October 3, 2025 · Team HG
With a packed central hall of Martiniplaza, dozens of new exhibitors, themed squares, and a revamped layout, celebrated Horeca Xperience This year marks its 13th edition on a grand scale. The move from twelve years at the Martinikerk to the versatile event venue. Martiniplaza paves the way for further growth and new concepts. More than 2,000 hospitality professionals attended the event, which featured plenty of activities for hospitality students, employees, entrepreneurs, and suppliers.
Brasserie Loeks Martiniplaza served as the setting for the KHN Tap Competitions Groningen this year. To loud applause, bartenders from the region showcased their tapping skills. Sophie Draaijer from Brasserie Harkema was voted best bartender in Groningen. Second place went to Wim Huizenga of Van het Huys Catering, and Leanne de Munnik of NSG took third place. With this, Draaijer and Huizenga qualify for the national final at Horecava.
One of the major innovations this year was the Green Innovation Square, entirely dedicated to sustainable and local entrepreneurship. Visitors discovered De Groene Keuze, where chefs and producers from Groningen cooked live, hosted tastings, and shared their stories. Sustainable entrepreneur Wilbert van de Kamp hosted the day, while AI expert Freya Liemburg demonstrated how artificial intelligence can contribute to local sourcing and smart menu planning. Also Wadden Group Foundation was present with Waddengoud products and inspiring stories from Stad tot Wad. Furthermore, visitors were introduced to the Circular Bucket Project and the innovations of GIPPI wereld. The square offered a day full of collaboration, inspiration, and taste, with the short supply chain as the main course.
In addition, this year we also introduced the Horeca Heldenplein, where – together with education and labor market partners – we focused on staff, training, subsidies, and collaboration in the hospitality workplace.
Bee Klaar Af Kook, the cooking competition in which northern chefs battle it out live, culinary talent showed its best side. With a box full of surprising ingredients, the chefs were given 30 minutes to prepare a dish that was judged on creativity, taste, and presentation. The title Best Chef of Northern Netherlands 2025-2026 went to Isa van Dijk from Restaurant ’t KoetshuysIn addition to the cup, he also won a Bidfood gift voucher, a Bamix cordless hand blender, and a Xinzuo chef's knife. Second place went to Jordi Werkhoven (Grand Café de Waegh) and Rafael Manansala (Hotel Nobel) finished third.
The next edition of Horeca Xperience will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Martiniplaza Groningen.
