September 25 and 26 saw the first Auténtica Premium Food Fest (2023) in Seville’s Palacio de Congresos, bringing together some 5,000 people from the worlds of food production, distribution, government, professional bodies and hospitality in Andalucia, as well as hangers-on such as myself.
Andalucia is a major food producing region, with a huge variety of agricultural products, livestock and fishing, and its one of the most important of its economic activities, vital to the economic development of the region. The emphasis is on quality and upmarket innovation, and particularly on the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, something of a social construct to be sure, but one that has genuine roots in the lifestyles and food choices of people all around its shores.
Predictably there was a strong emphasis on the traditional core of pigs, olives and fish/seafood, and cheeses, wines and vinegars, all with stands eager and willing for patrons to sample their wares. A few novelties that particularly caught my tastebuds included an extra virgin olive oil finished in amontillado sherry casks, a chili flavored cheese, and a vegetarian foie. Yes, yes, I know, but it was really tasty, so I’m prepared to turn a blind eye.
Seville Concierge 