From a ready-to-eat vegetable salad, served cold or hot, to an instant and hassle-free bubble tea, or from a plant-based oyster with an intense sea flavour to a delicate Mediterranean pine ice cream, the Restaurama and Fine Foods halls at Alimentaria 2026 will showcase an array of fascinating food products for a hospitality sector that needs to be more efficient and distinctive than ever. Don’t miss this preview of novelties; more than one will surprise you.

The hospitality industry is facing a widespread rise in production costs: food and beverages, electricity, self-employment contributions, rent, labour costs… and the sector is directly experiencing changes in consumer habits and the restraint of consumers who, alas, carefully consider how and where to spend.

Nevertheless, almost seven out of ten consumers maintain or increase their out-of-home consumption, although 30% admit to having reduced their outings due to budget adjustments. In other words: spending is controlled, but without giving up enjoying bars and restaurants, notes the “Out-of-Home Consumption Habits” Barometer by Aecoc Shopperview. Eating out or having a drink is part of our DNA, a factor that keeps afloat a sector that is juggling to adapt to the situation.

While the hospitality sector strives to adapt to customer demands, food and beverage manufacturers are working in turn to meet the needs of nearly 246,000 catering businesses in Spain, which contribute 4.9% of gross value added (GVA) and 6.4% of the country’s employment, as well as accounting for 7.6% of Spain’s total economy, according to the latest study presented by Cajamar.

Many of their offerings for the HoReCa sector will be visible at Alimentaria + Hostelco, with frozen products in particular receiving significant representation at Restaurama, the food exhibition for hospitality.

“Currently, the hospitality sector faces challenging times in finding qualified staff, providing service under increasingly tight hours due to current regulations, price restraint, and an updated law to reduce waste,” notes Alberto Bueno, Manager of Frozen España, the association participating at Restaurama. “We firmly believe in Alimentaria + Hostelco, one of the largest international food fairs, and we will be present with a visibility space where frozen products will actively demonstrate their benefits for catering and consumers.”

It should not be forgotten that frozen products offer versatility, availability, sustainability, food safety, durability, and waste reduction, “qualities that add value to any business in the HoReCa channel,” explains Alberto Bueno. According to data from Frozen España, the HoReCa channel accounts for between 35% and 45% of turnover in the Spanish frozen food industry, that is, around €1.8–2.2 billion annually from an internal market of roughly €5 billion.

Frozen products are plentiful in this preview of novelties that will be seen at Restaurama, including ready-to-eat dishes, high-quality fifth-range products, adapted formats, quick and easy preparations, functional beverages, healthy proposals… Read on:

Restaurama Novelties

Ready-to-eat salads

Discover the new range of salads from Ardo, which is a hit in hospitality for its enormous versatility. They only need to be defrosted, already seasoned and ready to eat, either cold or hot, although a personal touch can always be added.

Plant-based, they are suitable for all: flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, and represent a complete meal with vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins in a single dish, although they can also be used as a side or appetizer.

These colourful salads are also perfect for buffets, barbecues, takeaway, events, and on-board catering… Economical and tasty, they are ideal for very busy periods or when staff is lacking. They are available in four world flavours (Olympia, Sapphira, Eldorado, and Mediterranean), in 4×1.5 kg format.

Tropical guacamole with mango cubes

Can guacamole be innovative? Frumaco proves it can with Tropical guacamole, an innovative recipe developed specifically for Trops to delight the palate.

This guacamole has a unique “chunky” texture, with mango cubes at the perfect ripeness. It is an interesting blend of flavours, combining the sweetness of mango with the creaminess of avocado, seasoned with a touch of lime citrus. A perfect and highly original recipe to add to numerous dishes (fish, pokes…) or simply for dipping and enjoying.

Red prawn Bottoni

Comercial CBG presents this frozen fresh egg pasta from Surgital. It is stuffed (and generously) with red prawn, with 67% filling, of which 30% is red prawn. In addition, the pasta is made with 29% egg, enhancing both flavour and nutritional value.

Each bite is a gourmet experience, as the pure red prawn filling flavour shines in every piece. It comes in trays of 16 pieces, packed in boxes of 7 trays: a total of 2 kg of pasta; a perfect format for catering, minimising waste and allowing precise cost control.

The versatility of chicken strips

Chicken is universally loved, and Audens new Chicken Strips are no exception. Made from authentic natural-cut chicken breast, they come in different crunchy coatings, including Kentucky style. Alongside classic flavours such as three peppers, more exotic options like sweet chilli, curry, or lemon pepper are available.

Ideal for dipping, sharing, and enjoying, they pair with countless sauces and are a perfect option for any occasion. A real asset for hospitality, presented in 1 kg bags (3 bags per box).

Slow-roasted meat portions ready to reheat

Quickchef will bring to Alimentaria its line of high-quality slow-roasted meat portions, vacuum-packed to preserve flavour, juiciness, and texture. This format is designed especially for the hotel and catering channel, offering maximum versatility for buffets, carving, or à la carte service.

Roast beef, boneless leg of lamb, pork loin, roast pork ribs, confit knuckle, roast chicken, marinated belly, confit pork cheek… all these appetising meats are gluten-free, delivered ready to reheat and portion, with excellent presentation and total loss control. A solution offering exactly what today’s hospitality demands: operational efficiency, gastronomic consistency, and high visual impact, ideal when qualified kitchen staff are scarce.

Churros + Nocilla, an unbeatable combination

Could there be a better combination than churros and Nocilla? Maheso’s Churro Bites Nocilla are delicious mini churros perfect for a bite: crispy and golden outside, with a creamy interior of iconic cocoa and hazelnut spread.

Perfect for snacking, accompanying coffee, or serving as dessert alongside ice cream, fresh fruit, custard, whipped cream, or syrups… They offer great flexibility in hospitality establishments as dessert or afternoon snack, and the best part: they are ready in just a few minutes (air fryer or oven). Presented in boxes of 4 bags x 1 kg.

Red Peach, a beverage novelty

What’s new in drinks? Following the success of Aquarius Red Peach in the retail channel, this product is now arriving in the HoReCa channel in glass format, designed for hospitality. It is one of Coca-Cola (CCEP)’s major innovations and was created in response to the demand for versatile, premium options, adapting to new consumption occasions.

Moreover, this variety “is rejuvenating Aquarius’ consumer base, allowing us to continue attracting new generations and connecting with younger consumers,” the brand explains. This proposal is part of the advanced hydration drink portfolio with great growth potential.

Premium fruit-flavoured soft drinks

Freez Mix is a premium line of carbonated soft drinks that elevates the refreshing experience through original fruit-flavoured recipes and refined carbonation.

Made with high-quality ingredients and vibrant natural flavours (lemon and mint, kiwi and lime, lemon and ginger, mango and peach…), these soft drinks stand out for their sophisticated presentation in 275 ml decorated glass bottles, available in various colours with ring-pull caps.

A perfect example of a new generation of lifestyle drinks: modern, colourful, cosmopolitan, adding a premium touch to the soft drink world.

Juices and smoothies for greater well-being

Vianature 100% natural juices and smoothies stand out for freshness and flavour, suitable for any time of day. Available in cafés such as Go Natural or Central Café, for HoReCa they are presented in 250 ml format with various flavours:

• Tropical Kale Juice: with kale, pineapple, pear, and apple; fresh and revitalising, aids digestion.

• Mango Passionfruit Juice: with mango, passionfruit, ginseng, and guaraná; a tropical experience that reduces fatigue and naturally boosts energy.

• Dragon Fruit Juice: with dragon fruit, passionfruit, apple, flat peach, banana; an antioxidant juice with vibrant flavour.

• Oat-Banana-Coconut Smoothie: a unique shake, star product in sales. Ideal to naturally recharge energy at any time or simply enjoy the taste.

A healthy soft drink

SLAP, from Gutsy Captain, is a healthy soft drink designed for new generations: high in fibre, no added sugar, low in calories, and 100% plant-based. Its innovative formula offers a “short, clear, and honest” ingredient list, free from artificial sweeteners and “junk ingredients.”

Presented in 330 ml cans and four vibrant flavours: Tropical Madness, Sinful Red Berries, Innocent Lemon, and Busted Orange. A next-generation drink focusing on gut wellness, natural flavour, and a modern, fun consumption experience. With only 50 kcal and 9 g sugar per can, SLAP is an ideal alternative to traditional soft drinks.

‘Smart casual’ mineral water for catering

Agua Mineral San Benedetto presents Fuente Primavera Diamond, a new exclusive proposal for the HoReCa channel combining sophistication, design, and natural balance. A low-mineralised, balanced mineral water designed for hospitality professionals who wish to provide clients with a refined experience down to the smallest detail.

Its conical premium PET bottle, with a glass-like design and a transparent label emphasising purity, makes this water the ideal choice for restaurants and hotels situated between traditional bars and fine dining: the ‘smart casual’ segment.

Available in two formats (1.25 L and 0.5 L), still or sparkling, Fuente Primavera Diamond meets the demand for elegant, sustainable water with excellent value for money.

Cristiano Ronaldo alkaline water

Ursu9 is a natural alkaline mineral water (pH 9) from a protected aquifer in Ávila (Castile and León). Its natural alkalinity (not added or treated), excellent taste, and low mineral content make it ideal for a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, its premium PET bottle (100% recyclable) reinforces its international positioning as one of the market’s most exclusive waters. At Alimentaria, this Cristiano Ronaldo-backed water will be available in 0.33 l, 0.5 l, 1 l, and 1.5 RPET formats, targeting retail, convenience stores, service stations, HoReCa, and other points of sale.

Instant Taiwanese bubble tea (easy to make)

Gravitea’s Instant Bubble Tea is an innovative solution enabling any hospitality business to offer customers a unique bubble tea experience without initial investment, wastage, or specialised staff.

Made with high-quality Taiwanese ingredients, each kit includes pre-portioned premium tea powder (matcha or taro) and a single-dose of tapioca or popping boba. To prepare, simply heat the tapioca for 1 minute in the microwave, pour into a glass, add tea powder, and top with water or milk, hot or cold. In under a minute, a consistent, profitable bubble tea is ready to serve, with cost control, zero waste, and standardised preparation.

This system allows establishments to expand their offer with a high-demand product, attractive margin, and ultra-fast preparation. Available in three flavours: Taro Magic, Serenity Matcha, and Brown Sugar.

Fine Foods: the most gourmet novelties

Not only at Restaurama: Fine Foods, Alimentaria’s delicatessen exhibition, gathering the most select gourmet offerings, also presents exciting proposals for HoReCa professionals.

It should be remembered that haute cuisine accounts for 20% of luxury experience revenue in Spain, amounting to approximately €8.6 billion, reveals a study by Círculo Fortuny, and Spain plays a key role in producing and exporting high-value gastronomic products. A major challenge for the gourmet luxury sector is the growing diversification of the end consumer: a consumer growing locally and globally, environmentally aware, and digitally native.

Here is a preview of gourmet products to be seen at Fine Foods:

Plant-based oyster

Koppert Cress’ Plant-Based Oyster reinterprets the essence of the sea with remarkable elegance. It is a plant creation combining Oyster Leaves, Salty Fingers, and Apple Blossom – three edible leaves that come together to create a unique sensory experience.

The oyster leaf provides the sea flavour, the Salty Fingers intensifies salty freshness, and the acidic, vibrant Apple Blossom completes a taste reminiscent of a real oyster without being one. A plant-based proposal that invites chefs to creativity and to bring their dishes to life.

Edible prawn paint

Caviaroli expands its range of edible paints for professional kitchens with new Prawn Paint, a high-concentration gourmet emulsion made exclusively with Mediterranean red prawn. Perfect for decorating, seasoning, and enhancing flavour with just a few drops or a brushstroke.

Visually, it has an intense coral colour, almost crimson, with a thick, shiny, silky texture, applicable directly to the plate. On the palate, it has a deep, long flavour, with marine notes recalling prawn coral and concentrated seafood stock, but balanced. Ideal for carpaccios, rice, pasta, vinaigrettes, sauces, tapas, appetizers…

Fermentation products

Töufood ’s new Fermentum range includes products developed around fermentation processes, such as Töufood Spores (koji spores imported from Japan to ferment cereals and legumes for miso, soy sauces, shiokoji, and other preparations), Koji Rice Töufood (dehydrated koji rice), and Indonesian Tempeh.

This line aims to provide chefs with technical ingredients to create new organoleptic profiles, optimise production processes, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it helps revalue native products, adding differentiated added value to any professional gastronomic proposal, such as amazake, shio koji, misos, shoyu, or garum.

Slow-cooked beef machete

Can Bech/Gbech Profesional offers a wide range of meat and vegetable confits for the HoReCa channel in fifth-range. One of the latest additions is Beef Machete, a slow-cooked rib for 26 hours, available in 300 g and 500 g formats.

Thanks to easy regeneration (bain-marie, 8 minutes in the oven, a quick fry, grill… or combining techniques), it is highly versatile, ideal for a menu, events, or group menus. Sauces or glazes can be applied easily.

The company recommends pairing it with a plum sauce made from three of their products: dark beef stock, caramelised onion, and plum, hazelnut, and curry chutney. Very appetising…

Artisanal pastrami

Rooftop Smokehouse’s pastrami is an iconic product: an artisanal piece made from selected cuts, cured with spices and slowly smoked for deep, balanced flavour. Its tender, juicy texture makes it a reference bite for gourmets and professionals.

With meticulous attention to origin, traceability, and technique, Rooftop Smokehouse offers an honest, signature creation. Ideal for tasting in thin slices with mustard and sourdough bread, or as a main ingredient in contemporary recipes.

Fifth-range in Asian gastronomy

At this Alimentaria edition, Oriental Market presents its fifth-range line for Asian gastronomy, designed to meet the needs of restaurant groups.

These are pre-prepared, ready-to-reheat products, ensuring flavour, food safety, and consistent results in every service. Highlights include frozen Shoyu, Tonkotsu, and Veggie ramens, ideal for offering authentic Asian dishes in minutes. Advantages for professionals include cost, time, and staff savings, waste reduction, process optimisation, and the possibility of developing customised recipes for each client.

Seaweed miso paste

Porto Muiños launches its Seaweed Miso Paste, a fermented condiment combining Atlantic seaweed with legumes to provide a deep, authentic umami flavour, with the characteristic intensity of Galicia’s sea.

With a creamy, aromatic texture, this paste is perfect to enrich broths, marinades, and sauces or as a base for quick soups in professional kitchens. Its versatility adds natural marine nuances without additives or artificial enhancers. Available in 160 g glass jars, practical and ready to use, facilitating innovation with local, sustainable plant-based ingredients.

Extra virgin olive oil, Koroneiki variety

Grup Pons brings to Alimentaria a very special EVOO: extra virgin olive oil, Koroneiki variety, a tribute to the fifth generation of the Pons family, resulting from research on over 200 olive varieties cultivated in the company’s ‘Varietal Garden’ in L’Albagés.

Janiroc Koroneiki is an early harvest oil made with very fresh olives. On the nose, it is aromatic with notes of fresh grass, apple, fennel… On the palate, it has medium bitterness and progressive heat, leaving a fresh, mentholated sensation. Perfect for raw enjoyment.

Notably high in polyphenols: +700mg/kg. Available in 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 2 L tin, and 5 L BiB.

Italian hot sauces

Grupo Sasa will present Casa Firelli’s delicious Italian sauces at the fair. Available in Original, Extra Spicy, and Truffle varieties, all are delicate and balanced, with a pleasant heat that enhances any dish.

Artisanally made in Parma with Calabrian chillies, balsamic vinegar, and roasted red peppers, offering the perfect touch to pizzas, pasta, eggs, salads, and any other recipe.

All the flavour of the sea with marine plankton

Plancton Marino Veta la Palma brings the pure essence of the sea to the kitchen. A unique food, it naturally provides an intense, exquisite sea flavour. Additionally, it contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and is vegan and free from fish and shellfish allergens.

Its highly nutritious, antioxidant composition allows the preparation of healthy dishes, enhancing authentic sea flavour. Offered freeze-dried in powder in 10 g, 15 g, 50 g, 100 g, and 250 g formats.

Mediterranean pine ice cream

Finally, nothing compares to a distinctive ice cream. The Sandro Desii Research and Gastronomic Activities Centre presents, among other novelties, Mediterranean Pine Ice Cream. A very special and creative ice cream, fusing the essence of Mediterranean forest aromas.

It includes a mix of fresh aromatic herbs, soft resin, and a natural citrus touch, notable for its silky texture and a simultaneously sweet and refreshing

By Marta Renovales, journalist at Profesionalhoreca.com