richness of Spanish honeys.

Visit from 14 Chefs of Restaurants from Spain

As part of its mission to promote Spanish gastronomy and enhance its international representation, Foods & Wines from Spain and Alimentos de España is organizing a special program for culinary ambassadors visiting the congress, as part of the Spain Food Nation program. This year, 14 chefs from 10 countries, representing establishments certified with the Restaurants from Spain quality seal, will participate. This seal distinguishes restaurants outside Spain that serve authentic Spanish cuisine of high quality, using Spanish products and offering a unique, distinguished image.

Over three days, these chefs will take part in exclusive activities at the congress, such as a tasting of Jerez vinegars and a wine tasting featuring Garnacha from Aragón.

On Wednesday, January 29, the group will split into three subgroups, each embarking on a journey across different regions of Spain to explore the gastronomic diversity of each area, in trips organized by ICEX in cooperation with the local authorities.

The first group will travel to Aragón. Over three days, they will experience the region’s black truffle, also known as Aragón’s “black diamond.” They will also discover Teruel ham, protected under a Designation of Origin (DO), and wines from the Cariñena DO, made from the Cariñena and Garnacha grape varieties.

Another group will head to Asturias in a mission co-organized by the region. There, they will visit gourmet canned fish and shellfish producers, as well as companies specializing in craft spirits and related gourmet products. They will also enjoy a cheese tasting featuring Cabrales, Gamoneu, Afuega’l Pitu, and Casín (all DO), as well as Los Beyos, which has PGI status. Additionally, they will delve into the secrets of Asturian cider, recently recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO.

Finally, the third group will visit Castile -La Mancha on a wine-focused tour. During their journey, they will explore wineries dedicated to organic wines and others producing Pago wines, reflecting the region’s rich winemaking heritage.