Twelve regional championships, over 300 activities, and 217 exhibition stands showcasing products. That was the offer for three days last week at the Fairground of Tenerife within the framework of the 9th Gastronomic Salon GastroCanarias. On the other side, a record-breaking number of visitors: 21,347.
Contests, lectures, workshops, master classes, cooking shows, presentations, and tastings aplenty during the three days of a specialized forum considered the largest in terms of absolute numbers in Canarias. It was jointly organized by the Ferial Institution, under the Cabildo’s jurisdiction, and the company Interideas, owner of the brand.
The Island’s Industrial Councillor, Manuel Fernández, expresses his “commitment to this initiative, a reference and meeting point for companies, professionals in the agri-food sector of the Islands in the field of gastronomy, hospitality, and restaurants.” He also adds, “and for students and teachers in this branch of education.”
The co-director of the Gastronomic Salon, José Carlos Marrero (representing Interideas), values the occupancy of “the entire 17,000 square meters of the large nave of the Fairground with the participation of 93 local, regional, national, and international companies.”
GastroCanarias had representation from the Government of Canarias and the seven island cabildos. The municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Orotava, Los Realejos, and Guía de Isora, as well as La Graciosa, had their own stands, with La Graciosa initiating the first day.
As is customary, the regional championships generated great interest. GastroCanarias 2024 featured twelve major competitions, seven in the cooking category and five in beverages, with around 130 chefs, pastry chefs, and bartenders from all the islands participating as finalists. A novelty this year was the celebration of the 1st Canary Islands Hamburger Championship Grand Prix Europastry. This event emerged in a year when this gastronomic offer is trending and setting trends, consolidating the 2nd Canary Islands Tapas Championship Grand Prize Makro.
Regarding the cocktail championships, in collaboration with the Tenerife Bartenders Association (ABT) chaired by David Arrebola, the Canary Islands Classic Alcohol-Free Cocktail Championship Royal Bliss Grand Prize was established. The classic essence is maintained in the preparations and presentations to offer a version of the classic cocktail, but without the addition of alcohol, ideal for breaking the routine and enjoying something new at any time and situation.
The 9th Gastronomic Salon of Canarias was promoted by the regional government, the Cabildo de Tenerife, and the Santa Cruz City Council. It had as its main sponsors the companies Incabe/Heineken and Cajasiete.
The event’s global suppliers were El Corte Inglés, Whirlpool, Hoalve, Sammic, Chafiras, Europastry, Royal Bliss, MG Canarias, and the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey.
