On Monday 2 October 2017, the 6th edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland took place with the theme 'Tastes differ. As in previous years, the setting was the atmospheric Martinikerk in Groningen. It was striking that the exhibition floor was fully booked well ahead of time this year and the demand for stand space exceeded the supply for the first time. According to the organization, this marks the economic progress within the catering industry.
Surprising
A new decoration, a different layout, more attention for social media and for the first time an exhibition floor over the entire surface of the church. There was plenty to do this year at HBNN 2017 for both visitors and those who stayed at home. The new walking route where visitors were first led through the new 'Wijnstraat' upon arrival, this 'street' is an absolute asset to the catering trade fair! But the theme: 'Tastes differ' also contributed to an extra element of surprise for the visitor. For example, the sushi was opposite the traditional bitterbal and the brown pub opposite a design bar. Just like the traditional beers, wines and soft drinks were opposed to various 'hip' specialty drinks, so there was something for everyone.
Trade fair traditions
It can now be stated that a number of permanent components of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland are a recurring success. For example, regional beer tapping competitions take place every year and the 'Klaar af kook' cooking competition with many regional chefs has become an indispensable part of the exhibition floor. In addition, the NNBK (North Dutch Barista Championships) is getting bigger and bigger now that drinking coffee is and remains very hip. 'The beer plaza' is also a well-attended part of the fair for the third year in a row, and this year the already popular 'Wine Street' and 'Cocktail Plaza' have been added.
Visitors
Remarkable this year were the many visitors from the provinces of Drenthe and Friesland to the event, which originated in Groningen, which indicates that the fair is still growing. Alderman Joost van Keulen performed the opening acts, after which exhibition organizer Joris van Berkel started the tour with the various guests. Afterwards, visitors in the Martinikerk were able to marvel at all kinds of news and traditions in the hospitality sector from 12:00 to 20:00, culminating in a real hospitality after drink in the city center of Groningen for the first time.
Succes
With about 2000 visitors, the fair was again a great success this year! That is why the 1th edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland will take place next year on Monday 2018 October 7, again in the Martinikerk Groningen so that the authentic atmosphere of the fair remains the same for both visitor and exhibitor. The organization of the fair does advise companies to secure a stand space for next year in time, in order to avoid disappointment. This is already possible via www.hbnn.nl.
Match results
Ready Cook: Thomas Beekhuis – DOT Groningen (Best cook Northern Netherlands 2017-2018), 2nd Jonne Bleijenberg – Trials, 3rd René Bruins – mr. mofongo, 4th Bert Wiegmink – André Doctor. North Dutch Barista Championships: Erhan Dizbay – East 57 (Best barista North Netherlands), 2nd Gerard van Dijk – De Konditorei, 3rd Karina Veen – East 57. Regional competition Biertappen North Netherlands: 1st Renate Feenstra – Restaurant Schokland (Ens), 2nd Dennis Goossens – The coat of arms of Ens (Ens), 3rd Jasper Westerveld – Café Hooghoudt (Groningen), 4th Erwin Storm – Beachclub Lemmer.