15th Edition of the Varadero Gourmet International Festival successfully concludes
The closing ceremony was attended by the island’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda
Posted by Cristian Rojas, 14/09/2025
Photos: Bienvenido and Excelencias magazines
The 15th edition of the Varadero Gourmet International Festival 2025 concluded at the Plaza América Convention and Shopping Center, located in Cuba’s main beach resort, after three intense academic days.
The closing ceremony was attended by the island’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, who recognized the work of the organizers and the venue for achieving a high-level event in a complex context, while also highlighting the significance of reaching its fifteenth anniversary.
He emphasized that the festival is a benchmark for the development of Cuban gastronomy and its strategic integration into tourism.
He also highlighted the creativity, talent, and commitment of the participants to authentic and diverse cuisine, and reaffirmed the strength, capacity, and commitment to quality and innovation of the Cuban tourism supplier network.
According to official figures, this edition brought together 714 participants, with a significant international representation of 47 foreigners from nine countries.
The event featured 84 exhibitors, 144 delegates, 33 contestants, 15 speakers, 8 sponsors, two special guests, 16 jury members, 11 members of the organizing committee, and 36 media outlets and journalists.
Among the new features were the participation of the private tourism sector, the presence of six new suppliers, and the holding of the 1st International Franchise Workshop.
The latter was an opportunity to exchange experiences, showcase culinary art and the history of emblematic brands such as La Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita and El Gato Tuerto, demonstrating the potential of this business model to expand its presence internationally.
The closing gala of the 15th Varadero Gourmet International Festival 2025 included awards for competitions in various cocktail, entertainment, and cooking categories held between representatives of various hotel chains and the Palmares S.A. Extra-Hotel Company.
