The Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Consumption of the Basque Government, Cristina González, along with the Director of Trade, Izaskun Gómez, participated in ELIKARI, the Professional Meeting of the Food Sector in Euskadi, held at the GOe - Gastronomy Open Ecosystem in Donostia. This event brings together sector professionals to share experiences, learn about new trends, and address the challenges of food retail, particularly in areas such as modernization, digitalization, and generational succession.
González highlighted the importance of specialized food retail to the economic and social life of Euskadi. "Butcher shops, bakeries, fishmongers, and other food establishments not only generate employment and economic activity but also offer an essential service to our neighborhoods and municipalities," she stated. She also emphasized proximity, product knowledge, and personalized attention as key differentiators for local retail compared to other consumption models.
The minister noted that "the sector is undergoing a transformation marked by new purchasing habits, digitalization, and the need to ensure the continuity of many businesses. Generational succession is particularly important, posing one of the main challenges for establishments with a long history and professional knowledge that must be preserved." She added that events like ELIKARI facilitate the sharing of experiences and the introduction of new tools for professionals, as well as valuing traditional trades like butchery and baking, which were the focus of this first edition.
“"The need to attract new generations and present food retail as a real opportunity for entrepreneurship and professional development."
The minister recalled the Basque Government's commitment to local retail, which in 2027 will receive €25.5 million, a 14.7% increase, to boost its modernization and competitiveness. Key allocations include €5.4 million for modernizing establishments (+15.6%), renovating facilities, and incorporating equipment; €1.5 million for the MerkaEkin program (+50%), aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and business continuity; and €1.7 million for a new commercial loyalty project to incentivize proximity purchases. Agreements with representative sector entities will also be strengthened.
“"These measures aim to facilitate the adaptation of retail to new consumption habits without losing its main strengths: specialization, quality, and trust."
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions, associations, retailers, and citizens to ensure the future of a sector essential to the economy and the life of our towns and cities.
