ICEX and Forum of Renowned Brands: internationalization opportunities for Spanish companies 2026

Key data

Spanish companies with their own brand and an export vocation have had, since 17 March 2026, a new institutional framework supporting their internationalization. ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones and the Fundación Foro de Marcas Renombradas Españolas have formalized a collaboration agreement—published in the BOE as a resolution of 9 March 2026 (BOE-A-2026-6303)—to develop and strengthen projects promoting the Marca España in international markets.

The agreement is not a direct grant call with a fixed amount: it is an institutional collaboration framework that activates joint programs, networks, and coordinated visibility actions between both entities. For companies with a recognized brand, it means having the combined support of ICEX and the Foro de Marcas Renombradas for their global expansion.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement defines a framework for joint action between ICEX and the Fundación Foro de Marcas Renombradas Españolas with the following specific elements:

The agreement does not modify or repeal any specific prior regulation identified in the available data. It is a new public-private collaboration instrument that expands the existing internationalization support tools within the ICEX ecosystem.

Economic and operational impact

For companies that can access the programs derived from this agreement, the operational impact translates into three specific vectors:

• Reduced cost of entry into foreign markets: The shared funding between ICEX and the Foro de Marcas Renombradas allows participating companies to bear a smaller share of the costs of internationalization actions (events, trade fairs, global forums).
• Access to qualified networks: Beneficiary companies can connect with the international networks of both entities, accelerating the identification of partners, distributors, and opportunities in foreign markets.
• Institutional visibility: Participation in actions under the umbrella of the Marca España provides credibility and positioning in markets where the brand of origin is a differentiating purchasing factor.

No specific funding amounts or total budget for the agreement have been published in the available resolution. The specific economic conditions of each program will be determined as the agreement is developed.

Who does it affect?

This agreement is relevant for the following business and professional profiles:

• Medium and large companies with an established own brand in the Spanish market that want to make the leap to international markets or strengthen their foreign presence.
• Export directors and international expansion managers seeking institutional backing for their plans to enter new markets.
• CFOs and executives who assess the cost-benefit of internationalization and may find in this agreement a co-financing route for visibility actions.
• Already internationalized companies that want to strengthen their brand image and reputation in foreign markets where they compete with global brands.
• Internationalization advisors and consultants who manage the foreign strategy of companies with their own brand.

The agreement is especially relevant for sectors where the Spain brand of origin has differential value: food and beverage, fashion, tourism, technology, industrial design, and professional services, among others.

Practical example

A medium-sized company in the food sector with an established brand in the Spanish market decides to begin its expansion into Asia-Pacific markets. Without this type of agreement, it would have to fully bear the costs of participating in international trade fairs in the sector, organizing brand presentation events, and developing promotional materials adapted to each market.

With the framework established by this agreement, that same company can access joint internationalization programs co-funded by ICEX and the Foro de Marcas Renombradas, participate in global trade fairs and forums under the institutional umbrella of the Marca España, and connect with the international networks of both entities to identify local distributors and partners. The result: lower market entry costs and greater institutional credibility with foreign buyers and partners.

What should companies do now?

1. Assess whether your company fits the profile: Verify whether your brand has sufficient recognition and whether your company has a genuine export vocation. This agreement is aimed at medium and large companies with an established brand, not at first-time exporters.
2. Contact ICEX: Get in touch with ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones to learn about the active programs derived from this agreement, participation requirements, and the schedule of calls. You can do so through the ICEX office network in Spain and abroad.
3. Contact the Foro de Marcas Renombradas Españolas: The Fundación Foro de Marcas Renombradas Españolas is the other signing entity. Check whether your company can become a member or participate in its programs to access the joint actions provided for in the agreement.
4. Identify target markets: Define which foreign markets you want to position your brand in and communicate this to ICEX so they can guide you toward the most relevant programs and events for your sector and destination.
5. Integrate this framework into your internationalization plan: If you already have a foreign expansion plan, review how the programs derived from this agreement can complement or co-fund the actions already planned, reducing the total cost of your internationalization strategy.