The initiative, driven by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria, aims to reinforce the value of local produce and the circular economy. Minerva Alonso, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Crafts, highlighted the strategic role of gastronomy for the island's economy, emphasizing the importance of the primary sector and restoration in shaping Gran Canarian identity.
Alonso stated that Gran Canaria's historic representation at the fair demonstrates confidence in the potential of the island's producers, chefs, and gastronomic ecosystem. "This fair allows us to showcase the immense work behind each product and continue positioning our gastronomy as a tool for economic development, identity, and external promotion," she noted.
The Gran Canarian offering at GastroCanarias, running until May 21st at the Tenerife Exhibition Centre, features 19 presentations and demonstrations. The proposal, described as "a very complete pantry," showcases products such as potatoes, corn, watercress from Telde, local fish, meats, gofio, honey, coffee, cheeses, and tomatoes from La Aldea. Restaurants like La Bodega de la Avenida, Verode, Qué Leche, and Los Guayres are participating, alongside producers such as Finca El Cordel and Molinería Pérez Gil. The Regulatory Council of Gran Canaria Wines accompanies the culinary preparations.
This deployment is part of the Gran Canaria Me Gusta program, which has been promoting the consumption of local produce for 11 years. Alonso explained that this strategy has successfully "created awareness" and fostered a loyal audience, built on product quality, circular economy principles, and landscape care.
Among its future objectives, Gran Canaria aims to cooperate with other islands and promote its unique characteristics. The Cabildo has set a goal to prevent the abandonment of agricultural land, complementing this through efforts with food surfaces, markets, and restaurants to enhance local product commercialization. This includes new promotional campaigns, revitalizing market plans, and trade missions to strengthen the sector and the circular economy model.
