As announced by the Minister of Rural Development of the Government of Aragon, Joaquín Olona, ​​during the opening ceremony of the wine, olive oil, and fruit and vegetable trade shows last Tuesday at the Zaragoza Trade Fair, “internationalization must be a reality” for the agri-food sector. This maxim was more than fulfilled during the four days of the event, in which the opening to new markets and the presence of professionals from 33 nationalities were the general theme.

ENOMAQ-OLEOMAQ, TECNOVID-OLEOTEC, and FRUYVER spearheaded the primary market, where, in more than 49,000 square meters, 1,149 exhibiting brands gathered, attracting nearly 27,000 visitors with a clear professional profile, in a showcase that proved to be a catalyst for the entire agricultural market.

The intense commercial activity observed in the pavilions and the large number of award-winning technical innovations at this edition are clear signs of the optimism among professionals. Thus, the positive figures projected by these events denote a favorable and progressive evolution of the agri-food sector.

A greater number of companies, more exhibition space, an increase in the number of award-winning technical innovations, and a higher number of visitors than in recent editions. The wine, olive oil, and fruit and vegetable industries have once again placed their trust in the Aragonese trade fair institution, which, thanks to the exhibitors and visitors—with a total attendance of 26,800—reinforces its privileged position as a leading trade fair in the Spanish and European markets. Innovation, technology, and sustainability were the main protagonists of ENOMAQ 2017, making Feria de Zaragoza the epicenter of the sector for addressing the future of wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables.

In this regard, the 17 products recognized as technical innovations are yet another example of the impressive technological showcase that graced the pavilions of the Aragonese institution, clearly demonstrating the companies' commitment to innovation. Joining the distinguished companies was Bodegas Aragonesas S.A., winner of the 2nd ENOMAQ Excellence Award. Furthermore, under the same award framework, Viñas del Vero S.A. received a special mention for sustainability.

The participation, on Wednesday and Thursday, of the 56 delegations that were part of the Trade Missions program boosted commercial activity, one of the main objectives of the trade fair organizers and, as the institution's director general stated, "the first step towards the internationalization of Spanish companies." Thus, in addition to the contacts made during the first day between exhibitors and visitors, there has been an increase in professionals from around the world, enriching the international presence at the Aragonese trade fair institution.

The technical sessions held within the framework of ENOMAQ, TECNOVID, OLEOMAQ, OLEOTEC, and FRUYVER have successfully met the needs of winegrowers, olive growers, and horticulturalists. As the General Manager of Feria de Zaragoza, Rogelio Cuairán, stated at one of the opening ceremonies, these presentations are “the ideal complement to an exhibition area,” because “there are things that cannot be seen, but must be explained and discussed in professional forums.” This series of symposia concluded today with an enriching session on the uses of silver in oenology.

One of the most popular areas was the Winemaker's Corner. The tastings of the final grape product and the presentations given at this event have once again been a major draw for exhibitors and visitors, who have come together to discuss the future of wine, sample different flavors, and enjoy the beverage that is both their passion and their profession in a relaxed atmosphere.

New to this edition, a successful micro-tasting program was held on the final day, featuring various wine industry experts in a series of educationally guided tastings. Winemakers, professionals from the hospitality sector, sommeliers, and members of the specialized press sampled wines from some of the best wineries on the Iberian Peninsula.