Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The HORECA Trade Fair is the premier event for the hospitality industry in North and East Netherlands. Over three days, it brings together restaurant owners, chefs, and industry professionals to explore new products, network, and discover innovative solutions.
This event is a key opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their brands and connect with potential clients. HORECA Trade Fair takes place in Hardenberg, Netherlands.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: HORECA Trade Fair takes place from February 1 to 3, 2027, at Evenementenhal Hardenberg, Netherlands.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event gathers over 5,000 hospitality professionals from North and East Netherlands.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Easyfairs, more details available at horeca-vakbeurs.nl.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include restaurant owners, chefs, managers, and purchasing agents seeking new products.
- 5Entry: Free registration is required for trade visitors.
Why visit
Attending the HORECA Trade Fair offers valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality sector. Network with industry leaders and discover new suppliers and products that can enhance your business operations. Engage in live demonstrations and masterclasses to gain practical knowledge.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the HORECA Trade Fair allows you to connect directly with thousands of hospitality professionals. Increase your brand visibility and generate valuable leads by showcasing your products and solutions to a targeted audience actively seeking new ideas and partnerships. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Food and beverage suppliers, Kitchen equipment manufacturers, Technology providers for hospitality. Position your offer across food and beverage.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Owner-operators of independent restaurants, brasseries and lunchrooms buying kitchen equipment, tableware and menu ingredients
Hotel F&B managers and head chefs sourcing breakfast, banqueting and a-la-carte suppliers for Dutch hotel kitchens
Purchasing and procurement managers from horeca chains and catering groups comparing foodservice wholesalers and framework pricing
Cafe, bar and terrace operators looking at coffee machines, draught beer systems, glassware, snacks and outdoor furniture
Contract and institutional caterers from care, hospital, education and company restaurants sourcing grootkeuken equipment and portioned food
Horeca entrepreneurs and start-ups planning a first fit-out or refurbishment in Overijssel, Drenthe, Twente and the nearby German border districts
Food and non-food wholesalers scouting brands and pack sizes to add to their Dutch horeca assortment
Hospitality educators, students and sector advisers tracking Dutch horeca supply, HACCP documentation and staff-training offers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage producers and importers (fresh, frozen, dairy, bakery, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine) selling into Dutch horeca
Commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration suppliers: combi steamers, dishwashers, cold rooms, extraction and small-wares ranges
Coffee, tea and bar equipment brands running machine demos for baristas and barkeepers on the stand
Tableware, glassware, disposables and takeaway packaging suppliers for dine-in and delivery operations
Horeca software vendors covering POS, reservations, kitchen display, stock and staff planning
Hygiene, cleaning and HACCP compliance suppliers plus food-safety testing and advice services
Interior, furniture and terrace suppliers targeting restaurant and hotel refurbishment budgets
Foodservice wholesalers, cash-and-carry groups and distribution partners recruiting horeca accounts in the eastern Netherlands
Trade bodies, horeca training providers, recruitment agencies and sector insurers serving Dutch hospitality businesses
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fresh, frozen and chilled food: meat, fish, convenience, vegetables, dairy and bakery
Drinks: soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, beer, wine and spirits, plus draught beer systems and bar equipment
Commercial kitchen equipment: combi steamers, ranges, fryers, dishwashers, refrigeration, blast chillers and extraction
Grootkeuken and institutional kitchen kit for care, hospital, education and company catering
Tableware, glassware, cutlery, buffet and display equipment
Takeaway and delivery packaging, disposables and food-waste handling
Horeca software: POS, self-order kiosks, reservations, kitchen display, inventory and staff planning
Hygiene, cleaning and HACCP supplies, pest control and food-safety services
Interior, furniture, lighting and terrace equipment for restaurant and hotel refurbishment
Foodservice wholesale, cash-and-carry and distribution services, plus financing, insurance and horeca training
Location & Facilities
Venue
Evenementenhal Hardenberg
Energieweg 2, 7772 TV Hardenberg
Facilities
Parking
Evenementenhal Hardenberg in Hardenberg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Evenementenhal Hardenberg in Hardenberg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Evenementenhal Hardenberg for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Easyfairs
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Hardenberg, Netherlands
Why it matters
Attending HORECA Trade Fair on 2027-02-01 to 2027-02-03 in Hardenberg lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Coevorden
4-star
Coevorden (near Hardenberg)Listed among 110 Hardenberg hotel results; guests describe it as on a quiet close-end street.
Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, bar, restaurant, room service, full-service laundry
Hotel Hardenberg
hotel
HardenbergRated 4.2; guest notes it is not close to a city centre but a good experience.
Free Wi-Fi, free parking
Hotel Restaurant De Gloepe
hotel
Hardenberg countryside (near the Vechte)Casual countryside hotel close to the Vechte river.
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, pet-friendly, restaurant, kid-friendly
't Hooge Holt
hotel
HardenbergRated 4.1; offers kitchen-equipped rooms suited to longer stays.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar, restaurant, kitchen in rooms
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rail (international arrival to Zwolle)
Estimated costApprox. EUR 30-35 one way second class to Hardenberg; confirm NS and Arriva fares and any off-peak discount
Best forAmsterdam Airport Schiphol to Zwolle by NS Intercity, then change to the regional Vechtdallijnen service towards Emmen
Allow roughly two to two and a half hours to Hardenberg station including the change at Zwolle; check live timetables as regional services run less frequently in the evening.
Bus or taxi from Hardenberg station
Estimated costApprox. EUR 3-5 local bus single ticket; approx. EUR 10-18 taxi depending on pick-up point and traffic
Best forHardenberg railway station to Evenementenhal Hardenberg
The venue is outside the immediate station area, so a short bus or taxi hop is the usual choice; confirm current bus lines and taxi ranks locally.
Car
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20-35 fuel from Amsterdam region return depending on vehicle; parking at the venue, confirm any rate with the venue
Best forRegional roads N34 and N36 towards Hardenberg; from the west via Zwolle and Ommen, from the south via Almelo and Coevorden, from Germany via the A37 border crossing
Hardenberg is not on the motorway network, so allow extra time for the final regional roads, especially in morning peak and winter weather.
Parking at venue
Estimated costConfirm the current parking arrangement and any rate with the venue or organiser
Best forEvenementenhal Hardenberg on-site car park
On-site parking is available, which most regional visitors use; arrive before opening on the first morning when the car park and badge desks are busiest.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Estimated costApprox. EUR 10-18 for a short in-town ride; confirm the meter or app quote before departure
Best forHardenberg town and hotels to Evenementenhal Hardenberg
Ride-hailing coverage in this part of Overijssel is thinner than in Amsterdam or Utrecht; pre-book a local taxi for the return leg if you stay for closing time.
Weather
Hardenberg sits in the Vechtdal in Overijssel, and February is late winter there: daytime highs typically around 5-7 C, night-time near freezing with occasional light frost, and a mix of drizzle, rain and short snow episodes. Wind across the open regional roads makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. The exhibition halls are indoors, so weather mainly affects the station, car park and any walk to dinner in town; check the forecast in the week before travel and keep a waterproof layer in your bag.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Hotel listings near the venue consistently include free Wi-Fi; confirm mobile roaming or a local Dutch SIM for data during the show.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Trade-fair etiquette
Horeca Vakbeurs is a professional vakbeurs, so introductions start with company and role. Bring business cards or a digital contact card, and expect exhibitors to ask about covers, kitchen capacity or current supplier contracts rather than give a general pitch.
Language
Dutch is the working language of most stands and visitors, but English is widely spoken in the Dutch horeca sector. Ask for English quotes or spec sheets if you need them, and expect German to be understood by exhibitors active in the border trade.
Payments and practicalities
Debit card payment (PIN) is the norm in the Netherlands and many stands and cafes are effectively cashless. Bring a bank card that works with Dutch terminals and check whether your card provider charges for foreign transactions.
Regional context
Hardenberg lies in the Vechtdal, close to the German border and within reach of Zwolle, Coevorden, Emmen and Almelo. That catchment shape is visible on the floor: regional restaurant and hotel operators mix with German buyers and wholesale buyers from Drenthe and Twente.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights searches for 1-5 Feb 2027 priced Tokyo and Sydney departures as typical to high for the season and New York fares as high, so book early for February arrivals. AMS is the main international gateway used in the capture; allow extra time for the onward rail/road leg to Hardenberg. Prices include taxes and fees for one adult; optional bag fees may apply.
Visa
A business visitor to Hardenberg needs a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) if they are a non-EU/EEA national without a visa-free agreement with the Schengen area. Permitted activities include meetings, business negotiations, visiting suppliers and attending trade fairs; stays are capped at 90 days within any 180-day rolling period across Schengen. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and holders of a valid Schengen residence permit do not need a visa, and visa-exempt nationalities will need ETIAS authorisation.
Apply through official Dutch government channels (NetherlandsWorldwide) with the short-stay application form; attending a trade fair is an accepted business-visit purpose. Confirm your nationality's status before booking travel.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Hardenberg; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Evenementenhal Hardenberg: Coevorden (near Hardenberg): Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Coevorden; Hardenberg: Hotel Hardenberg; Hardenberg countryside (near the Vechte): Hotel Restaurant De Gloepe.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Hardenberg; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The workable rail route is Intercity to Zwolle, then the regional Vechtdallijnen train towards Emmen, alighting at Hardenberg station; from there a short bus or taxi ride reaches Evenementenhal Hardenberg. From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol allow roughly two to two and a half hours including the change at Zwolle. Regional trains run less frequently in the evening, so check live NS and Arriva timetables and buy a single or day ticket at the station machine or via the operator app before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Evenementenhal Hardenberg; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Approx. 0 C to 7 C in February, with daytime highs near 5-7 C and night-time often at or just below freezing; wind and damp air make it feel colder around the station and car park.
Seasonality: Late-winter rain and drizzle are common in the Vechtdal, with occasional short snow or sleet episodes. The halls are indoors, so plan for wet transfers rather than outdoor walking: waterproof shoes, a compact umbrella and a warm layer, plus extra time on regional roads and trains if it freezes overnight.
Packing: February 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at HORECA Trade Fair usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
D-14: Register for a trade badge via horeca-vakbeurs.nl and check which business details the organiser needs to confirm horeca-sector admission.
T-2
D-14: Book accommodation in Hardenberg, Gramsbergen or Coevorden; the local room stock is limited and fills around the February show days.
T-3
D-12: Fix your travel mode - rail to Hardenberg station via Zwolle, or car via the N34/N36 with venue parking - and book flexible tickets.
T-4
D-10: Download the exhibitor list and mark stands by product group: kitchen equipment, food and drink, coffee and beer systems, POS software, packaging, furniture.
T-5
D-10: Set one or two buying goals per hall so you are not walking the aisles without decisions to make.
T-6
D-8: Prepare a one-page buying brief with covers per day, kitchen capacity, current supplier contract end dates and a budget ceiling.
T-7
D-7: Bring your company VAT number and Chamber of Commerce details for trade registration and any B2B order or quote paperwork.
T-8
D-5: Check the organiser timetable for opening hours, demo times and any workshop or trend session you want to attend.
T-9
D-4: Ask current suppliers orDutch horeca peers which stands at Horeca Vakbeurs they rate for service and lead times after the show.
T-10
D-2: Pack for late-winter Vechtdal weather: insulated jacket, waterproof shoes for the car park and a warm layer for the halls.
T-11
D-1: Load your badge or confirmation email, save the venue address and check live train times for the Zwolle connection.
T-12
D-0: Arrive at opening to walk the equipment halls before the busiest hours, and leave time for a second pass on any stand you want to negotiate with.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Evenementenhal Hardenberg
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2HORECA Trade Fair registration concourse
Evenementenhal Hardenberg
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Evenementenhal Hardenberg
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether HORECA Trade Fair fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Horeca Vakbeurs in Hardenberg?
It is a Dutch trade fair for the hospitality sector, held at Evenementenhal Hardenberg in the Vechtdal region of Overijssel. Exhibitors cover food and drink, commercial kitchen equipment, tableware, horeca software, hygiene, interiors and foodservice wholesale, aimed at restaurant, hotel, cafe and catering buyers rather than the general public.
When does the next edition take place?
The edition covered here is scheduled for February 2027 at Evenementenhal Hardenberg. Confirm the exact show days and opening hours on horeca-vakbeurs.nl before you book rail tickets or hotel rooms, because regional hotel capacity tightens around the show dates.
Can anyone visit, or is it trade only?
Horeca Vakbeurs is a vakbeurs, meaning a professional trade fair. Visitors register in advance and usually need to show that they work in or supply the hospitality sector, so complete the organiser's registration before travelling and carry company details with you.
How do I get to Evenementenhal Hardenberg by public transport?
The usual rail route is an Intercity to Zwolle, then the regional Vechtdallijnen train towards Emmen, getting off at Hardenberg station. From the station it is a short bus or taxi ride to the venue; allow roughly two and a half to three hours from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol including the change at Zwolle, and check live timetables before travel.
Which airports are closest to Hardenberg?
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international gateway with a direct rail link to Zwolle. Groningen Airport Eelde is the nearest regional airport with scheduled service, and Munster Osnabruck and Dusseldorf are practical options for German and other continental visitors arriving by car. Compare onward transfer time, not just flight time.
Where should I stay during the fair?
Hardenberg itself has a limited number of rooms, with options such as Hotel Hardenberg, Hotel Restaurant De Gloepe and the apartment-style 't Hooge Holt. Coevorden, about a short drive away, adds the four-star Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Coevorden. Book early for fair week and confirm parking and breakfast when you reserve.
Which product groups can I compare at the show?
Expect food and drink suppliers, combi steamers and other kitchen equipment, refrigeration, dishwashers, tableware and glassware, coffee and draught beer systems, takeaway packaging, POS and reservation software, hygiene and HACCP supplies, interior and terrace furniture, plus foodservice wholesalers and horeca services.
Is the fair worth a day for a single-site restaurant owner?
Yes, if you arrive with a defined list: a kitchen equipment upgrade, a menu or supplier change, or a coffee and beer setup. Comparing equipment in person and tasting products is faster than reading catalogues. Bring your covers, kitchen capacity and budget ceiling so exhibitors can quote against real requirements.
Should exhibitors bring Dutch-language materials?
Most visitors are Dutch horeca operators, so Dutch signage and price lists help, with English versions for German and other international buyers. Product names, allergen information and HACCP documentation should be available in Dutch if you hand out food samples or quote equipment for Dutch kitchens.
Is parking available at the venue?
Evenementenhal Hardenberg has on-site parking, which matters because many regional visitors arrive by car via the N34 or N36. Confirm current parking arrangements and any rate with the venue or organiser, and allow extra time on the first morning when the car park and badge desks are busiest.
Glossary
- Horeca
- Dutch umbrella term for hotels, restaurants and cafes. In a trade-fair setting it covers the whole food-service chain: restaurants, bars, lunchrooms, hotels, contract caterers and institutional kitchens.
- Vakbeurs
- Dutch for trade-only fair: an exhibition aimed at professional buyers who register in advance rather than a public consumer show. Horeca Vakbeurs follows this trade-fair model, so bring company details to register.
- HACCP
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, the food-safety management system Dutch horeca operators must document. It is why refrigeration, hygiene, cleaning and temperature-logging products feature so heavily at horeca fairs.
- Foodservice
- The supply chain delivering food, drink and non-food consumables to horeca and institutional kitchens. Foodservice wholesalers and cash-and-carry groups are a core exhibitor group at Horeca Vakbeurs.
- Grootkeuken
- Dutch for a large-scale or institutional kitchen, such as in a care home, hospital, school or company restaurant. Equipment differs from a restaurant line: bulk cooking, blast chillers, tray systems and portioning.
- Combi steamer
- An oven combining convection heat with steam injection, widely used in Dutch professional kitchens for meat, fish, bakery and regeneration work. Live cooking demos on the equipment stands are a typical draw at the fair.
- Bierinstallatie
- Dutch for a draught beer installation: cooling, keg couplers, taps and line cleaning. Bars, cafes and sports-club canteens compare systems and line-maintenance contracts at horeca trade fairs.
- Cash-and-carry
- A wholesale format where horeca operators collect goods themselves or combine collection with delivery. Dutch cash-and-carry groups and brand importers use horeca fairs to recruit new accounts.
- Vechtdal
- The Vecht river valley in Overijssel where Hardenberg sits. The fair's catchment reaches Zwolle, Coevorden, Emmen, Almelo and the German border districts, which is why German buyers appear in the aisles.
- Evenementenhal
- Dutch naming for an exhibition hall. Evenementenhal Hardenberg is the venue hosting Horeca Vakbeurs, with hall-based stands and on-site parking for visitors travelling by car.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Horeca Vakbeurs
- Hardenberg
- Netherlands
- 2027
- HORECA
- HORECA 2027
- HORECA Hardenberg
- HORECA Hardenberg 2027
- Hardenberg Netherlands
- Hospitality
5 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.