The food industry during times of crisis, strengths and weaknesses of the domestic meat industry, supply chains, and trends in the non-alcoholic beverage market are just some of the topics of this year’s Weekend Food Festival.
The Weekend Food Festival is back with its second edition, set to put Rovinj and Croatia in the spotlight of the global gastronomic scene once again. From April 14th to 16th, Rovinj will host a series of informative panel discussions and educational lectures, providing insights into the latest developments in top restaurants and the food industry. This important event is a must-attend for all gastronomy enthusiasts, and will also feature talks by leaders from the largest companies in food production and retail, enriching the program further.
The Weekend Food Festival has evolved into a valuable platform for education, idea exchange, and networking for those in the food industry. This year’s event will offer visitors the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest industry insights and predictions amidst the challenges of the global crisis. Attendees can expect discussions on a variety of topics, including the strengths and weaknesses of the domestic meat industry, changes in consumer habits due to rising prices, and generational differences in dietary preferences. Additionally, domestic representatives from top food production and retail companies will share their thoughts on new methods of communicating and educating consumers, bakery products in retail, trends regarding non-alcoholic beverages, and the average Croatian diet. One of the highlights of the festival will be a unique panel discussion featuring Fabris Peruško, CEO of Fortenova Group, Martina Dalić, CEO of Podravka, and Nenad Klepač, CEO of Vindija, who will provide insights on how we can improve food production.
“I am extremely pleased that as a media outlet that covers the area of food production and trade, we have been able to contribute to the preparation of an inspiring and rich program for the festival. The thoughts and needs of the modern customer are a topic about which, especially in these circumstances, we have a lot to say, so I am pleased that we will have the opportunity to present our view on current events in retail, as well as the perspectives of key people in the industry on challenging food production,” said Maroje Sabljić, director of the portal and magazine Ja TRGOVAC, a program partner of the festival.
In its first year, this unique event has already established itself as one of the largest gourmet festivals in the region. With the list of renowned chefs and visits by well-known names and gastro experts, it’s no wonder. This year’s edition aims to bring together several thousand participants by expanding the program and involving all people from the world of food products. The goal is to provide an enjoyable, educational, and connective experience.
“I am sure that we will meet everyone’s expectations and that each participant will find numerous topics from specific segments and areas of interest,” said Boris Kovaček, the festival’s director. “In less than a month, we will step into the world of dynamic retail in Rovinj. The festival stage will host the names of leading domestic companies in the production and retail of food products, who will share their experiences and insights in 12 lectures and panel discussions.” The program promises to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in food and its production.
FoodTech Start-Up competition
In the quest for a sustainable future and the discovery of innovative long-term solutions in the increasingly demanding food industry, Maistra Hospitality Group, Infobip, Pepermint Agency, and Kaufland are reigniting their FoodTech Startup Competition. This competition is dedicated to discovering new and creative ideas that will support numerous budding ventures in the food and hospitality industry. The call for entries will be officially presented at the Weekend Food Festival, where potential contestants will have the opportunity to participate and talk to members of the expert jury. The winner will be announced at the Weekend Media Festival in September.
