On Monday 9th, Mijas hosted the first edition of the Forum on Innovation and Gastronomic Talent, an event organised by the CIOMijas National Hospitality Reference Centre. The gathering brought together industry professionals and representatives of haute cuisine with the aim of sharing knowledge, techniques and experiences, as well as promoting talent and training in an industry that is vital to the Andalusian economy.

The forum featured six Michelin-starred restaurants, holding a combined total of seven stars. The event sought to bring haute cuisine closer to food-service professionals and respond to the evolving needs of businesses.

“I would like to congratulate the organisers of this event, which highlights the Michelin stars our country boasts and which, thanks to that innovation, professionalism and drive, represent one of the key assets we can take pride in within the world of gastronomy”, highlighted the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP).

For her part, the Regional Minister for Employment of the Andalusian Regional Government, Rocío Blanco, underlined the strategic role of the hospitality sector in the Andalusian economy. According to figures provided during the event, the sector currently has 552,700 people registered with Social Security in Andalusia, a figure that rises to 585,000 during the summer season. “Initiatives such as Aula Chef help bring gastronomic excellence to trainees and professionals who wish to continue developing their skills. Talent is one of the great assets of our hospitality sector, and we must support it with high-quality training, innovation and collaboration with businesses”, stated Blanco. 

The sector’s needs

The councillor for Economic Development, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), stressed the importance of the hospitality sector to Mijas’s economy and the need to invest in training and innovation to maintain the destination’s competitiveness. “For the hospitality industry, which is key to our municipality, it is essential, our economic driving force, and therefore everything to do witand therefore everything relating to training and cutting-edge offerings is fundamental for Mijas”, he noted.

The event formed part of the annual work plan of the National Hospitality Reference Centre. The director of CIO Mijas, Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, explained that the initiative began to take shape two years ago in response to needs identified in the labour market. “

Our aim is to listen to businesses, see what needs exist and ultimately connect businesses with students and professionals”, emphasised the director.

The response was very positive, with all 250 places filled. The forum, which also benefited from the collaboration of companies linked to the gastronomy and hospitality sector, such as Frutas y Verduras Acosta, BRA, Cervezas Victoria, Europastry, La Zambra Resort 5*GL, S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, has been established with a view to becoming a permanent fixture. The organisers are already planning to hold a second edition next year, consolidating it as a space for exchange between training, talent and gastronomic innovation in Andalusia..

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