The fifth edition of the Degusta Jaén Food Fair is set to open its doors from April 18 to 20 at the Provincial Palace of Fairs and Congresses of Jaén, featuring the participation of approximately 60 companies. This biennial event, presented by the deputy of Agriculture and Livestock, Javier Perales, is consolidating its position as an essential meeting point for the agri-food and restaurant sector in the province.
“"It is a meeting place for agri-food and restaurant companies from the province with consumers, businesses, and agri-food distribution companies across our country."
Most participating companies are affiliated with the Degusta Jaén quality brand. A notable new feature this year is the inclusion of about ten companies from the “Sabor Granada” brand. The fair, with free admission, will feature an exhibition area for product presentations, a gastronomic zone offering tastings of Segureño lamb and seafood, and tapas prepared by restaurants such as Bocao Vitango, La Mar Salá, Casa Herminia, and Leticia Navarro “Dgustar”. A professional area will also host trade missions and commercial conferences.
The program includes a dedicated space for tastings of cheeses, wines, extra virgin olive oils, and vermouth, among other products. Additionally, a children's area will be set up with a play center, performances, workshops, games, and contests for the youngest attendees and their families. In total, more than 40 activities will take place over the three days of this edition.
The days of Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, will be open to the general public, while Monday, April 20, will primarily target sector professionals. Saturday will feature extra virgin olive oil tastings from the IGP Aceite de Jaén and the Designation of Origin (DO) of Sierra Mágina, as well as Jaén wines and cheeses. Children can participate in the “Peque Chef” initiative with hospitality school teachers Juan Casado and José Navacerrada. There will also be the final of the Provincial “Degusta Jaén en familia” Contest, family cooking workshops, raffles for Degusta Jaén and Sabor Granada product baskets, and performances by artists such as Lucas Paulano, Pepe El Caja, Joselete Quesada, and the “Lidia García” dance school.
On Sunday, April 19, the activity program will begin with a digital marketing workshop for agri-food companies from Jaén and Granada, followed by oil tastings from the DO Sierra de Cazorla and Segura. The final of the “Degusta Jaén” Gastronomic Contest will take place with the participation of Sergio Fernández, cooking professor at the Canal Cocina School. The Gastronomic Brotherhood “El Dornillo” will prepare a solidarity pipirrana to benefit the Spanish Association Against Cancer, and attendees will enjoy performances by the “El Tabanco” Flamenco School, comedian Eva y Qué, and singer Manuel de Angustias.
The professional day on Monday, April 20, will start with commercial meetings between companies, followed by the presentation of Degusta Jaén plaques to new producers, businesses, and restaurants that have recently joined the quality brand. Additionally, there will be a show cooking event with Michelin-starred chefs from Degusta Jaén and Sabor Granada, and the finals of the XII Andalusian Young Chefs Contest and the I Andalusian Young Waiters Contest, organized by FEOCAN. The fair will be preceded by the presentation of the “Degusta Jaén” Awards on Friday, April 17, which this year recognized companies such as ‘Apisierra’, ‘Mermeladas y Licores Santa Claudia’, ‘La Jamonería de Paco’, ‘La Despensa de Paraíso de Bardazoso’, the restaurant ‘Antique’, and chef Patricia Díaz from the ‘Ajhito’ restaurant.
