Looking back: this was day 1 of Gastvrij Rotterdam 2025!

What a great start to the 12th edition of Gastvrij Rotterdam: inspiring speakers, innovative products and, above all, lots of peer-to-peer meetings. We look back on this successful first day with you. 

Watch the highlights in our recap video and register now to visit on Tuesday 23 or Wednesday 24 September! 

12th edition Gastvrij Rotterdam festively opened

On Monday morning, we opened the 12th edition of Gastvrij Rotterdam in the Competition Arena, with the exciting preliminary round of the HANOS Gouden Koksmuts in the background. The start was full of highlights: inspiring contributions from KHN and the NATO Summit, a donation of 500 Buddy Bears, previews of the CuliQuiz Top 100, Bocuse d'Or 2026, the return of the Coupe du Monde and the presentation of the Joop Braakhekke Award.

The finalists of the HANOS Golden Chef's Hat are known! 

During Gastvrij Rotterdam, nine brigades competed for a place in the finals and, in the end, the jury chose five teams that will get to prove themselves again in January: De Gieser Wildeman, Maeve, Orangerie De Pol, Landhuishotel De Bloemenbeek and De Keizer eten & drinken. De Gieser Wildeman was awarded the best starter and Maeve the best entrée.

View the map and plan your visit

Discover more than 500 suppliers in food and non-food at Gastvrij Rotterdam 2025: the place where you as a professional will find plenty of inspiration.

The 2025 floor plan gives a complete overview of the exhibition floor, including Founding Partners, specials, pavilions and the entrance. View the online floor plan and prepare your visit in advance!