The new president of the Kitchen Furniture Association (AMC), and of the biennial Espacio Cocina SICI, outlines in this interview the keys to the upcoming edition and the commitment to “innovation, internationalization, and synergies among the main players in the sector.”

València, April 9, 2026.- With more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen furniture sector and a solid business track record at the head of Grupo Ártico, Félix Bernad assumed the presidency of the Kitchen Furniture Association (AMC) at the end of last year, an entity that co-organizes, together with Feria Valencia, the benchmark trade fair for the sector, Espacio Cocina SICI, of which Bernad consequently holds the presidency.

The Aragonese businessman thus arrives at a key moment and with the dual challenge of consolidating the sector’s growth and strengthening the positioning of Espacio Cocina SICI. The biennial will hold its next edition—from September 28 to October 1—which will be particularly special and marked by its joint celebration with Feria Hábitat València, Textilhogar, and the new initiative 360 by Cevisama.

You are taking on the presidency of AMC and Espacio Cocina SICI in a new stage. How are you approaching this challenge?

I approach it with great responsibility, but also with a lot of enthusiasm. I am taking over from Juan Luis Salvador, who has done an extraordinary job over all these years, placing both the association and Espacio Cocina SICI in a leading position. My goal is to continue that legacy, but also to bring a renewed vision that allows us to keep growing and adapting to the new challenges of the sector.

What will be the main strategic lines?

We are going to work on several key axes. On one hand, strengthening the competitiveness of our companies by focusing on innovation, digitalization, and internationalization. On the other, continuing to promote the value of the kitchen as the central space of the home, where design, functionality, and technology converge. And, in addition, strengthening AMC’s role as the sector’s spokesperson, defending its interests and generating real business opportunities.

In that sense, what role does Espacio Cocina SICI play within this strategy?

Espacio Cocina SICI is a fundamental tool. It is not just a trade fair; it is a meeting point where business is generated, trends are shared, and professional relationships are built. We want it to continue being the main showcase of the sector in Spain and an increasingly international platform. Our ambition is for each edition to represent a qualitative leap in terms of offering, visitors, and opportunities.

This year, moreover, it is being held as part of a major joint event that includes Espacio Cocina SICI as well as Hábitat, Textilhogar, and 360 by Cevisama. What do these synergies represent?

They represent a unique opportunity. The joint celebration with Feria Hábitat València, Textilhogar, and the new initiative 360 by Cevisama multiplies the event’s appeal. We are talking about a major gathering that integrates the entire habitat ecosystem: furniture, kitchen, textiles, bathroom, surfaces…

The kitchen sector has responded excellently precisely because of these synergies. Today, projects are increasingly global and require a comprehensive vision. This format facilitates contact between professionals from different fields and creates a much more dynamic and enriching environment.

What are your expectations in terms of participation and results?

Expectations are very positive. We are seeing great interest from companies and a high level of sector involvement. We believe this edition could mark a before and after, both in terms of participation volume and the quality of professional visitors. Our objective is clear: to generate real business and provide value to all participants.

What new features would you highlight for the upcoming edition of Espacio Cocina SICI?

We are going to have very innovative proposals. One of the most notable is the AMC Kitchen Lab space, a conceptual project that will surprise with its architectural and experiential approach.

In addition, we are strengthening the content, parallel activities, and inspiration areas, with the aim of offering a more complete and attractive experience for visitors. We want those who come to SICI not only to see products, but to understand where the sector is heading.

The AMC Kitchen Lab will be designed by Francesc Rifé. What does this project represent?

It is a clear example of where we want to go. Francesc Rifé has created a translucent, highly conceptual architecture that invites reflection on the kitchen space from a contemporary perspective.

The objective is to convey fundamental values such as innovation, sustainability, and the integration of the kitchen within the home, firmly committing to a culture centered on design. This project consolidates the role of Espacio Cocina SICI as an event that goes beyond the purely commercial.

From your dual role as president and businessman, how do you see the evolution of the kitchen sector?

The sector is undergoing a very interesting transformation. The kitchen has gone from being a purely functional space to becoming the heart of the home. This implies new demands from consumers: more design, more technology, more sustainability, and more personalization.

Companies are responding very well to these challenges, with a strong capacity for innovation. I believe we are at a moment of opportunity, in which the sector can consolidate its growth and gain even more weight in the market.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to the sector in this new stage?

I would like to convey confidence and ambition. We have a strong sector, with very competitive companies and enormous talent. If we work together, we can take advantage of all the opportunities ahead.

Espacio Cocina SICI will be a key point along that path, a place to meet, be inspired, and, above all, generate business and the future.