Catalan food takes the spotlight in Paris

Catalonia's presence in Paris was recently consolidated with the inauguration of Place de la Catalogne in the 14th arrondissement — a green space with more than 470 trees making it Paris's first urban forest, on a site previously designed by architect Ricardo Bofill.

To mark the square's inauguration and the institutional gathering celebrating this new green lung, Prodeca, with the Catalan Government Delegation to France and in collaboration with the 14th arrondissement town hall and Paris City Council, organised a festive food showcase.

The event, held on Saturday 22 June from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., presented Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025. Attendees could taste numerous Catalan specialities such as cured meats, cheeses and sweets, plus local wines presented by the Paris-based Catalan sommelier Judith Cercós.

The event featured a human-tower display by the Geperuts de París and the Moixiganguers d’Igualada. There was also live music from the band Cat Klezmer Trio and a gardening workshop.

France is a strategic market for Catalonia and the leading European buyer of Catalan agri-food products. In 2022 it took 16.73% of all international exports.

This is due not only to geographical proximity but to close collaboration between Catalan and French companies, with trade agreements and distributors that ease the entry of Catalan products into the French market.

Catalan food products enjoy an excellent reputation in the French market for their quality and authenticity. This includes a wide range of products such as cured meats, cheeses, wines, olive oils and fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables. French consumers have a strong appreciation of gastronomy and tend to look for quality, gourmet products.