The Paraguayan gastronomy sector is set to gather for Gastronomik 2026, a significant industry event scheduled to take place on the 19 and 20 May, 2026. The event will be held at the Paseo La Galería Event Centre in Asunción and will feature a comprehensive programme of training, business opportunities, and trend analysis.
Organisers confirmed during the event’s launch that it aims to congregate the leading figures and professionals within the national food and beverage industry.
A notable presence
The third edition of the event, following the 2025 edition, is structured as an intensive two-day affair, running from 14:00 to 21:00 on both days, designed to offer maximum engagement for all attendees. Gastronomik 2026 is poised to become a critical platform for professionals to connect, learn, and grow their businesses within the dynamic Paraguayan market.
A notable international presence will be marked by the attendance of Andrés Ugaz, the esteemed creator of the Callao Gastronomic Route in Peru. His participation is anticipated to bring valuable insights to the conference programme.
A focus on tradition and new talent
One of the main attractions for the public will be the ‘Ruta del Mbeju‘ (Route of the Mbeju). This interactive initiative allows participants to vote for their favourite gastronomic establishment that prepares mbeju, a traditional Paraguayan dish. The voting will be conducted via Instagram, encouraging community engagement. The dish itself is a staple of local cuisine, made from cassava starch, cheese, and either pork fat or butter. This feature serves to celebrate and promote a cornerstone of the nation’s culinary heritage.
In addition to honouring tradition, Gastronomik 2026 will also look towards the future of the industry with the launch of the ‘Fuego Nuevo‘ (New Fire) ebook. This digital recipe collection will showcase the star dishes created by students from various culinary schools. Consequently, the ebook will function as a vital platform for highlighting the skills of young, emerging chefs.
An expansive industry showcase
The scale of Gastronomik 2026 reflects its growing importance within the sector. The event will feature more than 70 exhibiting companies and over 100 leading industry brands. Furthermore, a schedule of 16 conferences will provide deep dives into relevant topics, with an expected attendance of more than 5,000 industry professionals. This gathering represents a significant opportunity for networking and collaboration across all facets of the industry.
The 2026 edition operates under the concept of ‘#másalto‘, which translates to ‘#higher’. This theme underscores the event’s ambition for growth in every area. Organisers have committed to providing more exhibiting companies, more academic content, enhanced networking, and more tangible opportunities for the professionals who drive the Paraguayan gastronomy industry forward.
Comprehensive opportunities for professionals
The exhibition floor is designed to represent the entire gastronomic business chain, ensuring that every professional visitor can find relevant partners and solutions. The categories of exhibitors are extensive and diverse. They include suppliers of food and beverages, manufacturers of professional kitchen equipment such as cookers, ovens, and refrigeration systems, and providers of management technology and point-of-sale systems.
Moreover, the showcase will feature companies specialising in packaging, hygiene and food safety solutions, and a vast array of tableware, stainless steel products, and kitchen utensils. The event will also host exhibitors offering specialised furniture and services tailored for the hospitality sector.
Fostering connections and business growth
The Gastronomik 2026 target audience includes a broad spectrum of professionals, from chefs and cooks to the owners and managers of restaurants, bars, and cafes. It also caters to hotel proprietors and administrators, purchasing and operations managers, gastronomic entrepreneurs, baristas, bartenders, and various beverage specialists.
In addition to the exhibition, the event will host a series of dynamic activities to enrich the visitor experience. There will be live cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs and specialists, offering practical insights and inspiration. Attendees can also participate in guided product tastings and witness exclusive product launches at various stands throughout the venue. These elements combine to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere conducive to learning and business development. Tickets for the event are available for purchase through the TUTI platform.
