In a year of great uncertainty and challenges a ray of hope shone through for the primary sector in Gran Canaria: the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair. This project came about in the midst of the pandemic, and has become a solid bridge between local producers and consumers.

The genesis of this initiative originated in the empathy and strategic vision of a company called Elipse, Gestión de Eventos. With previous experience in the world of events and close contact with local producers, the spark of the idea ignited: why not create a project that could unite these two parties? So, in the midst of pandemic restrictions and protocols, the first edition of the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair saw the light of day.

Conditions were tough, but their determination was greater. Despite all the obstacles, the project was welcomed with open arms by visitors and producers alike. The response was so positive that there was one thing for certain: this project had to flourish beyond the pandemic. Thus, with a mixture of resilience and creativity, this year the fair is into its 18th edition after having been held at different locations around the island, namely Ingenio, Arucas, Moya, Telde, Santa Lucía, Valsequillo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Agüimes.

The choice of participants that bring the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair to life reflects the organisation's commitment to the local community and its producers. A través de una cuidadosa selección, se logra no solo presentar una variada oferta de productos, sino también crear lazos significativos entre el lugar y aquellos que trabajan la tierra con pasión y dedicación.

The criteria used in this selection process are guided by a fundamental premise, namely the relationship between the territory and the producers. "The first thing that is done is to look for producers from the area where the fair is held so that there is a direct relationship between the place and the producers," says Pedro Quintana, director of the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair. This connection with the environment is the first step in building a proposal that highlights the authenticity of local products.

Once a strong presence of local producers has been established, the door is opened to participants from other corners of the island to join in. Product diversity is a key objective, and the organisers strive to ensure that there is a wide range of options available to visitors.

In this way the fair represents a showcase for fresh, quality products collected directly from the different municipalities. The products on display are of a seasonal nature. This choice not only contributes to an exceptional gastronomic experience for visitors, it also supports sustainable production by reducing the need to transport products over long distances.

Over the years the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair has managed to attract a diversity of visitors who contribute to enriching the experience in each edition. At the heart of the attendance are the locals, who form part of the fabric of the community and who recognise the value of supporting local producers. These visitors represent a fundamental connection between the fair and the identity of the region, helping to strengthen the links between producers and their immediate consumers.

Having said that, the fair reaches out well beyond local frontiers. With the growth of tourism in the region, it has attracted the attention of travellers who wish to experience Gran Canaria at its most authentic level, exploring the local delicacies and unique creations of the region.

This blend of local with tourism is an integral part of what the fair represents. The organisers see it as not just a space for trade, but also as an essential component of Gran Canaria’s product range aimed at tourism.

From its beginnings in a complex context, the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair has taken on a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Throughout its four years of existence, this commitment has permeated every aspect of the fair, constituting the backbone of its purpose and actions.

The fair does not limit itself to showcasing local products, but transcends into a message of positivity and awareness. The fundamental premise is clear: "Every time you buy a product from the local producers of Gran Canaria, you contribute directly to the environmental and economic sustainability of the region".

The Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair is a showcase event in which companies share their local initiatives. From farmers to small scale food producers and processors, each company makes a difference by highlighting the island's treasures and encouraging more sustainable and conscious consumption.

Companies range from the Huerta El Cordel, which works closely with neighbouring farmers to offer a wide range of fresh produce, to Tortilidia and its creative approach to tortillas. The fair thus acts as a direct link between those who grow products and those who enjoy them.

Bochinche-Bodega La Montaña takes us on a passionate journey of locally grown wines from San Mateo, which is complemented by home-made food made with locally sourced, Km 0 products. Molino San Pedro de La Atalaya de Santa Brígida elevates authentic local produce to new heights, manufacturing gofio cornmeal in a wholly traditional way with no added salt or sugar.

Fontanales is home to three cheese dairies that produce authentic culinary gems. The cheeses of Quesería Madre Vieja are made with cow's, goat's and sheep's milk in different varieties. Quesería Camino de Inciensos stands out for its paprika, gofio, soft and semi-cured varieties, while Quesería Los Castañeros is one of the few producers that work with the endangered Canary Island cow breed.

The uniqueness of ¡Ñoos! lies in the fusion of German culinary traditions with Canarian ingredients, while Finca La Suerte Grande is committed to organic farming. Apiscrea, on the other hand, focuses on promoting local honey from Gran Canaria, especially that produced by the black Canarian bee.

These many different voices and approaches together form a mosaic at the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair, where the richness of local products is celebrated and promoted and a greater link between producers and consumers on the island is encouraged.

The outlook for the Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair offers a future full of possibilities and ambitious aspirations. Backed by its current success, the fair is looking to expand to other municipalities, taking its message of authenticity, sustainability and community with it. The vision is focused on providing a platform for producers who are looking for a way to make themselves known, while strengthening the relationship between the local community and their products.

Nevertheless, the purpose behind the fair transcends the realisation of the fair itself. It aspires to be a means to a greater end: to raise awareness of the importance of local products and their role in community well-being. It is a powerful reminder that local products are not simply end products, but links in a wider chain that encompasses the economy, sustainability and the land.

In a world that is often dominated by mass production, this fair represents a un retorno a lo esencial. This platform has proven to be more than just an exhibition of local produce. It has emerged as a symbol of the resilience and collaboration of the region's farming and livestock community.

The Gran Canaria Km.0 Fair not only celebrates flavours and traditions, but also forges a sense of community. With each step forward, with every new municipality it expands into, the fair acts as a seed that germinates in the community and turns it into a stronger island.