Local Product Served on Fred. Olsen Ships After Government-Carrier Deal

The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, said the signing “perfectly reflects the regional government’s strategy — to showcase our own products through smart alliances, bringing together key sectors to generate real opportunities for the primary sector.”

The public agency Gestión del Medio Rural de Canarias (GMR), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, and Fred. Olsen Express formalised a collaboration on Thursday, 22 January, during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR). The agreement aims to boost the visibility of Canary agri‑food products on inter‑island and mainland routes and to promote joint information and promotion actions.

The pact, initially valid for one year, includes:

• Joint promotional campaigns.
• Placement of local products at strategic points on ships and terminals.
• Information campaigns and activities to raise awareness of the value of the Canary primary sector.

With this signing, GMR Canarias and Fred. Olsen Express solidify an alliance that strengthens the projection of Canary products both inside and outside the archipelago.

Canarias Responds to Europe by Reinforcing Its Own Product

The agreement was signed by President Fernando Clavijo, Agriculture Minister Narvay Quintero, and Fred. Olsen’s General Director Andrés Marín, with attendance from Tourism Minister Jéssica de León, the presidents of the Cabildos of La Gomera and El Hierro, and the heads of the Port Authorities of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

“In a context where Europe is proposing trade agreements that generate uncertainty and concern among our producers, the Canary Islands respond by reinforcing our own, supporting the primary sector and creating alliances that provide stability, value and future.” – Fernando Clavijo

Clavijo stressed that the pact is more than a commercial collaboration; it is a commitment to the identity, quality, talent and work of the islands’ primary and agri‑food professionals. He added that integrating Canary products into everyday travel experiences is the most effective way to promote them.

The initiative is part of the “Grow Together” strategy, which has already yielded results with agreements such as the one with airline Binter Canarias and upcoming collaborations with Sky Management Services S.A., the operator of the Canary Islands’ airport VIP lounges. The goal is to bring Canary products to consumers coherently, sustainably and with added value.

“The Government of the Canary Islands firmly believes that the primary sector needs allies, and Fred. Olsen Express demonstrates with this agreement that large Canary companies can and must play an active role in the economic and social development of the islands.” – Fernando Clavijo

Minister Quintero highlighted that the pact reinforces the government’s commitment to farmers, livestock breeders and fishers, creating new promotion and consumption spaces for island‑produced goods. He underlined the importance of public‑private collaboration to expand market presence and access new channels.

“This agreement will bring the quality and diversity of Canary products even closer to thousands of passengers, integrating them into sales points, promoting promotional actions and onboard gastronomic experiences, opening new commercial opportunities for producers.” – Narvay Quintero

Zero‑Kilometre Local Product Onboard Fred. Olsen

During the ceremony, Fred. Olsen’s General Director Andrés Marín noted that the agreement continues a long‑standing effort to integrate local, zero‑kilometre products into the onboard experience, working with suppliers from all islands.

“The signing will enhance this collaboration and make a qualitative leap with the incorporation of our own vessel on the mainland route, opening new opportunities for Canary products to gain visibility outside the archipelago.” – Andrés Marín

Marín emphasized that maritime connectivity is essential for the Canary Islands, and that Fred. Olsen Express aims to make transport a tool for boosting the local productive fabric. Promoting fresh, nearby products, he said, diversifies the Canary economy, creates new opportunities and moves toward a more sustainable, identity‑linked model.

Canary Flavour at FITUR

During the five‑day FITUR event, the Government of the Canary Islands’ stand will host sixteen workshops and tastings. Specialized journalists, chefs, sommeliers and technical staff will showcase the archipelago’s gastronomic richness to both professionals and the general public.

Attendees can enjoy guided tastings of wines, cheeses, gofio, oils and salts led by viticulture technician Trinidad Fumero and sommelier Josefina Rojas Friend, with traditional preparations reinterpreted by chef Manuel Berriel. Food journalist Francisco Belín will moderate the activities.

Participation in FITUR 2026, together with the signing of these strategic agreements, consolidates GMR Canarias’ role as a driver of the primary sector, fostering synergies with tourism and other sectors. The clear objective is to demonstrate that Canary products are an essential part of the tourist experience and that their presence must continue to grow and strengthen, projecting their value both within and beyond the archipelago.