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Your Food, Gastronomy & Beer Expert

Food, Gastronomy & Beer

Why did two of the leading gastronomy events in the world – The World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards and the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism – choose Flanders as their location in 2021? Because the land of fries, chocolate and beer is one of the newest hotspots on the culinary world map.

Nice to know

The world-famous praline was born in 1857 in a Brussels pharmacy.
Flanders and Brussels boast no fewer than 10,000 cafés and 97 Michelin-starred restaurants.
AB-InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has its headquarters in Leuven.
The Belgian beer culture was recognized by UNESCO as intangible world heritage.

Flemish gastronomy is based on centuries-old traditions. Our chefs skillfully translate these traditions into innovative initiatives, taking into consideration the right balance between local and global. Sustainability and gastronomy go hand in hand.

At the same time, the wider food sector is working towards a more competitive, innovative, and sustainable agro-food industry. In Flanders we look for integrated solutions, innovative value chains, and system innovations in the food system. The focus is on the relationship between nutrition, health, and sustainability.

Enjoying the good life is in the Flemish blood. You will notice this when you host your conference here. Your delegates will not only be amazed by our gastronomy, our variety of beers and famous chocolate, but also by our hospitality and friendliness. Your conference will be warmly welcomed here, and will be supported by gastronomy experts, the business community, the government, and the general public.

Our partners – and consequently potential partners of your conference

Sector Organisations

  • Flanders Food Faculty – network organisation to promote Flanders’ gastronomy
  • Flanders Food – Flanders’ Food Cluster Organisation
  • Horeca Vlaanderen – Hotel, restaurant, and bar federation
  • Brewers of Europe – federation of national brewers’ associations in Europe

Research & education

  • ILVO – Flanders Research Institute for agriculture, fisheries, and food
  • UGent – Food2Know, centre of excellence for feed, food, and health
  • KU Leuven – Food Science and Nutrition Research Center (LFoRCe)
  • UAntwerpen – Research group NatuRa (Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis)
  • VIVES University College – expertise centre for agro- and biotechnology
  • Inagro – knowledge partner for agricultural and horticultural businesses

Industry

  • Fevia – Belgian food industry federation
  • Brewers: AB InBev, Duvel Moortgat, Alken-Maes, etc.
  • Chocolate: Callebaut, Côte d’Or, Neuhaus, Leonidas,, etc.

Government

  • Flemish Institute for Healthy Living
Food, Gastronomy & Beer

Read our free e-book on Food, Gastronomy & Beer

How do Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adria draw inspiration? Why is a Flemish company trying to bake bread on Mars? What trends in gastronomy will play a role in the future? Read it all in this e-book, spiced with advice on your next conference in Food, Gastronomy & Beer.

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How we support your conference in Food, Gastronomy & Beer

Your conference in Food, Gastronomy & Beer is right at home in Flanders. Contact our expert in your domain for more information about the free support we offer to your association or PCO.

  • We put together the strongest possible local organising committee.
  • We provide the best recommendations regarding venue, catering, accommodation and activities.
  • We help you define the positive, long-term impact of your conference.
  • You get the use of our state-of-the art technology for hybrid conferences.
  • We gladly welcome the board of your association or PCO for an inspirational visit.
  • Our service and support are free of charge.

Your Food, Gastronomy & Beer Expert