Sergio Fabregat, with a background in Business Administration from the University of Barcelona and an Executive Master in Marketing and Sales from ESADE, is the driving force behind two of Spain’s food innovation events: F4F – Expo Foodtech in Bilbao and the newly launched Expo Agritech in Málaga. As the Event Director, Fabregat plays a pivotal role in shaping platforms that connect key stakeholders across the food tech value chain.
In this interview, we spoke with him about the role of F4F in accelerating innovation in the fields of new proteins, biotechnology, and cellular agriculture. He shares insights on the event’s key program highlights for trade visitors, the industry players and markets in focus, and how Food 4 Future is helping to shape the future of sustainable food production.
How do you see the plant-based and alternative protein sectors evolving within the broader food industry, and what role do you believe Food 4 Future will play in facilitating these changes?
Plant-based and alternative protein sectors are no longer niche; they’re becoming central pillars of the food industry’s transformation. As consumers demand healthier, more sustainable options, companies are investing heavily in innovation. At F4F – Expo Foodtech 2025, we aim to be the meeting point where the most disruptive players, from startups to large corporations, come together to share breakthroughs, scale solutions, and create new partnerships. We facilitate this change by offering a platform to showcase innovations, exchange knowledge and drive investment.
In addition to hosting this convergence of innovation, Expo Foodtech 2025 also serves as a radar for the trends that are shaping the future of food. From the rise of precision fermentation to mycoproteins and algae-based products, we’re witnessing a technological race to create protein sources that meet not only nutritional demands but also environmental and ethical expectations. These innovations are not only transforming what we eat, but how we produce, distribute, and perceive food globally.
Moreover, Expo Foodtech plays a key role in fostering dialogue between science, industry, policymakers, and consumers. We believe that progress happens when all stakeholders sit at the same table. That’s why our summit agenda is designed to address not only the technological challenges, but also regulatory frameworks, consumer acceptance, and pathways to market scalability, essential factors to unlock the full potential of these new protein sources.
What are the key trends and innovations within the Biotechnology and Cellular Agriculture that you expect at the trade fair this year? Are there any emerging technologies that the industry is particularly excited about?
Biotechnology and Cellular Agriculture are some of the most dynamic areas in foodtech right now. At Expo Foodtech 2025, we expect to see advancements in cultivated meat, precision fermentation, and AI-driven bioengineering. There’s excitement around hybrid products that combine plant-based and cultured components for better texture, nutrition, and scalability. The fair will feature live demos, product launches, and panels with leading biotech innovators from around the world.
Furthermore, we’re seeing growing interest in enabling technologies that complement cellular agriculture, such as synthetic biology platforms, CRISPR-based genome editing, and sustainable bioprocessing techniques. These developments not only increase efficiency but also open the door to producing functional foods with added health benefits, such as omega-3 enriched meat analogues or cholesterol-free dairy alternatives. F4F will provide a space where these groundbreaking ideas can be validated, tested, and potentially funded.
Which target groups from the plant-based and Cellular Agriculture industry do you expect, and which regional markets will be particularly in focus?
We expect a strong presence from foodtech startups, R&D departments of leading food manufacturers, and investors looking for scalable and sustainable solutions. In terms of regions, we are seeing great dynamism in European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. These markets will be strongly represented, both in terms of exhibitors and speakers. Expo Foodtech will therefore offer a unique opportunity for cross-border collaboration and the internationalization of innovation.
What points of the event program would you recommend to trade visitors who are interested in innovative solutions in the field of new proteins?
The Food 4 Future World Summit will gather a specific agenda for R&D professionals to discuss these topics. Experts on the field will address the most cutting-edge developments in plant, fermented and cultured proteins. Also very interesting is the Foodtech Startup Forum, which will bring together some of the most promising emerging companies in the sector.
