The inaugural Food Festival Zimbabwe held on 1 September 2024, at the First Capital Bank Sports Club in Mount Pleasant, Harare, was very successful. This was said by the organiser and event strategist at ZimEvents Creations, Farai Chakabuda in an engagement with Business Events this week.
The event was held under the theme: “The Ultimate Cultural Food Experience.”
“The event was a ground-breaking success, attracting 35 vendors who showcased a diverse range of cultural food cuisines from around the world. From Japanese sushi to Thai cuisine, Zimbabwean traditional dishes, and English cuisine, attendees were treated to a culinary journey like no other.
“The festival drew over 400 attendees, who were all eager to sample the unique flavours and aromas on offer. The event’s success was a testament to the meticulous planning and execution that we invested in it,” Chakabuda said.
The event professional indicated that, although this was the inaugural edition of the event, given its resounding success, the Food Festival had established itself as a premier event on Zimbabwe’s culinary calendar, with food enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next edition.
The ZimEvents Creations boss highlighted that the objectives of the event included the promotion of various cuisines and culture as well as the provision of a platform for local chefs and food vendors to showcase their talents.
“The event seeks to bring together people from different backgrounds and age groups to celebrate the universal language of food. It is our modest contribution towards the growth of the local economy through tourism and job creation,” Chakabuda said.
Building on the momentum of the first edition, Chakabuda and her team are readying the next edition of the event dubbed the “Hot Summer Edition,” which is scheduled for October 26, 2024.
“This edition will focus on summer foods, refreshing beverages, and specialized eats, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for our attendees. They should expect a culinary journey through Zimbabwe’s diverse regions, with dishes and ingredients that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. The event will be a culinary adventure featuring international cuisine, fusion food, and innovative cooking techniques. Some of the major highlights of the forthcoming event include live music performances by local and regional artists as well as interactive cooking demonstrations and workshops,” Chakabuda explained.
The ZimEvents Creations event strategist and designer said the forthcoming event will have a marketplace featuring local food vendors, artisanal producers, and handmade crafts. This time around, there will be a fun-filled kids’ zone with face painting, bounce houses, and more. VIP attendees will be catered for through the provision of a lounge with exclusive food and drink options, and meet-and-greets with celebrity chefs.