Guayaquil Food Show Returns September 10-12 With Cuenca Cuisine in the Spotlight
The Guayaquil Food Show is set to return for its second edition September 10-12, 2026, at the Hilton Colón Guayaquil hotel. The event follows a well-received first edition in 2025 that drew more than 5,000 attendees, and organizers are expanding this year's program with new competitions and broader participation.
Guayaquil Food Show Returns for Second Edition This September
The 2026 edition is organized by La Escuela de los Chefs and the Academia Gastronómica del Ecuador, in partnership with the Hilton Colón Guayaquil hotel and the Municipio de Guayaquil. Entry to the event is free, though prior registration is mandatory for attendees who want to secure a spot.
Inside the Sabores del Ecuador Pavilion: Cuenca Cuisine Takes the Spotlight
Among the event's featured programming is the Sabores del Ecuador pavilion, dedicated to showcasing regional Ecuadorian culinary traditions. Cuenca cuisine is highlighted as part of this pavilion, giving Cuenca's culinary identity a platform alongside other regional food cultures from across the country. For readers connected to Cuenca, this represents an opportunity to see local flavors represented on a national stage, positioning the Food Show as a celebration of Ecuador's food diversity that reaches beyond Guayaquil itself.
Four Pillars of Programming: What to Expect
The event is structured around four main sections. Competencias Culinarias brings competitive culinary showcases to the stage. Gastro Hub focuses on industry connections and networking among culinary professionals. Expo Food Show offers an exhibition space for vendors and food-related products. Rounding out the program is the Sabores del Ecuador pavilion, which includes the Cuenca cuisine feature described above.
Competitions and International Pathways
Approximately 60 participants are expected to take part across three culinary competitions at this year's event. The competitive programming appears designed to connect Ecuadorian culinary talent with international circuits: the winner of the youth competition will represent Ecuador at the Continental Culinary Cup 2028, while national eliminations tied to the Campeonato Mundial de Tapas and the Copa Mundial de la Panadería are also part of the schedule. Organizers describe these pathways as opportunities for Ecuadorian chefs to gain visibility on the global stage.
Guayaquil's 'Food Capital' Recognition Adds Context
The Food Show's expansion comes amid Guayaquil's recognition as a Food Capital by The Food Capitals organization, joining a group of more than 20 cities worldwide and eight in Latin America to hold the designation. City officials have pointed to this recognition as reinforcing Guayaquil's growing culinary and tourism profile, and the timing lends additional context to the event's expansion this year.
Building Momentum: The August Preview Event
Ahead of the September event, organizers held a preview known as the Gourmet Experience in August 2026 at the Hilton Colón. The preview built anticipation for the second edition, introducing attendees to the event's structure, its organizers, and several international guest chefs expected to participate in September.
How to Attend
Entry to the Guayaquil Food Show is free, but prior registration is required. Readers interested in attending, whether to explore the Sabores del Ecuador pavilion, watch the culinary competitions, or connect with industry contacts through the Gastro Hub, should plan to register in advance of the September 10-12 dates.