José Ignacio Martínez, the deputy mayor for Economy, Self-Employment, Security, and Digital Transformation, has highlighted the importance of the upcoming Local Economy Fair, which will take place at the Claustros de Santo Domingo from 23 to 25 October. The event aims to serve as a meeting point for the public, local businesses, and entrepreneurial initiatives in Jerez, promoting economic dynamism as a driver for job creation.
This year's fair will focus on Jerez's title as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, under the slogan ‘Flavours that build Jerez’. Martínez stated, “We have achieved very good results in previous years, and our goal is to maintain that momentum in an event designed for all audiences, featuring numerous parallel activities.” The fair will host 32 stands, an increase from 27 in previous editions, and will include 44 participating companies.
The fair will be open at the following times: Friday 23 October from 10:00 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 21:00; Saturday 24 October from 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 21:00; and Sunday 25 October from 11:00 to 14:30, with free entry.
“This weekend is an opportunity to discover Jerez's capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a very active and robust business fabric, particularly in the gastronomy sector. We hope this will continue to promote talent, projects, and economic dynamism to create job opportunities,” Martínez explained.
Since taking office in July 2023, the mayor has prioritised establishing stable foundations for quality job creation, developing strategies to invigorate the local economy. “We are breaking records in the city, with 2,800 new registrations this year, representing nearly a 4% increase. Additionally, we have surpassed the creation of over 5,000 jobs since 2023,” he added.
The 2026 Local Economy Fair will emphasise the city’s Gastronomic Capital status, focusing on “gastronomic culture, artisanal food production, and a look at creative and cultural activities, as well as technological and ecological innovation.” There will be dedicated spaces for children and youth activities, including workshops, talks, and conferences, all with free entry.
Exhibitors will include producers of honey, wine, oil, ham, bread, sushi, vegetables, sweets, legumes, charcuterie, meat, and pastries. Hospitality schools and businesses will also participate, along with traditional sweets from cloistered convents, thanks to the collaboration with the Hermandad de Jesús Nazareno. The initiative ‘Saborea Cádiz’ will also be represented, promoted by the CEEI Bahía de Cádiz, which represents 78 producers from the Cádiz region. Furthermore, the ‘Marca Parques Naturales de Andalucía’ will be highlighted, awarded by the Junta de Andalucía to products and services linked to protected natural spaces.
The fair will feature a wide range of activities across all designated areas of Los Claustros, including a ‘Master Chef for Kids’ event with Beatriz Trapote, healthy breakfast workshops, and a theatre workshop titled ‘The Tale of Rapunzel’.
