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The 13th edition of HORECA Riyadh opened on Nov. 25 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, and Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, founder and CEO of Mukatafa, along with several diplomats and top business leaders from across the Kingdom.
Concurrently, the second edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie also commenced, featuring a unique blend of chocolate and pastry arts, as well as the Saudi Elite Chefs competition. Strategically partnered with the Culinary Arts Commission, the event gathered an assembly of elite professionals and international brands through Nov. 27.
This year’s HORECA, the most expansive in its history, extended over 29,000 square meters and hosted more than 400 exhibitors representing 20,000 brands from 48 countries. These were displayed across eight international pavilions, each a showcase of cultural diversity and innovation that defines the modern hospitality landscape.
The inaugural ceremony featured a special tribute to Badr, whose visionary leadership in the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Arts Commission has significantly elevated the national culinary arts scene.
The opening day’s events included a range of competitions and demonstrations, including cooking, barista and mocktail competitions, drawing more than 100 skilled participants from around the globe, each eager to impress a panel of international judges.
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie comprised more than 40 distinctive events, which included celebrated pastry chefs unveiling their latest creations and sharing insights into emerging trends in the world of chocolate and pastries. Additionally, the exhibition provided an arena for chefs to engage in competitions adjudicated by globally acclaimed chefs.
Adding an intellectual flavor, this year’s event introduced “The Talks,” an engaging series of panel discussions tackling a variety of contemporary issues, led by a cadre of industry leaders.
The Saudi Elite Chefs competition offered a face off between chefs facing novel challenges in Saudi cuisine, judged by a panel comprising Meilleurs Ouvriers de France laureates Philippe Bertrand, Jonathan Mougel, Joseph Viola and Jacques Rolancy.
The two exhibitions provide an ideal platform for expert networking and the forging of strategic partnerships. These events not only reinforce Riyadh’s eminent status as a global and regional hub for the hospitality, and food and beverage industries but also spotlight its dynamic role on the world stage.
Established almost 30 years ago, HORECA, an annual business meeting place, brings together an array of distinguished brands, experts and international personalities from the vibrant worlds of hospitality and food service. Over recent years, HORECA has cemented its strong presence in the GCC, particularly within Saudi Arabia.
Besides Riyadh, HORECA also takes place annually in Jeddah, as well as in Beirut, Kuwait, Amman and Muscat.