The Embassy of Spain hosted a networking event this past Tuesday, at which twelve leading companies from Andalusia, Spain presented their food and beverage products to DCers. Sponsored by Extenda and EMD Sales International Foods, the tasting event brought in Spanish speakers, food enthusiasts, media personas, and manufacturers, importers and distributors of the international food and beverage market. Extenda, a trade and investment agency of Andalusia, Spain, has offices in New York and Miami.

One of my favorite products there was from Salysol, a company that makes canned dry nuts. The corn nuts, cashews and other nuts were addicting, and I found myself ending up back at that station quite often. The Ibérico cured ham and goat cheese from Consorcio de Jabugo were hearty favorites that disappeared fast. The event hosted several olive companies, including Campomar Nature, Industria Aceitunera Marciense and Luxeapers, as well as olive oil companies, such as Echinac and Framoliva. The wine reduction I tried from Único Vinagres y Salsas was a delicious syrup that topped off the meats, cheese, and breads well. The Regañás Don Pelayo, or Spanish tapas crackers, from Fuerza y Emoción tasted like bread, but in a flat, thin cracker form. They are a staple in Spain, also paired well with meats and cheeses. Other featured products included wine and cocktails from the company Espadafor, canned fish from Ubago and saffron from Saffron Family.

For more information on these Spanish products and companies, or to learn more about how the food and beverage international market works, contact Extenda USA.

-SDM