HORECA Kuwait

HORECA KUWAIT TURNS 10

The 10th edition of HORECA Kuwait, the country’s premier hospitality and foodservice event, was hailed a triumph as it closed its doors at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Al Thuraya City, Kuwait, on May 25, 2022. In case you missed it, here are just a few of the many highlights.

In the presence of Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Fahad Mutlaq Al-Shuraian, ambassadors and guests, HORECA Kuwait launched its 10th exhibition to celebrate the best in hospitality and foodservice. The renowned event has, over the past decade, established itself as a prime meeting place for professionals to network and do business, providing a much-needed boost to Kuwait’s hospitality sector. Indeed, for three consecutive days, over 60 local and international exhibitors, including brands from Poland, the UAE and Lebanon, showcased their products, services and solutions at the country’s leading hospitality and foodservice trade show.

At the opening ceremony, H.E. Al-Shuraian said: “We view this exhibition with appreciation from a strategic economic and services perspective, recognizing that its interest in food industries gives it the added value of prioritizing food security, particularly with the continuous disruption of the global production and supply chains resulting from the repercussions of world events. All this calls for tireless efforts and alertness in the production, manufacture and supply of foodstuff.” The minister added that hospitality development is an important part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and that the sector is booming. “It is no secret that the State of Kuwait is among the leading states in the domain of food and one of the most competitive countries in the foodstuff market, attracting the best international trademarks.”

Besides the familiar sight of stands, visitors were able to watch exciting culinary competitions at the Hospitality Salon Culinaire. More than 150 participants took part in live cooking and display challenges, which were judged by an expert panel of well-known chefs, including Maroun Chedid, Samaan Hilal, Zyad Hilal, Richard Seidel, Fasial Al Nashmi and Christiane Trilck. Furthermore, HORECA Kuwait saw the return of its much-loved Bed Making Competition, where housekeepers from around the country showed off their skills. “True, it has not been easy for us to relaunch this event amid all the obstacles and challenges, and after long lockdowns imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, here we are again, celebrating the 10th edition of HORECA Kuwait,” said Nabila Al Anjari, chairwoman of the HORECA Kuwait organizing committee. Mohamad Najia, also part of the HORECA Kuwait organizing committee, reiterated the importance of having the in-person event and bringing the sector together. “We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s event, which is a major milestone and a great achievement, particularly during this challenging period of post-pandemic recovery.” He added: “It was a shame not to be able to host this valuable business meeting platform in 2021, but we made up for it with a special edition this year.” Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services and HORECA brand owner, said: “It was incredible to have more than 3,500 professionals attend the 10th edition of HORECA Kuwait. As the annual meeting place for the hospitality and foodservice industries, it just goes to show how much potential the sector has and how rapidly it's growing. Kuwait continues to be a highly interesting and dynamic market.” horecakuwaitexpo.com

HORECA OMAN

MAKES A POSITIVE IMPACT More than 70 local and international F&B and hospitality-related companies gathered together for the first edition of HORECA Oman, which closed its doors on June 2, 2022, after three memorable days at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

Hospitality and foodservice professionals were given a taste of the HORECA signature with the network marking its debut in Muscat, Oman. An established business meeting place and platform for key buyers to network with investors, retailers, distributors and stakeholders, HORECA Oman fulfilled its mission in showcasing the latest innovations, trends, solutions and products while celebrating the country’s rising talents and burgeoning hospitality sector. Co-organized by Al Nimr Expo and Hospitality Services, HORECA Oman welcomed more than 5,500 visitors. Attendees rubbed shoulders with 25 experts, celebrity chefs and industry leaders, and had the opportunity to discover 700 brands from countries including the UAE, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan and Poland.

Salim Al Hashmi, chairman of Al Nimr Expo, said: “With the pandemic largely behind us, the market is, once again, flourishing. It really was an ideal time to launch this event, as there are many opportunities for those looking to invest in Oman; HORECA Oman proved it.”

Besides the exhibition space, visitors were able to enjoy a number of unique competitions. Indeed, over 200 participants took part in the Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Junior Chef Competition, Art of Service Competition, Mocktail Competition, Latte Art Competition, Barista Competition and Bed Making Competition. Jumeirah Muscat Bay was named as the hotel with the highest number of gold medals at the Hospitality Salon Culinaire awards ceremony. Chefs Youssef Akiki, Paul Hayward, Tarek Ibrahim, Christophe Marguin, Sylvain Arthus and Marcus “Gato” Freminot were among those judging the Hospitality Salon Culinaire competitions, while experts Anthony Bedoyan, Cleia Junqueira and Safa Salehi were jury members for the latte art and barista contests. The Mocktail Competition was judged by Walid Merhi, Mallory Lee and Valentin Susnea, and the Art of Service Competition jury featured Fadi Lesidon, Hani Farhat, Ali Mouzahem and Youssef Al Abri. Finally, the inaugural Bed Making Competition was judged by Mukti Wagle, Adil Al Subhi and Suresh Khadka.

“We are proud to have brought HORECA to Oman,” said Joumana DammousSalamé, managing director of Hospitality Services. “HORECA’s mission has always been to empower local players, support growth in the sectors it serves, encourage new businesses, stimulate networking and create opportunities for the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries."

Muscat becomes the sixth city in the Middle East to join the HORECA Network, with annual events taking place in Beirut, Amman, Kuwait City, Riyadh and Jeddah. The brand was established in Lebanon in 1994 and has gone from strength to strength, despite ongoing market challenges. horecaoman.com