The Minister stresses quality as a hallmark of Spanish food

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Isabel García Tejerina has referred to the Food Awards of Spain as a reference of prestige that has its origin in the recognized quality of Spanish food, “which accredits us as the best pantry Of Mediterranean products of the world “.

Isabel García Tejerina made these statements during the presentation of the XXVIII Food Awards of Spain held on November 10th at the headquarters of the Ministry.

Among other personalities, the event was attended by the former president of the Congress of Deputies, Jesus Posada; The Government delegate in Castile and Leon, María José Salgueiro; The General Secretary  of Agriculture and Food of the Junta de Andalucía, Rafael Peral; And senior officials of the Ministry.

During her speech, the Minister pointed out that the Food Prizes of Spain “were born with the aim of disseminating in the Spanish market our products, improving their knowledge and promoting their consumption”.

García Tejerina has highlighted the power that in recent years has charged the agri-food sector, “with more weight in the national economy and more presence in world markets”

As indicated, over the last 30 years the work of agri-food companies, associations and inter-professionals has been recognized. They have also been awarded restaurants and cooks, which contribute to the Spanish gastronomy reaching the recognition that today boasts worldwide. The Minister also acknowledged the “invaluable help” of the media, which have distinguished themselves for their defense of Spanish food.

In addition, García Tejerina has pointed out that the Food Awards of Spain have put in value “the great quality of our extra virgin olive oils, our cheeses and our wines”, products that, he said, “represent the best of our Land, and have an international recognition in the most prestigious competitions and among the millions of tourists who visit us.

These awards give special attention to organic production, in which Spain is the leader in surface in Europe and one of the top six in the world

At the same time, the Food Awards of Spain recognize “one of the most important factors for the development of the sector: its internationalization”. In fact, added the Minister, Spain is already the fourth exporting country in the European Union and the eighth in the world, with an export value of 45.5 billion euros.

García Tejerina, who has also referred to the new modality included in this call to recognize the Entrepreneurship Initiative, announced that in the 2016 call, there will be a new award to recognize “one of our star products, ham.”

Related in the sector

For Isabel García Tejerina, all the winners who have been recognized for their trajectory constitute a benchmark within the sector and “an example to follow”. Therefore, it has encouraged the other companies and professionals to “apply the same passion” that the winners have put in their work.

Finally, García Tejerina has reiterated that “we must have great ambitions for the future, and for this we have the best and food and the best professionals”. Therefore, it has been convinced that, “among all, we will be able to take the food of Spain to occupy positions still higher in the world markets”.

Source: MAPAMA