From January 26 to 30, 2026, the FEMAC Cluster actively participated in the AI 2026 Mission in China, a strategic initiative led by FEMAC and in collaboration with the packaging cluster, INNOVI, and the Foodservice cluster of Catalonia. An initiative promoted with the support of the RETECH program, of ACCIÓ, which has allowed to delve deeper into the main vectors of transformation that are redefining the agri-food sector on a global scale.
The mission, developed in the cities of Shenzhen and Shanghai, has had the participation of the Cluster Manager of the Foodservice Cluster, Mercè Estruga, accompanied by the companies AMP SPRAYERS, COOPDECLICK, NOVADAR INNOVA, BATSI ELETRÒNICS ARTECNICA Enginyeria, as well as other leading Catalan clusters in the fields of packaging, machinery and the wine sector.
Understanding China to understand the future of AI
The mission program combined strategic analysis sessions with visits to leading companies, with the aim of obtaining a deep insight into how technology, data and new consumption habits are directly impacting the catering, food retail and last mile logistics sectors.
In Shenzhen, the focus was on consumer digitalization, super-app ecosystems and total integration between the online and offline worlds. Specialized sessions on digital anthropology, market strategy and artificial intelligence have made it possible to contextualize the functioning of the Chinese market and extract lessons applicable to Catalan companies in the sector.
The program was completed with visits to companies such as DJI, Meituan, Tencent, InnoX Shenzhen, UBTECH Robotics and SmartMore, which have allowed us to learn about real applications of robotics, automation, artificial vision and advanced data management already integrated into environments in the agri-food sector and agricultural production facilities.
Knowledge transfer and impact on the territory
Throughout the entire mission, the exchange between clusters and participating companies has been key to identifying opportunities for collaboration, contrasting strategies and reflecting on how to adapt these innovations to the context of the Catalan industrial fabric.
With this participation, the FEMAC Cluster reinforces its role as a knowledge driving agent, connecting the Catalan business ecosystem with the most advanced international trends and working to ensure that the learnings obtained are translated into projects, pilots and real opportunities for competitiveness for the sector. A clear commitment to anticipate the future of the agricultural machinery and production means sector, and build it from the present.