Most Chinese exhibitors are at the international pavilions of the multiple food sector. Photo by Li Jing/chinadaily.com.cn

Barcelona's biennale international food and drinks expo, Alimentaria, saw a record number of Chinese exhibitors this year, forming the second-largest foreign contingent behind Italy.

The event, which was held April 25 to 28, is the sector's third-largest international trade show.

This year, it featured more than 1,000 foreign companies, 25 percent of the total exhibitors. Among them, 123 were from China, a 5 percent increase from 2014.

In addition to the exhibitors, a record 62 Chinese buyers also traveled to this year's event. The group was invited as part of an Alimentria program that invites 800 key buyers from 78 countries and was made up of importers and major operators involved in distribution and the hotel, restaurant and cafe sector.