8th edition of Horeca Kuwait underway

KUWAIT: Over 100 companies from the hospitality and food industry are participating in 8th edition of Horeca Kuwait, being held from Jan 14 to 16, 2019 at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds. The event includes various activities and competitions. "This annual exhibition reflects the New Kuwait vision 2035 that aims to turn Kuwait into an international financial and commercial center, where the private sector leads development. Sponsoring this event in which many small enterprises are participating is part of the development plan. Many countries depend on small and medium businesses for alternative sources of income for the national budget," said State Minister for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel during the opening of the exhibition yesterday.

"This exhibition presents an interactive platform for various sectors including hospitality, food industries, hotels, resorts, restaurants and many others. This should bring new work opportunities for the national manpower, and will also improve the work environment," she added. "The government always supports national products and particularly the industrial sector. Food industries here are very important for strategic food security, so the government supports it, as well as the development of the hospitality sector. This needs cooperation with the education sector to meet the needs of the labor market," explained Aqeel.

Nabila Al-Anjeri, Head of the Organizing Committee of Horeca, highlighted the increasing success of this event. "The number of participants this year is more than double of the number in the first edition. The sectors that are participating in this fair are partners of the development plan of Kuwait. Without the support of the companies and institutions that are participating in Horeca, the plan cannot be realized," she pointed out.

The exhibition is held over an area of 7,000 sq m. Many ambassadors attended the opening ceremony, where over 100 companies are displaying their services and products, which represents a 25 percent growth in the number of companies. A competition accompanying the fair includes various categories - best chocolate design, best sweets, best cake for occasions and best cake for weddings. Other cooking competitions include the best traditional Kuwaiti dish, best Kuwaiti sweets, best steak, best sushi, best sandwich, best preparation for the family, best design on ice and many others. Every day, there will be competitions including more categories, which will be judged by a judging committee from abroad. Various workshops will also be held. The exhibition is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

By Nawara Fattahova