HORECA Riyadh and Salon du Chocolat: A Celebration of Culinary Excellence
Riyadh’s Culinary Showcase
The recently concluded 14th edition of HORECA Riyadh and the third edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh marked a significant milestone in the city’s hospitality and gastronomy scene. As part of a strategic alliance with the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), these events transformed the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center into a vibrant hub for foodservice and hospitality.
A Massive Gathering of Professionals
Occupying an impressive 42,000 square meters, HORECA Riyadh, along with Host Arabia and Saudi Elite Chefs, attracted over 500 exhibitors showcasing more than 4,200 brands. The events drew in approximately 51,000 professional visitors from various regions, including the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Attendees explored numerous exhibition stands and engaged with emerging talent in the culinary arts.
Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Evolution
Jad Taktak, CEO of Semark Group, the organizer of HORECA, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s success, stating, “We marked a new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene.” The combination of HORECA Riyadh’s enduring legacy and the debut of Host Arabia reinforces the Kingdom’s strengthening reputation as a global hub for hospitality and culinary innovation.
Innovation Takes Center Stage
HORECA Riyadh solidified its role as a premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and educational opportunities within the hospitality sector. A rich agenda featured multiple competitions, including the esteemed Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Barista and Mocktail Competitions, and a series of insightful discussions known as The Talks, executed in partnership with Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services.
Salon du Chocolat: The Art of Pastry
The Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh was equally captivating, hosting 40 masterclasses, live demonstrations, and exciting pastry competitions led by a diverse range of 30 regional and international pastry chefs. The excitement in the air highlighted the appreciation for culinary craftsmanship and excellence.
Honoring Culinary Innovators
This year’s events also celebrated standout contributors to the culinary world with three special honorary awards. The Gastronomy Diplomacy Award was presented to Guillaume Gomez, former French ambassador for gastronomy, for his efforts in international culinary relations. Pierre Marcolini, the esteemed Belgian chocolatier, received the Visionary Award for his outstanding work in chocolate artistry, while Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, was recognized with the Leadership Award for her impactful role in fostering Saudi Arabia’s culinary talents.
Recognizing Local Talent
The Saudi Elite Chefs event, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission, showcased the extraordinary skills of some of the most talented chefs in the kingdom. This celebration emphasized the creativity, precision, and innovation that are hallmarks of Saudi culinary excellence, reaffirming the nation’s growing reputation in the global food scene.
A Hub for Culinary Connections
Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services and co-organizer of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, emphasized the events’ role as a driving force for regional development. “HORECA Riyadh continues to be a true platform that connects people, ideas, and opportunities,” she noted. The event highlighted not just major international brands but also local confectionery, showcasing the rich diversity of the culinary landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The Legacy of HORECA
Established nearly three decades ago, HORECA stands as an influential meeting point for top brands and industry experts in the hospitality and foodservice sectors. Over the years, it has built a strong presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, especially within Saudi Arabia. HORECA events are also hosted annually in Jeddah and other cities like Beirut, Kuwait, Amman, and Muscat, further solidifying its significance in the hospitality industry.
About Salon du Chocolat
Originating in Paris in 1994, the Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie has become the global benchmark for events celebrating chocolate, pastry, and confectionery excellence. Renowned for its international prestige, it gathers master chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and top-tier brands to appreciate and elevate culinary arts across the world. The event’s global reach includes major cities such as Lyon, Brussels, Tokyo, and Dubai, making it an essential platform for culinary professionals and chocolate lovers alike.
