Alberto Arza, a designer from Castellón, Spain, is pioneering the field of food design, which focuses on the aesthetics and experience of food without altering its ingredients. His innovative creations include cookies designed to prevent fingers from getting wet while dipped in coffee, butter candles, and tea labels shaped like small boats. Arza emphasizes that gastronomy deserves recognition as a design discipline since people consume food multiple times a day, making it a unique field that engages all five senses.

Despite being based in Castellón, Arza shared his insights during a conference in Sevilla at the Offf culture festival. His background as an industrial design engineer informs his creative approach, allowing him to combine functionality with art in his projects. By redefining how people interact with food, Arza aims to elevate gastronomy into a form of design, pushing the boundaries of traditional culinary experiences and enhancing the sensory dimensions of eating.

The rising interest in food design reflects broader trends in culinary arts and the importance of aesthetic presentation. As food culture continues to evolve, designers like Arza are at the forefront of this movement, proving that the way food looks and feels can significantly enhance the dining experience, thereby inspiring others to view gastronomy through a design lens.