The Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism and the EOI Foundation, with Fundesarte, presented the 18th National Craft Awards on 17 December 2025. The top honour went to Pedro Antonio Blanco Ubalde, a master esparto weaver from Úbeda whose family has been devoted to the trade since 1825. He was recognised for successfully elevating a rural material into the worlds of high fashion and international design.. During the event, the Minister described the industry as “a strategic sector that combines tradition, innovation, sustainability and strong territorial roots” and announced that the next ceremony will move to Zamora to reinforce the link with local development.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence across the wider sector with four additional awards. Aitor Martínez López de Arbina won the Product Award for his turned wood collection, while the rural workshop Baku Barrikupel took the Entrepreneurship Award for upcycling wine barrels into furniture. In the promotion categories, master potter Melchor Tito was awarded for reviving a historic kiln, and the Galician Craft Foundation was recognised for their Artesanía no Prato initiative which connects artisans with chefs. Together, these winners demonstrate how modern craftsmanship is driving sustainability and cohesion across the country.
