The Barcelona Beer Festival (BBF) has been a standout event in the world of craft beers since its inception in 2012. With around 15,000 visitors annually and an additional 1,500 professional brewers who gather at the parallel InnBrew, the BBF has become a crucial hub for the Spanish beer market. Notably, the festival’s international character is highlighted by the fact that 16% of visitors come from abroad.
The Spanish beer market is growing tremendously, as evidenced by the Barcelona Beer Festival. Around 50 booths and an impressive bar with over 400 different types of beer are featured here. Additionally, InnBrew offers 35 to 40 booths from suppliers and service providers specifically for brewers. This event is not only a celebration for beer lovers but also an important platform for networking and business initiation. We spoke with Judit Cartex, Project & Business Developer at BBF, about the festival and the Spanish beer market.
The Origin of the Festival
The BBF was created to support and promote the emerging craft beer scene in Catalonia and Spain. In 2012, when the festival started, Catalonia had just a few breweries, and similar projects were beginning to emerge in other parts of Spain. “The goal was to show consumers that the revival of handcrafted beer in a wine country like Spain is a significant development,” explains Cartex. “Additionally, the festival aimed to provide brewers with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.”
The Barcelona Beer Festival: Diversity, Networking and Communication
The BBF attracts breweries of all sizes – from small artisanal projects to large international brands. Commercial breweries are also represented. Breweries from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal are particularly strong, but other countries also participate. Two major associations from the Spanish brewing scene are present, offering special areas for their members at the festival.
The Barcelona Beer Festival sees itself as a central hub for the brewing scene and the Spanish beer market. Beyond the celebration, networking is a primary focus. Throughout the year, workshops, activities, conferences, and business spaces are offered to bring together the various players in the value chain. Through close cooperation with the industry, the festival understands the needs of brewers and continually works on solutions.
Since 2019, the festival has also awarded the Steve Huxley Award. This award honors professionals who have made significant contributions to the development of the craft beer scene in Spain. Named after Steve Huxley, a pioneer of the craft beer movement, the award is presented by a jury of 100 industry experts in two rounds. The award particularly recognizes individuals who embody the values of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and innovation, and who share their passion and knowledge in the beer industry.
The Changing Spanish Beer Market
Traditionally, Spain has been a wine country, but beer has surprisingly become the most popular beverage in recent years. The variety of craft beers contributes to more consumers discovering the delicious amber nectar. Beer fairs now attract more international visitors than wine fairs, and beer tourism is gaining importance. While Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom still consume more beer, Spain is steadily catching up.
Spaniards gladly support regional beers, but international beers are also popular and readily available. Some of the best-known craft breweries in Spain include Basqueland, Garage Beer Co, Cervesa Montseny, and SOMA. These craft breweries are increasingly exporting their products, with brands like Basqueland and Garage Beer Co leading the way.
After a decade of dominance by IPAs and NEIPAs, classic European beers like lagers are experiencing a renaissance. Beers with wild and sour fermentation are also gaining popularity. Spain is also leading Europe in the consumption of non-alcoholic beer, which is particularly popular among young consumers.
The Spanish Beer Market Focuses on Growth and Export
Judit Cartex, Project & Business Developer, Barcelona Beer Festival
In the next five years, existing breweries are expected to grow and consolidate, rather than many new brands emerging. Breweries that have already made their first major investment face a promising future. A trend towards larger production and international export is emerging.
Judit Cartex also sees a future for the 5-liter keg from Envases in Spain. “I personally had trouble finding 5-liter kegs in Spain for my own brewery (Nano-Brewery) and could only buy a few: they were sold out in the first week. I must confess that my circle of friends used this format very often. Recently, it has been in greater demand. It is an interesting container with great potential in Spain.”
The Barcelona Beer Festival thus offers a unique opportunity for brewers, trade visitors, and beer lovers to network, discover new trends, and experience Spanish beer culture firsthand. A visit is worthwhile not only to taste delicious beers but also to expand business contacts and immerse oneself in the colorful and diverse world of the Spanish beer market.
