Rio de Janeiro becomes Madrid Fusión 2026’s guest city, bringing nine chefs to Spain to spotlight Carioca cuisine—from botecos to fine dining.
Rio de Janeiro will be the guest city at Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España 2026, running from January 26–28 in the Spanish capital. Widely seen as one of the most influential innovation forums in global gastronomy, the event returns for its 24th edition with chefs, restaurateurs, industry leaders, and specialized press—this time with Rio in a starring role.
The invitation stems from an initiative led by Rio City Hall through the Municipal Tourism Secretariat (SMTUR-RIO). It continues a strategic plan to position the city as a global food destination, including investments that brought Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants to Rio in 2023 and 2024 and the return of the Michelin Guide to evaluate local restaurants in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Last October, Rio became the first South American city to be featured as a guest destination at San Sebastián Gastronomika, another top-tier international gastronomy congress held in Spain’s Basque Country. The following month, Spanish organizers behind the world’s two biggest events visited Rio to experience its food culture and support the city’s international strategy.
“Being Madrid Fusión’s guest city puts Rio at the heart of the global conversation about the future of gastronomy.”
Tourism Secretary Daniela Maia says the spotlight helps amplify the city’s creative talent, ingredients, and culture beyond Rio’s beach image. She also points to gains for local businesses and supply chains, creating new opportunities for tourism and the wider food sector.
Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere calls gastronomy one of the strongest expressions of Carioca identity. In his view, showing up at the world’s leading industry congress strengthens recognition for Rio’s chefs and elevates the city as a cultural and culinary destination.
Nine chefs, multiple stages
Rio’s delegation includes nine chefs appearing across talks, live cooking demonstrations, and tastings. The city will also run a dedicated Rio de Janeiro stand designed to immerse visitors in the Carioca lifestyle and food identity, expanding Rio’s reach across different audiences throughout the congress.
On the main stage, Rafa Costa e Silva (Lasai, 2 Michelin Stars) and Claude Troisgros will present. Troisgros appears alongside Jéssica Trindade, who leads his two Rio restaurants, Chez Claude and Madame Olympe.
At Madrid Fusión Experience—an experiential, multi-purpose auditorium with tasting—João Paulo Frankenfeld (Casa 201, 1 Michelin Star) will take part. Gerônimo Athuel (Ocyá) also appears there and joins a future-focused discussion at Madrid Fusión Dreams.
Paula Prandini (Empório Jardim) brings Carioca pastry to Madrid Fusión Pastry. In Wine Edition, the space traditionally dedicated to wine tastings, Rio will be represented by Cachaça 7 Engenhos.
Kátia Barbosa (Aconchego Carioca and Sofia), Monique Gabiatti (Polvo Bar, Polvo Marisqueria and Belisco), and João Diamante (Dois de Fevereiro) will design the menu served at the Rio stand, in the VIP room, and at the opening cocktail. The 100-square-meter space aims to recreate the relaxed atmosphere of Rio’s botecos, serving breakfast, lunch, and caipirinhas at happy hour, plus cooking shows across all three days.
The trio will also appear at HUB 360, focused on workshops and closer interaction with the public. The broader message is a Rio that moves from beloved everyday flavors to contemporary, creative fine dining.
About Madrid Fusión
Founded in 2003, Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España takes place annually in Madrid and has become a global platform for innovation, trends, and debate about the future of cooking. For guest destinations, it offers a strategic boost in visibility, reputation, tourism appeal, and cultural and commercial connections.
With its 2026 presence, Rio reinforces a positioning that links natural beauty and cultural depth to an authentic, diverse, and increasingly internationally recognized food scene.
Madrid Fusión by the numbers
26,104 attendees in 2025.
289 speakers.
1,874 congress participants.
1,357 accredited journalists.
121 Michelin stars represented.
232 exhibitors.
26,580 square meters of exhibition area.
More than 15 million people reached through press coverage.
2025 economic impact (source: OnClusive): € 102.3 million.
Service info
Event: Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España 2026.
Dates: January 26–28, 2026.
Location: Madrid, Spain.
Rio de Janeiro stand (Jan 26–28): 10:30 breakfast; 12:30 lunch; 14:30 cooking show with a Rio delegation chef; 16:30 cooking show + happy hour.
Main Auditorium: Claude Troisgros and Jéssica Trindade (Jan 26, 16:10–16:40); Rafa Costa e Silva (Jan 27, 13:30–14:00).
Madrid Fusión Pastry: Paula Prandini (Jan 27, 15:15–15:45).
Madrid Fusión Experience: Gerônimo Athuel (Jan 27, 15:50–16:30); João Paulo Frankenfeld (Jan 28, 11:40–12:10).
Madrid Fusión Dreams: Gerônimo Athuel (Jan 27, 17:15–18:00).
HUB 360: Kátia Barbosa, Monique Gabiatti, and João Diamante (Jan 28, 10:30–12:00).
Wine Edition: Cachaça 7 Engenhos tasting, by Raquel Lopes (Jan 28, 15:00–15:50).
Foto: Reginaldo Teixeira/Divulgação
