The first edition of HORECA Jeddah, which took place from February 7-9, 2023, at Jeddah Superdome, was hailed a success, gathering together more than 15,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors.
Attendees were able to meet prominent international experts, establish connections with professionals from the world of hospitality and foodservice, as well as explore an endless array of stands, brands, products and innovations. Furthermore, the Jeddah edition included three competitions: Hospitality Salon Culinaire, the Barista Competition and the Giffard Mocktail Competition.
A special award was given to chef Thomas A. Gugler, a Swiss culinary educator, consultant and author, for his achievements and contributions to HORECA. Gugler is the president of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), the global reference in terms of food and culinary standards.
In addition, the exhibition was marked by the strategic partnership of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, a public entity launched and governed by the KSA Ministry of Culture.
Jad Taktak, CEO of SEMARK Group, organizer of Saudi HORECA, said: “The exhibition exceeded our expectations in terms of the number of exhibitors and quality and number of visitors. We are honored to introduce such a beautiful event to Jeddah, which complements our event in Riyadh.”
Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the company that founded HORECA, stated: “I am thrilled to announce that HORECA Jeddah was a huge success. We have received excellent feedback, and we promise to continue delivering outstanding HORECA events throughout the region.”
Jeddah is the most recent addition to HORECA host cities. The network currently includes yearly events in Beirut, Kuwait City, Amman, Muscat and Riyadh.
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie took place concurrently with Saudi HORECA Jeddah.
The world-famous event showcased the best in chocolate and confectionery, as well as local items like dates and Arabic sweets. Other features included a chocolate fashion show, demonstrations, workshops and chocolate-inspired competitions.
The event gathered together more than 60 chocolate, pastry and ice-cream shops, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to the delight of 15,000 visitors.
“We were thrilled to bring Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Jeddah to life. The industry has come a long way in KSA, so it was the right time to take this step,” said Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the company behind HORECA and co-organizer of both events.
The next HORECA Jeddah and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Jeddah will be held from February 5-7, 2024.
