Dhe catering industry in the city of Groningen must seriously focus on diversity and quality. The growth of catering companies has increased enormously in recent years, especially in the city center of Groningen, but inventiveness and creativity are of great importance in order to survive.
This message came from the mouth of alderman Paul de Rook, who in the municipality of Groningen is responsible, among other things, for what is happening in the center of Groningen.
''Visitors no longer just come to the city of Groningen to shop. A varied catering offer has become just as important, if not more important," said the alderman.
The D66 politician spoke during the opening of the eighth edition of the Horecabeurs Noord Nederland, which again this year brought thousands of employers and employees in the catering industry to the Martinikerk in the center of Groningen. The fair is mainly intended to learn from each other, to gain information and to get to know new concepts.
Auction
New to this eighth edition was an auction of products from agricultural companies in the region on which catering companies could bid.
According to exhibition organizer Joris van Berkel a great success. "In this way, we bring producers in the area into contact with buyers in their region."
Traditionally, employees in the hospitality industry meet in a competition to see who can call themselves the best barista, best beer tapper or best chef in the region and the fair. Paul Smit of Mocca d'Or can call himself the best barista after Monday.
Koen Hoiting of café Hooghoudt tapped the best beer and is allowed to go to the national final during the Horecava in Amsterdam. Niek Bannink of Bistro Boys has won the title of best chef in the Northern Netherlands in the Klaar Af Kook competition.