The Cabildo of Lanzarote announced on Friday its strategy for the internationalisation of the island by positioning several local companies within the HEB supermarket chain, recognised as the largest in Texas and one of the most influential in the southern United States and Mexico.
This initiative is part of an institutional and business mission led by the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, alongside the president of the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Chamber of Commerce, José Valle; the CEO of the Centres for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Ángel Vázquez; and the CEO of SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, Héctor Fernández.
During their visit to an HEB store in San Antonio, representatives from Lanzarote presented, alongside a delegation of producers, an array of wines, cheeses, jams, mojos, salts, aloe vera, and pastries crafted on the island.
Participating Companies
The mission included participation from Bernardo’s Gourmet Products, Bodega El Jable de Tao, Bodega La Geria, Bodega Vega de Yuco, Quesería El Faro, Salinas de Janubio, and Sweetba. Each had the opportunity to showcase their products in tastings and meetings with buyers, importers, and distributors.
Carlos Padrón, director of Salinas de Janubio, emphasised that this step “opens the door to a vast market” and ensures “the future of our workers and our cultural and gastronomic heritage.” Meanwhile, Marco Taborra, export manager at Bernardo’s Gourmet Products, stated that “seeing our products on the shelves in the United States confirms that Lanzarote’s authenticity has a place at the international table.”
The Chamber of Commerce president, José Valle, highlighted that the mission reflects “the effectiveness of public-private collaboration” and noted the historical ties connecting Lanzarote with San Antonio since 1731, a factor that “opens doors and fosters trust in trade relations.”
The trip to Texas is part of a broader agenda that began in New York, with meetings involving the Spanish Consulate, Turespaña, and the Spain-USA Chamber of Commerce, aimed at advising Canary Islands companies interested in the North American market.
The island delegation also organised the forum “Lanzarote 360º-Texas 2025” at the Thompson Hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The event gathered producers, culinary sector entrepreneurs, importers, and exporters for presentations, tastings, and networking opportunities to explore new business avenues.
