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The 15th edition of the Varadero Gourmet International Festival concluded this Saturday at the Plaza América Convention Center, an event that has solidified its position as a benchmark for the development of Cuban gastronomy and its integration into tourism as a strategic asset, stated the Minister of Tourism of Cuba, Juan Carlos García Granda.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, García Granda also highlighted the achievements of the event, which demonstrated “the creativity, talent, and commitment of those who are dedicated to an authentic, diverse cuisine and proposals that enrich our vision of the future. Most importantly, we have reaffirmed that Cuban tourism boasts a network of solid suppliers, capable and committed to quality and innovation.”
He further emphasized the importance of the gathering, during whose sessions participants were able to update their knowledge and exchange ideas on best practices in key areas such as quality, innovation, culinary arts, and their integration with tourism.
In another part of his address, García Granda commended the work carried out by the festival’s organizers, which ensured the high quality of the event despite the difficult times the country is going through. He also highlighted the venue, Plaza América, whose role is essential in events such as this.
During the closing ceremony, awards were presented in various competitive categories, including Culinary Creations, Evolutionary Cocktails, Wine Tasting, Award for Best Wine Tasting, Salon Techniques, as well as Best Stand.
This 15th edition saw the participation of 714 individuals, including 84 exhibitors, 144 delegates, 33 contestants, 47 foreigners from nine countries, approximately 365 daily attendees, 15 speakers, 8 sponsors, 2 guests, 16 jury members, 11 members of the organizing committee, and representatives from 36 media outlets.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Liubersy Pérez Gutiérrez, president of the CubaSol business group; Lázaro Darién Casabella, general director of the Extrahotelera Palmares S.A. Company and president of the organizing committee; the ambassadors of Panama to Cuba, His Excellency Mr. Edwin Pitty Madrid, and of Peru, His Excellency Mr. Gonzalo Flavio Guillén Beker, among other dignitaries and officials from the country.
