October 6, 2017 · Team HG
On Monday, October 2, 2017, the 6th edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland took place with the theme ‘Tastes Differ’. As in previous years, the setting was the atmospheric Martinikerk in Groningen. Notably, the exhibition floor was fully booked well in advance this year, and for the first time, demand for stand space exceeded supply. According to the organizers, this reflects the economic progress within the hospitality industry.
A new look, a different layout, more focus on social media, and for the first time, an exhibition floor covering the entire surface of the church. There was plenty to experience at HBNN 2017 this year for both visitors and those staying at home. Particularly striking was the new walking route, where visitors were first led through the new ‘Wine Street’ upon entry; this ‘street’ is an absolute asset to the hospitality trade fair! But the theme ‘Tastes Differ’ also contributed to an extra element of surprise for the visitor. For instance, sushi stood opposite the traditional bitterballen, and a brown pub opposite a designer bar. Just as traditional beers, wines, and soft drinks stood opposite various ‘hip’ specialty drinks, ensuring there was something for everyone.
By now, it can be stated that a number of regular features of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland are a recurring success. For instance, regional beer tapping competitions take place every year, and the ‘Klaar af kook’ cooking competition, featuring many regional chefs, has become an indispensable part of the exhibition floor. Additionally, the NNBK (Northern Netherlands Barista Championships) is growing in size, as coffee drinking is and remains extremely trendy. ‘The Beer Plaza’ is also a well-attended part of the fair for the third year in a row, and this year the already popular ‘Wine Street’ and ‘Cocktail Plaza’ have been added.
Striking this year was the large number of visitors from the provinces of Drenthe and Friesland at the event, which originated in Groningen, indicating that the fair is still growing. Alderman Joost van Keulen performed the opening ceremony, after which fair organizer Joris van Berkel began the tour with the various invited guests. Afterwards, from 12:00 to 20:00, visitors in the Martinikerk could marvel at all kinds of new developments and traditions in the hospitality sector, concluding for the first time with a genuine hospitality after-party in the city center of Groningen.
With around 2,000 visitors, the fair was once again a great success this year! Therefore, the 7th edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland will take place next year on Monday, October 1, 2018, again in the Martinikerk in Groningen, so that the authentic atmosphere of the fair remains the same for both visitors and exhibitors. However, the fair's organizers advise companies to book stand space for next year well in advance to avoid disappointment. This can already be done via www.hbnn.nl.
Klaar Af Kook: Thomas Beekhuis – DOT Groningen (Best Chef of Northern Netherlands 2017-2018), 2nd Jonne Bleijenberg – Proevens, 3rd René Bruins – Mr. Mofongo, 4th Bert Wiegmink – André Dokter. North Netherlands Barista Championships: Erhan Dizbay – East 57 (Best Barista North Netherlands), 2nd Gerard van Dijk – De Konditorei, 3rd Karina Veen – East 57. Regional Beer Tapping Competition North Netherlands: 1st Renate Feenstra – Restaurant Schokland (Ens), 2nd Dennis Goossens – Het wapen van Ens (Ens), 3rd Jasper Westerveld – Café Hooghoudt (Groningen), 4th Erwin Storm – Beachclub Lemmer.
