Minister of Agriculture and Food, Miroslav Naydenov, impressed by the exhibition stands at VINARIA 2011
For the first time, three exhibition events, VINARIA, FOODTECH and HORECA PLOVDIV, are held simultaneously from 23 to 26 February 2011 at the Fairgrounds of International Fair Plovdiv.
On display at the exhibitions are leading companies from about 20 countries. This year's VINARIA and FOODTECH take place under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Miroslav Naydenov. At the exhibition stand of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, experts provide information and consulting on various opportunities to invest in viticulture supported by EU programmes.
During his visit to the exhibitions, the Minister of Agriculture and Food first saw the new wine collections displayed at the exhibition stands of VINARIA 2011. In his opinion, the wine industry in Bulgaria has been developing very well in recent years.
Miroslav Naydenov visited the exhibition stand of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food
The simultaneous holding of VINARIA, FOODTECH and HORECA PLOVDIV reflects the new IFP's concept and the global exhibition industry trends. The organizers offer a venue for the presentation of related industries having a common marketing interest. "We do our best to bring exhibitors and customers closer together. The Day of Restaurant Business and the Day of Hotel Business are organized for the first time. Exhibitors are given the opportunity to show their products to the professional audience of owners and managers of restaurants, hotels, Spa centres, catering companies. The simultaneous holding of the three exhibitions is a step towards the implementation of the new development policy of IFP aimed at meeting the demands of our partners and customers to create modern conditions for doing business", explained Mr. Ivan Sokolov, Senior Director of International Fair Plovdiv, at the press conference.
This change received the approval of exhibitors and trade visitors. Over 10.000 visitors are expected to attend the events.
"VINARIA paves the way to success of many companies within the sector", said Mr. Krassimir Koev, Director of the Executive Agency on Vine and Wine in his address prior to the opening.
"Only a few industry sectors make such an advancement. Your energy makes us believe in a better future" was said in the welcoming address of the Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Mr. Traycho Traykov", delivered by the Ms. Milena Tzenova, Chief of Minister's Cabinet.
"International Fair Plovdiv has again succeeded in offering adequate solutions in times of crisis. The very fact that major companies make a comeback is a sign that IFP has preserved its most important characteristic feature – to serve as a business compass", commented Mr. Slavcho Atanasov, Mayor of Plovdiv prior to the opening of the events.
"Exhibitors present successful new developments in all three exhibitions. Among the facts proving the wine industry progress, is the record-breaking number of six Golden Rhyton Awards presented this year", pointed out Prof. Plamen Mollov, Chairman of BD of the National Vine and Wine Chamber, the organizer of the National Wine and Spirit Tasting, the most prestigious wine industry competition in Bulgaria. A total of 436 awards were presented; wine samples received 132 gold medals, 143 silver medals and 98 bronze medals. In the spirits (rakia) category, the award-winners received 16 gold, 46 silver and 25 bronze medals.
Along with wines and spirits, the participants in VINARIA 2011 exhibit machinery and equipment for viticulture and winemaking.
The International Exhibition of Food & Drinks, Packaging, Machines and Technologies FOODTECH has attracted Bulgarian and foreign companies offering foods and drinks, packaging, equipment and technologies. The healthy food products are in the highlights this year. The Gourmet Zone, one of the most interesting attractions of VINARIA, is now open to participants in FOODTECH. Famous professional chefs demonstrate their skills and the audience can taste meals, as well as drinks prepared during the bartender and barista show held every day.
Exhibitors at VINARIA and FOODTECH can also enter the Consumer's Choice Competition and receive visitors' recognition in the categories: meat and dairy products, canned food, bakery and confectionery products, wines and spirits.
A further highlight of HORECA PLOVDIV is the Spa and Wellness Exhibition showing Spa and Wellness traditions as a new lifestyle.