The gathering, held for Food Day, highlighted the role of municipal markets as spaces connecting citizens with the local food system.
Santiago Ballester, president of Mercavalencia and councilor for Commerce and Markets, stated, "Municipal markets are much more than places to shop: they are meeting points in neighborhoods and an essential part of our city model." He added, "From Mercavalencia, we contribute to this goal by connecting Valencian huerta farmers with market professionals through the Tira de Comptar and promoting knowledge of local produce through initiatives like Mercafiestas."
Vicen Máñez, head of Environmental Management and General Services at Mercavalencia, emphasized during the 'From Territory to Market' panel that "products from Valencia's peri-urban huerta are harvested at their optimal point, are seasonal and local, with a shorter logistics chain and fewer intermediaries, making them the most sustainable and available on the Tira de Comptar."
Máñez noted, "Our task is to ensure this information reaches the consumer, something that retailers are increasingly involved in by indicating product origin, although there is still much work to be done."
Mercavalencia's participation included an exhibition of seasonal Valencian huerta produce and the vegetables used in a show cooking by María Kindelán, demonstrating the culinary possibilities of local, seasonal products.
The event brought together representatives from the Valencia City Council, the agricultural, fishing, and commercial sectors, as well as health and education fields. The TerrAlimentació program, an educational initiative, was presented, concluding with a cocktail featuring seasonal products.
