October 18, 2023 · Team HG
Horeca Xperience, the hospitality trade fair of the North, held at the fantastic location of the Martinikerk in the city of Groningen, was a great success on Monday, October 16. With visitor numbers back to pre-corona levels, the event was well-attended. All professionals from the hospitality industry—entrepreneurs, chefs, service staff, and representatives—met at the hospitality squares and at the fair's many interesting stands. In a relaxed setting, and with a nice drink in hand, they were able to catch up on the wonderful hospitality profession.
For organizer Joris van Berkel of Horecagroningen, the good turnout is great, but not the most important thing. ‘What matters to me is that everyone is happy. That exhibitors and visitors connect with each other, and I think that worked out very well.’
The highlight and absolute crowd-puller of the event was Klaar Af KookA thrilling cooking competition in which 12 northern chefs competed against each other. The undisputed winner was Ivaylo Mechkarski from restaurant Nobel on Ameland. Pascal Du Pree from Landhotel Diever in Assen came second, followed by Larissa van der Boom from Pinchazz in Groningen.
There were also, of course, the annual again. beer tapping competitionsThe perfect Groningen beer was tapped this edition by Leon Fopma of Grand Café Hooghoudt in Groningen, closely followed by Aron Ruiter of Café Bolhuis and Zoya Taseva of Harbour Café.
New this year was the election of the Best Master Trainer of the North. Angela Zeelen, from Grand Café Levels in Harlingen, won the prize for Best Service Master. Peter Helder, from Spot Oosterpoort in Groningen, received the title of Best Kitchen Master. Judging by the loud cheers, the audience was pleased with this newly added element to the event. Van Berkel was surprised by this: ‘When everyone started cheering and shouting very loudly during the presentation of this election, I did think for a moment, what is going on here? But I actually thought that was really nice, precisely because you would actually expect it more at the tapping competition or the cooking competition.’
In the so-called Xperience Room, fascinating seminars were held that were free to attend. For example, there was a seminar on AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the hospitality industry, by expert Jan van der Zwaag.
At the seminar by hospitality guru Wouter Verkerk, entrepreneurs received a rapid-fire explanation of how important the customer experience is for their business, and how to successfully implement it. ‘It is a very brief introduction, but it is very interesting for anyone with a hospitality business who struggles with structure,’ says Verkerk. ‘For that entrepreneur, it is good to know that much more is possible than they think, but that you do have to start working in a different way.’
According to Verkerk, the tip for 2024 is to always ask the price you need to ask and work ahead.
During the seminar of Groningen Works Smart the first sustainable hospitality entrepreneurs have been rewarded with the Groen Genieten label. Dennis Cooking Place, Wadapartja, Toet, de Graansilo, Feithhuis, and Rooftop Merckt earned this label by making their hospitality premises more sustainable. You can find more information about this label here. here.
Naturally, there was once again an extensive and interesting selection of exhibitors this year. In addition to main sponsor Bidfood, there were food and beverage areas from Sligro and VHC ActiFood. But also from smaller names such as Gebrouwen door Vrouwen, Maallust, Double Dutch Drinks, Diversey, and De Eenhoorn koffie & thee.
Next year, the 12th edition of will take place. Hospitality Experiencee on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the Martinikerk in Groningen.
