HORECA LEBANON TURNING UP THE MEDITERRANEAN HEAT

More than 15,000 visitors and 330 exhibitors are projected for this year’s HORECA Lebanon trade show, a record high for the four-day event. To date, capacity has reached 90 percent, with exhibitors comprised of food and beverage forerunners, catering companies, technology firms, packaging and labeling suppliers, tabletop, furniture and furnishing specialists and other professional enterprises linked to the sectors.

Seen as the meeting place for industry professionals, experts and key players, HORECA fosters a dynamic forum for networking and new business opportunities.

"HORECA is the largest trade fair of its kind in the region and has become synonymous with innovation, creativity and synergy," says Randa DammousPharaon, project manager for HORECA Lebanon. "Since its inauguration in 1994, there has been a year-on-year growth in the number of visitors from Lebanon, KSA, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt, as well as companies present. The bottom line is really to connect people and help harness exciting business ventures," she continues.

A number of international pavilions will be present at this year’s edition. HORECA regulars France, Iran, Italy, Spain, Syria and Turkey will be showcasing the best of what they have to offer in over 500m2 of exhibition space. As a change to the usual program, the international exhibitors will form part of the newly developed organic and bio zone. The 2016 edition will have a more visible local twist. As a region known for its rich gastronomy, and Beirut recognized as the capital of taste in the Middle East, flavors of the Mediterranean will be a recurrent theme throughout the exhibition halls.

Making its 23rd appearance at BIEL exhibition center from 5 till 8 April, HORECA Lebanon project manager,

Cooking competitions will further promote and celebrate the region’s cuisine with a number of new categories including, a four-course Lebanese menu and a hot and cold tapas selection. As a first for HORECA, the Junior Chefs Competition will also embrace local tradition with a Lebanese appetizers challenge.

Indeed, the Salon Culinaire has long been one of the main attractions of HORECA and this year is no exception. Offering a platform for seasoned chefs and juniors to show off their skills in live contests and food displays, the salon has evolved in line with food trends and the changes in consumer taste. Among others, the Mystery Basket and Nutri-balance Competitions will be new additions to the program.

Another HORECA favorite, the Best Barista Competition, makes a comeback. This year, the contest will take place in partnership with the prestigious World Barista Championship, offering the winner an opportunity to represent Lebanon on a global stage.

Similarly, the crowd-pleasing Lebanese Bartenders Competition makes its 14th appearance, while the National Extra Virgin Oil Contest will showcase the very best of the region’s olive oil for the 11th time. The newer yet popular Bed Making Competition and Art of Service events return for the second and fourth year consecutively.

explains how the event will once again reaffirm the region’s prowess in the hospitality and foodservice industries, with an extra dash of Mediterranean flair

HORECA promises to deliver a high caliber of exhibitors, an excellent standard across its competitions and an even better opportunity to meet industry insiders and stay one step ahead.

“With so much happening over 15,000 square meters, we are definitely pulling out all the stops to make the 23rd edition massive. The heat is on and we’ve never been readier!” concludes DammousPharaon.