Celine Pérez takes over the leadership of Hostelco to promote hospitality excellence and highlight its economic weight and export potential. Born in France, she holds a dual Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lyon II and in International Relations from the Higher Institute of International Relations in Paris. She combines the management of Hostelco with that of Barcelona Wine Week, the fair for quality Spanish wines organized by Alimentaria Exhibitions. Under her leadership, the trade fair will hold a revamped edition from 23 to 26 March 2026, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.
You’re taking over as director of Hostelco this year. What new features would you highlight?
Our objective is clear: to firmly commit to business and internationalization. Under the banner “Focus on Foodservice Business,” we have redesigned the trade fair’s approach to offer hospitality professionals tools that allow them to grow profitably, both within the national and international markets, to which we are giving special impetus this year.
What makes Hostelco a unique event in the sector?
Hostelco, together with Alimentaria, forms a comprehensive platform that meets all the needs of the hospitality, foodservice, and retail ecosystem. This complementarity allows us to approach the sector from all angles, creating a highly specialized space where supply and demand meet. We have increased our investment to attract key buyers and expand the number of business meetings, thus consolidating our role as generators of real opportunities in an international environment that, in this edition, we hope to expand to more than 70 strategic countries.
What does this integration with Alimentaria look like?
We’re no longer talking about two fairs that coincide in dates, but rather a strategic merger that gives rise to a cross-cutting experience. This alliance allows professionals to find solutions in a single location, ranging from food production to the most innovative equipment for the hospitality industry. This global vision distinguishes us worldwide and reinforces our leadership in the trade fair landscape. We also have the active support of the main industry associations, which allows us to operate with solid representation aligned with market interests.
What expectations do you have for the 2026 edition?
Although we are fine-tuning our forecasts, we are working towards surpassing the figures from the previous edition. We expect an increase in both the number of exhibitors and international representation, as well as an improvement in the professional profile of visitors. We focus specifically on attracting qualified buyers and offering them an enriching professional experience, in direct collaboration with Alimentaria, through a comprehensive program of activities and content.
What challenges have been set for the next edition?
Our main objective is to make Hostelco the essential meeting point for the sector. To achieve this, we are strengthening the acquisition of strategic buyers and designing actions that facilitate effective networking. We aim for each exhibiting company to receive a tangible return on their participation. Internationally, we are prioritizing the European and Latin American markets, while domestically, we are working on initiatives that facilitate access to key information, such as the creation of a specific guide for hospitality distributors. Personalization, proximity to the sector, and the ability to respond to specific needs will be our main objectives.
In terms of trends, what can we expect in 2026?
The hospitality industry is constantly changing, and at Hostelco we want to reflect that evolution. Technology, sustainability, and digitalization will continue to set the pace for the industry. For this reason, the trade fair will feature spaces such as The Horeca Hub, dedicated to showcasing solutions that allow the sector to become more competitive. We will strengthen key areas such as coffee, bakery, and pastry, not only as exhibition spaces but also as environments for knowledge and innovation. Events such as the Horeca Awards will be a platform to showcase the sector’s most cutting-edge proposals.
How is the relationship between food and hospitality changing?
We are experiencing a time of great convergence between large-scale distribution, retail, and the hospitality industry. This interconnection generates new business opportunities and transforms the way we understand the hospitality industry. Alimentaria and Hostelco, as a joint trade fair platform, reflect this shift by bringing the entire value chain together under one roof. Consumers no longer seek gastronomic experiences solely in restaurants; they also do so in supermarkets and specialized stores. This has forced many operators to adapt, and our fair is the ideal space to identify these new dynamics and anticipate them.
What sectors will be represented at the next edition?
We have structured the trade fair’s offering to provide a more comprehensive experience for trade visitors. This reorganization aims to provide a more specialized perspective on each segment of the industry. We are committed to creating real synergies between the different business areas that make up the hospitality industry, focusing on innovation, design, and customer experience as drivers of growth and differentiation.
What role will sustainability play in?
Sustainability is no longer an added value: it is a market requirement. Consumers and regulations are pushing in that direction, and the industry must adapt. At Hostelco, we want to support companies in this transition. With initiatives like Zero Waste, we promote a more responsible waste management fair, while recognizing exhibitors who integrate sustainable practices. Our commitment is clear: to provide an environment that fosters real and viable solutions for a more conscious hospitality industry.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry globally?
The hospitality industry is called to offer much more than a good product or service: it must generate memorable experiences. In a digital and competitive environment, innovation means knowing how to adapt, improve efficiency, surprise customers, and maintain their loyalty. The ability to connect emotionally with consumers will be key to remaining relevant, both locally and internationally. Along the way, Hostelco aims to be the place where these changes are anticipated and the future of the sector is built.
Barcelona, 15th May 2025