Events by industry Food and drinks It consolidated its position as one of the main productive sectors, accounting for 3 % of Spain’s GDP and 21 % of its manufacturing industry. In 2016, it was made up of 28,038 companies with almost 480,000 direct jobs. Production totalled 96,400 million euros, which is a 1.3 % rise on the previous year. The food and drinks industry exported 27,500 million euros worth of goods, 11 % of all exports. This makes Spain sixth in the ranking of exporting countries in the EU and tenth in the world. In Catalonia, the sector is made up of 2,500 companies, with 75,300 employees and a turnover of 24,700 millions. Source: Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB); Department of Business and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia Free From Functional Food Expo International Exhibition for Allergen Free and Dietary Food in 2017 Free From Functional Food expo celebrated the best edition in its history, reflecting the growth in the European market for functional and allergen free food, such as products with no gluten, lactose, wheat, nuts, fats, salt, egg, sugar, additives, preservatives, etc. it welcomed 260 exhibitors from 39 countries, One out of every four including the United Kingdom, italy, Germany, Korea, ireland households has a member and Canada, and over 4,300 buyers, 29 % more than in 2016. with an allergy or food The show also featured a program of conferences with the intolerance Spanish Association of People participation of more than 40 speakers. with Food and Latex Allergies (AEPNAA) 8-9 June Venue Gran Via Edition 5th (2nd at Fira) Area 7,000 m2 Exhtorsibi 260 Type Professional Activities Conferences Organisedbyexpo Communications BV www.freefromfoodexpo.com ACTiViTY AT THe VenUeS — 77