Javier Meléndez receives 2026 Agro-food Innovation Prize

Javier Meléndez, CEO of Patatas Meléndez, has been awarded the 2026 Agro-food Innovation Prize in Castilla y León. The award was presented by AgroBank, a specialized division of CaixaBank, during the Salamaq 2026 agricultural fair in Salamanca.

The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to transforming production processes through technology to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Meléndez emphasized that continuous innovation is essential for creating a more productive primary sector and supporting the future of rural environments.

In addition to technological advancements, the company was noted for initiatives such as ‘Meléndez x Origen,’ which aims to work closely with farmers to meet their specific needs. Meléndez also highlighted the regional importance of potatoes from Castilla y León, noting they are consumed by nearly half of the Spanish population.