The 2nd Gourmet Olive and Delicacies Exhibition in Thessaloniki, Greece on May 5, 6 and 7 confirmed for the second consecutive year that Gourmet is an exclusive exhibition. Over three hundred fine foods and natural personal care products from seventy two artisan Greek producers were showcased in a three-day festive Gourmet exhibition.
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Extra virgin olive oils, olives, honey, jams, chutneys, spreads, sauces, cheese, spoon sweets, chocolates, herbs, nuts, cookies, handmade pasta, spirits, oils, soaps and many more natural personal care products, aromatic plant syrups, olive oil and balsamic pearls, and premium mushroom products, all from dynamic businesses, earned a place in the Greek specialty food basket for the world-wide consumer.
International buyers, local wholesalers, restaurant owners, delis, hotel professionals and the public had the opportunity to talk with the producers at length, learning about their products and their history, tasting and enjoying both traditional and innovative foods. Commercial visitors participated in a series of interactive activities in order to further master the special characteristics and uses of each type of product exhibited. Master Classes, presentations and tastings especially designed for business audiences and food journalists included Products which travel, Macedonian Land, New Applications, Locally-sourced Production, and Vegetarian Diet.
A seminar on making soaps and cosmetics with edible materials attracted the attention of the public. The Mentoring Corner, where professional personal advice was offered to all interested parties, both exhibitors and buyers, was a great success. Finally, all visitors were eligible to sign up for a session at the Olive Bar professional tastings or the Chef Shows where famous professionals demonstrated exciting new recipes. Stelios Parliaros created wonders using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, as did the pastry chef from Makedonia Palace Hotel, and Mirslini Lambraki did an excellent job cooking with the products of the exhibitors, using olive oil pearls as decorations.
The Gourmet Olive & Delicacies exhibition established the first Olive Bar in Greece in 2016 and placed it at the center of the exhibition hall to signify the importance of the Greek Liquid Gold. At the bar this year, olive oil tastings were led by qualified professionals throughout the three-day show. Olive oils from all over Greece were tasted by small groups of interested buyers and guests. The sommeliers explained how to detect flaws, how to distinguish the different organoleptic features of each extra virgin olive oil and how to choose an olive oil for every occasion.
At the fair there were extra virgin olive oils, organic, PDO, PGI, low acidity and early harvest. Exclusive olive and olive oil products such as olive oil pearls and olives stuffed with creamed feta cheese and black truffles were some of this year's additions. Finally, the “Gourmet's Cocktail” was proudly presented by bartender Anastasis Viziinos; it includes a good portion of extra virgin olive oil, along with tsikoudia and tomato juice!
The highlight of the exhibition was the Public Awards, where visitors were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite products. This year’s winners are
- Olive Oil: Makara Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Delicatessen: Imperial Olives
- Personal Care Product: Cura Naturale
- Packaging: Kontogiannis Family
- Innovation: Rhoeco – Fine Organic Foods
The 2nd Gourmet Olive & Delicacies Exhibition attracted the media, and a large number of journalists from Northern Greece as well as Athens covered the event in person. The Gourmet team has started to prepare for next year’s event with fresh ideas, new collaborations and lots of excitement. If you wish to visit us next year, please visit our website: www.gourmetoliveexhibition.com
At Gourmet we create tradition, we create experiences!