Minister of Tourism and Minister of Agriculture Attend the Opening of HORECA Lebanon

HORECA Lebanon opened its doors at "Sea Side Arena," launching its 30th edition and marking three decades of presence as the annual business hub for the region's hospitality and food service sectors.

"Hospitality Services" organizes this pivotal edition, which brings together more than 400 exhibitors and 2,500 brands across a 13,000-square-meter space distributed over three halls. Over four days, the exhibition is expected to welcome 24,000 professional visitors, including chefs, restaurant owners, producers, distributors, architects, interior designers, and sector leaders.

Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud and Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani attended the opening. The ceremony was also attended by sector leaders, business professionals, and media representatives. The guest of honor was Mr. Guillaume Gomez, President of the Culinary Arts Group and Ambassador of French Gastronomy.

In this context, Jumana Demous Salameh, Co-founder and CEO of Hospitality Services, said: "The opening of the 30th edition is a milestone for HORECA Lebanon and for the professionals who have shaped its journey over three decades. This edition reflects the resilience of a sector that continues to build, adapt, and move forward, while HORECA Lebanon remains the platform where this sector meets with a clear purpose."

For the first time, three curated spaces introduce creators to HORECA, linking the craftsmanship behind the dish and the dining room with the professionals who create them. In From Soil to Table, ceramicists showcase contemporary craft. Chair Mania features designers reinventing the chair through Lebanese heritage and modern design. Meanwhile, Anatomy of a Meal includes contemporary photographers capturing culinary art.

Lebanese-made products take center stage in HORECA Innovations, where an expert committee curates over 25 products in the fields of food, beverages, equipment, and services. The "Rising Stars" category honors small producers who have left their mark on the sector, while "Jury Choices" are selected and the "Audience Choice" award is also announced.

The Hosted Buyers' Program welcomes 25 influential buyers from the region seeking Lebanese products and partnerships, while the Job Meeting Point connects hotel owners, restaurant owners, and hiring managers with professionals looking for new opportunities.

HORECA Talks brings together more than 100 guest speakers in daily dialogue sessions on trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the sector in Lebanon and the region, while HORECA Studio adds specialized classes and sessions with top chefs and experts, along with book signings and discussions.

Talent takes the spotlight, with more than 200 competitors facing over 35 members of international judging panels, experts, and celebrity guests over the four days. The Hospitality Salon Culinaire and Junior Chef Competition are held at the HORECA Stage. HORECA Theatre hosts the HORECA Barista Competition, recently accredited by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), alongside the Latte Art Competition, Lebanese Bartenders Competition, and Mocktail Competition.

Around the halls, visitors discover food and beverage products, from meats, seafood, dairy, and baked goods to coffee, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, alongside hotel and kitchen equipment, furniture and interior design, tableware, linens, technology, packaging, consulting services, and recruitment and education services.

HORECA Lebanon is supported by the Ministries of Tourism, Economy and Trade, Industry, and Agriculture, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the Restaurant Owners Syndicate, the Hotel Owners Syndicate, and the Lebanese Franchise Association.