External caterers on a stand at Fira Barcelona: what the rules actually say
Yes, you can bring your own caterer to your stand at Fira Barcelona. GastroFira, Fira's in-house caterer, states it plainly in its official FAQ: external caterings are allowed, there is no exclusivity, except in hall 5 of Montjuïc and hall 8 of Gran Via ”. A third exception exists, and it is the one that catches exhibitors out: your show's organiser can impose exclusivity in its own regulations, regardless of Fira's general rule.
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The general rule
Fira Barcelona does not enforce catering exclusivity across its venues. GastroFira — Fira's in-house catering department, running since 2001 and coordinating every food outlet at Gran Via and Montjuïc — is one supplier among others: you can hire them, or bring in the caterer of your choice.
This rule is published by GastroFira itself, in its official FAQ, which also states that it is up to the exhibitor to check with the organiser of their event.
The three exceptions
- Hall 5, Montjuïc — GastroFira exclusivity.
- Hall 8, Gran Via — GastroFira exclusivity.
- Your show's own regulations — an organiser can decide to impose a single supplier across the whole footprint of its event. That is the case, for instance, of the ICE show at Gran Via, whose exhibitor regulations state that “GastroFira is the exclusive supplier for catering” and hold “the exclusive right to supply all food and beverages consumed on-site”. Two neighbouring shows, in the same hall, can therefore follow opposite rules.
How to check for your show, in three minutes
- Open your show's exhibitor manual (often called Show Open Regulations, Exhibitor Manual or Normativa del expositor). It is available from the event's exhibitor area.
- Search for the words catering, food and beverage, F&B, exclusive supplier or proveedor exclusivo.
- If there is no mention, Fira's general rule applies: external caterers are allowed. If in doubt, a written question to the organiser protects you — and leaves a record.
Check your hall number too. If your stand is in hall 8 at Gran Via or hall 5 at Montjuïc, the question is already settled.
What choosing your caterer actually changes
Going through the in-house caterer or an external one does not carry the same constraints. The conditions published by GastroFira require an order at least seven business days in advance, a payment seven days before the service, a minimum of €50 for stand catering and 30 people for the catering service — below which a surcharge applies — and a cancellation charged at 100% within six business days before the event.
At Poc a Pots we work Fira shows with an ideal lead time of one to two weeks, packages starting at 6 people, and free cancellation up to 7 days before the event. These are two different models: one is calibrated for large standardised volumes, the other for a stand presence that has to look like your brand.
Logistics on the stand side
Whichever caterer you choose, three things are settled upstream with Fira, not with the caterer:
- Electricity is ordered through the exhibitor services portal, usually with a surcharge for late orders.
- Water must be booked in advance, and it is essential as soon as your stand serves food or drinks.
- Deliveries must be announced in advance to Fira's logistics team, and vehicle access arrangements vary by show. These details are in the exhibitor manual. We take care of that coordination for you. must be announced in advance to Fira's logistics team. Access slots, vehicle permits and drop-off arrangements vary from one show to another: these are details to pull from your exhibitor manual, not uniform rules.
We handle the coordination with your stand builder and with the show's logistics. You do not have to arbitrate between the two.
Poc a Pots at Barcelona trade shows
We are a French caterer based in Barcelona. We deliver regularly to Fira Gran Via and Montjuïc, with refrigerated vehicles, a French- and Spanish-speaking service team, and a plan B on every critical element.
- Exceptional coffee break — pastries, fruit, mini desserts, from €12 excl. VAT per person.
- Signature Cocktail Buffet — €25 excl. VAT per person.
- Premium Event Buffet — €55 excl. VAT per person.
- On-stand service — waiting staff, maître d'hôtel, barista, sommelier on request.
- Made to measure — we build a proposal tailored to your budget, your stand footprint and your audience.
We work regularly with Atout France, Business France, French Tech and a network of French and international companies based in Barcelona. If you exhibit under a French pavilion, we already speak your language — literally and figuratively.
Upcoming trade shows at Fira Barcelona
Official Fira Barcelona calendar for late 2026:
- 6-8 October 2026 — Alimentaria FoodTech, Gran Via
- 14-18 October 2026 — Saló Nàutic de Barcelona, Port Vell
- 17-20 October 2026 — UEG Week, Gran Via
- 2-4 November 2026 — Gastronomic Forum Barcelona, Montjuïc
- 3-5 November 2026 — Smart City Expo World Congress, Tomorrow.Mobility, Tomorrow.Blue Economy and Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, Gran Via
- 17-19 November 2026 — IBTM World, Gran Via
- 5-8 December 2026 — Manga Barcelona, Gran Via
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own caterer to my stand at Fira Barcelona?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. GastroFira states in its official FAQ that external caterings are allowed and that there is no exclusivity, except in hall 5 of Montjuïc and hall 8 of Gran Via. You should still check your show's own regulations, which may impose a single supplier.
Which halls does GastroFira exclusivity apply to?
In hall 5 of the Montjuïc venue and hall 8 of the Gran Via venue. Everywhere else, the general rule is open competition between caterers.
Where can I find the rule that applies to my show?
In your event's exhibitor manual, also called Show Open Regulations or Normativa del expositor, available from the exhibitor area. Look for the terms catering, food and beverage, exclusive supplier or proveedor exclusivo. If there is no mention, Fira's general rule applies.
Can two shows in the same hall have different rules?
Yes. Hall-based exclusivity is set by Fira, but show-based exclusivity is set by its organiser. A show can impose GastroFira in a hall where, for another event, an external caterer would be perfectly allowed.
Do I need authorisation to deliver to my stand?
Deliveries must be announced in advance to Fira's logistics team, and vehicle access arrangements vary by show. These details are in the exhibitor manual. We take care of that coordination for you.
Do water and electricity need to be ordered separately?
Yes, from Fira and not from your caterer. Electricity is ordered through the exhibitor services portal, and water must be booked in advance: it is required as soon as your stand serves food or drinks.
How far in advance should I book a caterer for a trade show?
Allow one to two weeks to get the access logistics right at Gran Via or Montjuïc. In a rush, contact us: we often find a solution, even at 48 hours' notice.
Can alcohol be served on a stand?
It is possible at most trade shows, but it depends on your event's regulations and sometimes on a specific authorisation. Check the exhibitor manual before building your drinks list.
Do you invoice French companies under intra-EU VAT?
Yes. The service is delivered in Spain, but we invoice under the reverse charge to European companies holding a valid intra-EU VAT number, checked via VIES. We issue invoices in French, Spanish or English.
How much does stand catering cost in Barcelona?
From €12 excl. VAT per person for a coffee break, €25 excl. VAT for a cocktail buffet and €55 excl. VAT for a premium buffet. Service, equipment and delivery are quoted according to the length of the show and the number of people expected on your stand.
Let's talk about your stand
Tell us your show, your hall, your dates and the visitor flow you expect: we come back to you within 24 working hours with a proposal, a budget and a logistics plan.
WhatsApp +34 693 58 64 56 · virginie@pocapots.es
Sources: official GastroFira FAQ · Official Fira Barcelona calendar for late 2026:. Page checked on 22 July 2026. Regulations change: always check your show's exhibitor manual.