Excelencias Group Launches Call for 11th International Gastronomic Seminar

The Excelencias Group is organizing the first halal event in Cuba, the 11th Excelencias Gourmet International Gastronomic Seminar under the title “Influence of Arab gastronomy on Spanish-American cuisine”, to be held at the Tropicana cabaret halls from Sept. 24 to 27, 2024, with the novelty that on the last day there will be a meeting between professionals from the food and beverage sector. 

Halal cuisine refers to any food that is permitted by Islamic law, as specified in the Koran. The growth of the Muslim consumer market, for which it is a requirement that all food and beverages be halal, obliges us to know the terms that describe the services, needs and practices related to their culture. In addition, worldwide, the search for a healthy gastronomy is gaining more and more strength, so many consumers buy food with Halal certification, or visit these establishments.

The XI Seminar is a unique opportunity to discover the influence of Arab gastronomy in Ibero-America, and to acquire experiences and tools for its performance in the universe of halal gastronomy and cocktails. This event will highlight the countries with the greatest contribution in the fusion of food, products and ingredients that for 800 years traveled from Arabia to Spain and, from there, to America, enriching the current Hispanic-American gastronomy.

The Seminar sessions will be spaces for learning, analysis, inspiration and gastronomic creation with the participation of experts through conferences, workshops, masterclasses, panels, show cooking and round tables; an opportunity to learn about the experiences of entrepreneurs, owners and managers of restaurants, enterprises and hotels, both in the state and non-state sector. Well-known professionals from the HORECA sector from different countries will share their knowledge and experiences; and a certificate of participation, issued by Formatur, will be awarded. 

On the day dedicated to the professional meeting, companies linked to tourism and gastronomy, both state-owned and private, will be able to participate in pre-arranged B2B rounds, and will also be able to present their products and services.

The program also includes a tour of emblematic bars in Havana, Ibero-American Capital of Cocktails, guided by their protagonists, at a special moment when the centennial of the Cuban Bartenders Association is being celebrated. 

The event also calls for participation in the competitions to select the Best Sweet and Best Ceviche and in the traditional 15x15 Cooking Contest, endorsed by the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy, whose vice president is Mr. Jose Carlos de Santiago, president of the Excelencias Group.