HORECA 2012 closed its doors on March 23 after a resoundingly successful show. Held under the patronage of Fady Abboud, Lebanonís Minister of Tourism, it was the largest and best attended exhibition yet.
The event is a magnet for the regionís hospitality industry and has played an important role in boosting the countryís economy. Participants extended from well beyond the regionís borders and included official pavilions from France, Iran, Poland, Turkey and Thailand, as well as individual participants from Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE, creating 350 exhibitors in total.
For the first time, Italy was formally involved in Horeca 2012 as Country of Honour. Fifteen Italian companies grouped to promote their expertise in the field of equipment, food, wines and spirits, products, materials and hospitality management services.
The four-day event attracted a staggering 12,000 visitors from various industry fields across the region. They visited an extensive variety of exhibitors and attended an exceptional array of more than nine daily activities that included a series of competitions and live shows, in which more than 400 participants from a multitude of establishments showcased their skills over.
Beverage & Wine Lab Wine lovers and connoisseurs had the opportunity to sample local and regional production of beverages.
The 7th National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contest saw a panel of Lebanese and international experts compare local Extra Virgin Olive Oil from all parts of the country in a series of tasting sessions to award the best small producer, the best label and the best bottle.
The Hospitality Salon Culinaire saw over 200 chefs from well-known establishments competing in more than 15 categories. For industry professionals, the competition provided insight on which talented chef to keep an eye out for.
The Annual Hospitality Forum, a series of workshops also took place alongside Horeca, covered several topics on the latest consumer and product trends influencing the industry.
Horeca 2013, the 20th edition, will take place from April 9 -12.