Hostex 2024 – Africa’s food, drink and hospitality expo – opens today

Sandton, South Africa – 3 March 2024 - Today marks the much-anticipated opening of Hostex 2024, the premier event in the hospitality and food industry, at Sandton Convention Centre. Hostex, held biennially, provides a unique platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, grow, source innovative solutions, and be inspired.

Hostex 2024 promises three days packed with opportunities for professionals across the hospitality spectrum. Doors open at 09:30 and close at 16:30 from Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 March, offering free-to-attend talks by industry thought leaders and trendsetters, culinary demonstrations and hotly contested barista action.

Source innovative solutions

With over 100 exhibitors, many of whom will be launching new products and services, Hostex is the best opportunity to source solutions to unlock revenue streams and tap into new markets. From cutting-edge technology to sustainable solutions, Hostex showcases innovations, trends, products and services that drive the industry forward.

Be inspired

Experience live culinary demonstrations by top chefs in The Skillery by SA Chefs, including Jonathan Morena (Southern Sun Sandton), Chef Farzana Alvarado (Zana Alvarado Collection), Chef Andile Somdaka (Eziko Restaurant) and Jayvee Estologa (54 on Bath). Watch the nail-biting semi-finals and finals of the SCASA Coffee Championships. Attend free thought-provoking seminars by industry experts in the Industry Hub theatre, including talks by Hostex ambassadors James Khoza (President of SA Chefs), Niels Verspui (Market Head/Team Lead South Africa for RoomRaccoon), Moses Magwaza (senior sommelier and Eat Out judge), Cleo Johnson (founder of NueCleo) and catch Iain Evans (publisher of The Coffee Magazine) at the National Coffee Championships.

Beverage attractions

Hostex 2024 introduces the brand-new Wine Bar, showcasing a selection of wines from leading estates and brands including Kleine Zalze, Yethu Wines, Liq-Core, Stettyn Wines, 2* Wilderer Distillers, and KBD Wines. Additionally, witness the thrilling finals in three categories of the National Coffee Championships by SCASA, where the winners will represent South Africa on the world stage at the World Cup Tasters Championship, World Barista Championships, and World Latte Art Championship.

Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, emphasised the significance of exhibitions in the post-COVID digital era, stating, "In a digital age, exhibitions like Hostex play a crucial role in redefining the landscape of the hospitality industry. They provide invaluable opportunities for face-to-face interactions, networking, and exploring innovations, particularly vital for the South African hospitality sector as it navigates through transformative times."

Join Hostex from 3 to 5 March at Sandton Convention Centre. Register now at http://www.hostex.co.za to secure your spot and avoid the queues. Hostex is a trade expo and is a free to attend for hospitality industry professionals. No under 18s or prams permitted.

Follow Hostex on social media for updates and information on the full programme of activities in the Skillery, Industry Hub seminar theatre and Barista Championship:

• Facebook - @hostexza
• Instagram - @hostex_2024
• LinkedIn - @hostex-2024

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ABOUT HOSTEX
Since its inception in 1986, HOSTEX has become a leading expo for food, drink, and hospitality professionals across Africa. The show provides an unmatched platform for industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to gather, share insights, and do business. For more information, please visit www.hostex.co.za.