From 18 to 21 May 2026, Castelldefels became the world capital of urban gastronomy. More than 70 participants representing nearly 30 cities across 20 countries gathered as chefs, tourism leaders, elected officials, diplomats, academics and food innovators for the inaugural Food Capitals Summit.
Delegates explored how gastronomy can strengthen local identity, support sustainable development, attract visitors, foster inclusion and create meaningful international cooperation. Through keynote presentations, city exchanges, chef collaborations, immersive site visits, networking events and shared meals, the Summit demonstrated the power of food to connect people, places and ideas.
While The Food Capitals Executive Committee met to discuss the network's future priorities, ongoing projects and strategic development, chefs of the inaugural Chefs Beyond Borders cohort gathered at the Escuela de Hostelería de Castelldefels to meet the students who would accompany them throughout the week and begin preparing for the culinary exchanges ahead.
The official welcome took place at Tibu-Ron Beach Club, where participants enjoyed Mediterranean hospitality, local flavours and their first opportunities to reconnect with longtime colleagues and meet new peers.
Gastronomy expert Jordi Tresserras Juan introduced delegates to Castelldefels' rich culinary heritage and vision for food tourism, while designer Alejandro Alvarez unveiled the bespoke chef jackets created especially for the inaugural Chefs Beyond Borders programme, inspired by sand and sea and the colours and identity of the host city.
By the end of the evening, new conversations had already begun, collaborations were taking shape, and the table was set for a week built on learning, sharing and connection.
The morning was dedicated to the annual General Assembly, where member cities reviewed the network's achievements, discussed current projects, welcomed new opportunities for collaboration, and began reflecting on the Strategic Plan 2027–2030. The session provided an opportunity for members to shape the future direction of the network while strengthening the relationships that underpin its success. (Read through the 2025 Annual Activity Report for more details).
Meanwhile, along the Mediterranean promenade, gastronomy stepped into the public realm. The Chefs Beyond Borders cooking demonstrations transformed Plaza de las Palmeras into an open-air culinary stage where chefs from Cartagena de Indias, Callao, Malmö, Tucson, Portoviejo, Wrocław, Izmir and San Antonio shared their stories, techniques and signature dishes with residents, visitors and Summit delegates alike.
In the afternoon, The Food Capitals members were included in a very special moment for Castelldefels: world-renowned chef Ferran Adrià returned to the city where his culinary journey began and the City of Castelldefels presented him with his own star on the city’s Walk of Stars. Joined by Mayor Manuel Reyes and Jordi Tresserras Juan, Adrià also shared a passionate speech reflecting on creativity, curiosity, hard work and conscious consumption.
The afternoon continued with presentations exploring Castelldefels' gastronomy strategy and the role food can play in strengthening local identity, tourism development and community pride.
The intellectual heart of the Summit unfolded within the historic walls of the Castillo de Castelldefels.
The day opened with a keynote by Stewart Colovin, Head of Brand Strategy at MMGY Global, whose presentation, Identity Over Ingredients, challenged participants to think beyond dishes and products and focus instead on the stories, values and communities that shape authentic food destinations. This was followed by a participatory workshop where delegates shared their own views and ideas on gastronomy and branding.
Throughout the day, delegates explored how cities around the world are using food as a catalyst for transformation through the Summit's flagship session: The Feast, The Flop, The Fix.
In a refreshing departure from traditional conference formats, speakers openly shared both successes and setbacks, offering honest insights into the realities of developing food strategies, tourism initiatives, cultural programs and community projects. Presentations from cities and organisations including Wrocław, San Antonio, Callao, Stavanger, Turin, Lausanne, Helsinki, Montréal and Lisbon sparked lively discussions and practical exchanges among participants.
These were followed by interactive roundtable discussions focused on leadership, creativity, city identity and the evolving role of gastronomy in urban development, and the result was a refreshingly honest exchange that generated some of the week's richest conversations.
In parallel to the conference sessions, the Chefs Beyond Borders prepared their creative "tapas" renditions with the help of students and local chefs of the Escuela de Hostelería de Castelldefels.
The evening culminated with the Summit Gala Dinner, held at El Embarcadero, the restaurant where Ferran Adrià began his culinary career. Bringing together delegates, chefs, partners and representatives from embassies and consulates, the Gala celebrated the relationships and shared ambitions that define The Food Capitals community.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the dishes created through the inaugural Chefs Beyond Borders initiative. After spending the day collaborating with students from the Escola d'Hostaleria de Castelldefels, the cohort of chefs presented their original “tapas” that blended local ingredients, personal stories and unique culinary traditions from around the world. The chefs’ journeys to Castelldefels culminated in new flavours, fresh ideas, and life-long connections that will extend far beyond the plate.
In addition, four new cities were officially welcomed into the network: Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), Trinidad (Bolivia), Portoviejo (Ecuador) and Guayaquil (Ecuador), further expanding the global reach of The Food Capitals.
The Gala also marked the launch of The Food Capitals Ambassadors, recognising Jordi Tresserras Juan, Sirma Güven, Melissa Kyoungmin Lee, Fabián Rodrigo Bedón Samaniego and Sergio Salas for their outstanding contributions to promoting the network and fostering international connections.
The evening concluded with one of the Summit's most symbolic moments: the passing of the ceremonial spoon to Wrocław, Poland, officially announced as host city of The Food Capitals Summit 2027.
The final day brought participants into the landscapes that help define Castelldefels' food identity. Delegates visited the Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat, a leading peri-urban agricultural area, where they explored innovative approaches to local food production, sustainability and territorial resilience.
After discovering local farming initiatives and regional products, chefs and delegates rolled up their sleeves for a collaborative culinary experience that perfectly embodied the spirit of the Summit. Working together, they prepared original recipes using fresh ingredients harvested directly from the agricultural park. In parallel, local chefs demonstrated the secrets behind the Arros de Castelldefels recipe and techniques.
Later, participants exploring Barcelona's iconic food markets while some visiting the Polytechnic University of Catalonia's Castelldefels campus to discover cutting-edge research and innovation in agronomy, food technology and sustainable agriculture.
The Summit concluded with a relaxed farewell dinner at Cel Blau Restaurant, providing one final opportunity to celebrate new friendships, partnerships and ideas before delegates returned home.
The inaugural Food Capitals Summit demonstrated that gastronomy is far more than a culinary experience. It is a powerful tool for building vibrant cities, strengthening local economies, preserving cultural heritage, fostering inclusion and creating meaningful international cooperation.
Over four days, participants exchanged ideas, forged new partnerships, discovered innovative practices and strengthened friendships across borders. They left with fresh inspiration, practical tools and a renewed commitment to using food as a driver of positive urban change.
As Castelldefels passes the spoon to Wrocław, we’re ready for the next course of a great feast of ideas, collaborations and shared ambition.
See you in Wrocław in 2027!
