Barcelona hosted the prestigious FAB Awards for the first time—an international benchmark event in airport hospitality and foodservice—and did so with Areas taking center stage.
From June 25 to 27, over 300 industry professionals gathered in the Catalan capital to share trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of travel food & beverage. As a Diamond Partner, Areas played a key role in both the conference agenda and the culinary experience, reinforcing its global leadership in the sector.
Visible and participative leadership
Óscar Vela Nebot, CEO of Areas, took part in the opening panel discussion “View from the Top: Airport Leaders’ Outlook for Travel F&B”, alongside top executives such as Javier Marín (Executive Vice President of Aena), Armando Brunini (CEO of SEA Milan Airports) and Raúl Revuelta (CEO of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico), contributing a strategic vision for the future of the industry.
On the second day, Mathieu Herrero (Director of Concepts & Standards) and Mireia Martí (Director of Marketing and Expansion) delivered a presentation on the value and potential of Areas’ proprietary foodservice concepts.
Additionally, the company’s stand offered Iberian ham tastings and experiences that showcased the quality and authenticity of its culinary offer.
Gala dinner: excellence with an international flavor
One of the most memorable moments was the FAB Gala Dinner, held on June 26 at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona served by Areas. The menu, crafted by Areas’ culinary team, celebrated the gastronomic diversity of the countries in which the company operates: France, Italy, Mexico, the U.S., and Spain. As a local touch, guests received a gift of traditional “Catanias.”
Awards that recognize innovation and excellence
The 2025 edition also brought important international recognition for Areas’ work. The company received four awards:
- Best Airport F&B Offer in Europe, for its culinary proposal at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the group’s most iconic hubs.
- Best Health-Centered Airport Offer, both in Europe and globally, for Flax & Kale, a concept committed to healthy, sustainable, and innovative dining.
- Highly Commended recognition for Chef Javier Plascencia, for his outstanding work at Tijuana International Airport (Mexico) as part of the Areas team.
Barcelona: a showcase of talent and culinary diversity
With its global headquarters in Barcelona and 23 outlets at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Areas used the event as an opportunity to showcase its operational model based on brand diversity, innovation, and quality. The company manages international brands such as Starbucks, Paul, and Burger King, local concepts like Boldú and Montesquiu, and proprietary formats such as Sibarium, SELF, Deli&Cia, and COMO.
During the airport tour on June 27, Areas also offered a tasting experience featuring its concepts Sibarium and SELF.
Committed to enhancing the traveler experience
Areas’ participation in the FAB Awards 2025 reinforces its commitment to transforming foodservice in travel environments, meeting the expectations of today’s passengers who increasingly seek authentic, sustainable, and experience-driven dining options.
“We are especially proud that this year’s FAB event and awards are being held in Barcelona — our home city. This is a dynamic, resilient market with a promising future. As the world’s third-largest operator headquartered in Barcelona, it is an honor to play a prominent role in this event. The choice of Barcelona as the host city for FAB 2025 was no coincidence. Barcelona reflects our approach to hospitality: open to the world, deeply rooted, and committed to quality and innovation. This prestigious event has been a valuable opportunity to showcase both the spirit of Barcelona and the expertise that defines Areas” stated Óscar Vela, CEO of Areas.