Track: Innovation (R&D&I) and Brands Value

Innovation is essential in the food sector, yet achieving real, measurable impact remains a challenge. In this session, I will present The Strategic Innovation Wheel, a framework we use at Idilia that connects strategy, creativity and execution through six cyclical dimensions powered by talent, leadership and culture. I will share key learnings from practice and some recent examples that illustrate its impact, such as Nocilla Bars or ColaCao Crispy Rocks!

Diseases will have a decisive impact on the production of meat and meat products, creating situations that could profoundly disrupt the value chain. In this panel, we will analyse the alternatives available to address these threats: from strengthening biosecurity measures and maintaining sanitary regionalisation to limit the impact of crises, to reducing production in order to rebalance the market.

‘De Cerca’ celebrates its second edition on March 25 at 10:15 AM at the Auditorium – The Alimentaria Hub (Pavilion 5), during Alimentaria Barcelona. With free entry upon prior registration, the event will give a platform to women executives in the meat industry to share their experiences and discuss key sector challenges such as innovation, sustainability, and generational transition, in a space for professional exchange and reflection.

In a market where consumers alternate between extreme austerity and selective gratification, understanding this new hybrid behavior is key. Discover how pricing architecture, mini formats, and "little luxuries" are redefining profitability and how to anticipate these changes to lead successfully in 2026.

Laia Vergés, Head of R&D at Zyrcular Foods, and Mónica Orasan, from Business Development, will present the company’s latest innovations under the Amara Green brand: Amara Pro Bites, plant-based balls with prebiotics and vitamin B12, and the Amara Green Burger, a vegetable burger with mycoprotein—two sustainable, convenient proposals aligned with today’s flexitarian consumer.

The spread of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has gained momentum worldwide, including in Spain, which continues to surprise. At Lantern, we believe that the growth in the number of users and their changing habits opens up opportunities for many food brands.

This insightful presentation, offers an exclusive glimpse into the future of the industry. Dive deep into the latest market and consumer trends as we highlight the breakthrough directions and innovations set to transform the food and beverage world in 2026 and beyond. This presentation will empower you with the forward-thinking insights you need to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“To share the shopper’s perspective on innovation in the FMCG sector and, together with industry companies, reflect on the challenges and best practices needed to drive growth based on relevant innovation.”

We will explore how the new generation of analogues overcomes the limitations of plant-based products. We will present innovations based on lemna, single-cell proteins and in vitro cultivated meat—technologies that unlock new possibilities in taste, texture and sustainability, offering more efficient and attractive alternatives for the food industry.

In this talk, we will analyze the development of functional foods, their impact on the industry, and the challenges of turning science into competitive value propositions.