As the World Region of Gastronomy 2025, Catalonia will take center stage at Madrid Fusión, highlighting the value of its gastronomy as a driving force for economic, cultural, and agrotourism development.
Renowned chefs such as Joan and Jordi Roca (El Celler de Can Roca**), the trio from Disfrutar*, Nandu Jubany (Can Jubany), Jordi Vilà (Alkimia), and Joel Castanyé (La Boscana – Green Star), among others, will showcase the creativity and excellence of Catalan cuisine at the prestigious gastronomic congress.
The world of wine will also have a prominent presence, with figures like David Seijas and Ferran Centelles, former sommeliers of elBulli, leading exclusive tastings and discussions.
Coinciding with Catalonia’s designation as the World Region of Gastronomy (CRMG25), the region has been chosen as the Guest Region at the upcoming edition of Madrid Fusión. With the support of Prodeca, the promotional agency for Catalan food under the Government of Catalonia, the region will be well represented, bringing together top chefs, food producers, wine experts, pastry chefs, bakers, and advocates of healthy eating, such as the Alicia Foundation.
Catalonia’s recognition as the first European region to receive this distinction is a significant milestone, making its presence at Madrid Fusión 2025 all the more relevant.
Catalonia’s Presence at Madrid Fusión 2025
As the Guest Region, Catalonia will feature prominently on the congress’s main stages. Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas, chefs from Disfrutar** (Barcelona), will present their latest culinary innovations at the Auditorium. The dynamic Nandu Jubany (Can Jubany, Calldetenes, Barcelona) will take the stage at the Multipurpose Arena, while Jordi Roca (El Celler de Can Roca**, Girona) will bring his pastry expertise to Madrid Fusión Pastry, where he will discuss the evolution of his perfume-inspired desserts.
At the Madrid Fusión The Wine Edition section, Catalonia will emphasize the excellence of its wines with an exclusive tasting led by María José Huertas, sommelier at La Terraza del Casino* (Madrid).
A Dedicated Catalonia Pavilion
Catalonia will also have its own pavilion featuring a specialized program to highlight how the region has turned its gastronomic culture into a strategic sector. This space will host activities led by renowned chefs such as Vicent Guimerà (L’Antic Molí – Green Star -, Ulldecona, Tarragona), Joel Castanyé (La Boscana – Green Star -, Bellvís, Lleida), and Jordi Vilà (Alkimia, Barcelona), who will demonstrate the creativity and innovation that define Catalan cuisine.
Other prominent figures include Marc Ribas (El Ciri, Terrassa, Barcelona), well-known in Catalonia for his TV appearances, as well as rising talents such as Marta Minoves, winner of the European Young Chef Award 2024, and Àngel Esteve (Sisè, Lleida), a candidate for Best Emerging Chef at Madrid Fusión 2025.
Promoting Catalonia as a Gastronomic Destination
As the World Region of Gastronomy and Guest Region, Catalonia will also position itself as a prime gastronomic tourism destination through its wines and local products. Special workshops led by Ferran Centelles and David Seijas will showcase Catalonia’s wine regions and the diversity of its wines and cavas. A cava toast will take place before Seijas’ session on Tuesday to celebrate Catalonia’s global gastronomic recognition.
Other workshops will focus on high-quality artisanal products, including olive oil, with a session led by Àngel Esteve and the Alicia Foundation, emphasizing its nutritional value and culinary applications. Additionally, cheese will take center stage with expert Alberto Martín (ARDAI), while Catalan pastries will be presented by Ana Jarquín (La Pastisseria, Barcelona).
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability, innovation, and social cohesion will be the guiding principles of the Catalan pavilion’s workshops and activities. These values will be further underscored in the masterclass by David Gil, owner and innovation director at I+Desserts, who will explore modern applications of nougat (turrón).
Immersive Experience at Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España
The Catalonia immersive stand at Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España will reflect the diversity and richness of its culinary heritage. The space will feature prominent chefs, bakers, pastry chefs, sommeliers, and food entrepreneurs, including Ferran and Albert Adrià (elBulli Foundation and Enigma, Barcelona), Albert Raurich (Dos Palillos, Barcelona), Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca, Girona), Jordi Butrón (Espaisucre, Barcelona), Rafa Peña (Gresca, Barcelona), Oriol Balaguer (Oriol Balaguer, Barcelona), Christian Escribà (Pastisseria Escribà, Barcelona), and Lluc Crusellas, among others.
With a stellar lineup of talent and a diverse array of activities, Catalonia’s presence at Madrid Fusión 2025 reaffirms its position as a leader in global gastronomy and culinary innovation.
