The hospitality industry must focus primarily on diversity and quality.

DThe hospitality industry in the City of Groningen must make a serious commitment to diversity and quality. The growth of hospitality businesses has increased enormously, especially in the city center of Groningen, but inventiveness and creativity are of great importance to survive.

This message came from Alderman Paul de Rook, who is responsible in the municipality of Groningen for, among other things, what takes place in the city center.

“Visitors no longer come to the city of Groningen solely to shop. A varied range of hospitality venues has become just as important, if not more important,” according to the alderman.

The D66 politician spoke during the opening of the eighth edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland, which once again this year brought thousands of employers and employees in the hospitality industry to the Martinikerk in the city center of Groningen. The fair is primarily intended to learn from each other, gain information, and discover new concepts.

Auction

New to this eighth edition was an auction of products from agricultural businesses in the region on which hospitality businesses could bid.

According to trade fair organizer Joris van Berkel, it was a great success. "In this way, we connect local producers with buyers in their region."

True to tradition, employees in the hospitality industry compete to determine who can call themselves the best barista, best beer tapper, or best chef from the region and the trade fair. As of Monday, Paul Smit of Mocca d’Or can call himself the best barista.

Koen Hoiting from Café Hooghoudt tapped the best beer and qualifies for the national final during the Horecava in Amsterdam. Niek Bannink from Bistro Boys claims the title of best chef in the Northern Netherlands in the Klaar Af Kook competition.