30th Edition of MEATMANIA Celebrates Its Anniversary with Special Awards
The 30th edition of MEATMANIA 2023, Bulgaria’s largest international specialized exhibition for meat and meat products, celebrated its milestone anniversary with an elegant and emotional awards ceremony organized by the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria (AMB). The event brought together members of the Association, current and former exhibitors, former AMB chairpersons, partners, friends and members of the organizing team who have contributed to the development and success of MEATMANIA over the past three decades. The ceremony took place at the Panorama Hall of Hotel Expo Sofia. Opening the event, Atanas Urdzhanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria, thanked all participants and partners who have supported MEATMANIA throughout its history. He highlighted the exhibition’s role as a showcase for the finest products, quality and flavours of the Bulgarian meat industry, as well as a platform for innovation, business development and growth. He also emphasized that MEATMANIA has successfully overcome three decades marked by numerous challenges and uncertainties. Through dedication, creativity and persistence, the exhibition has become a reflection of the industry’s achievements and its commitment to offering high-quality products to Bulgarian consumers. Anniversary Awards in 12 Categories As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, AMB presented awards to companies, organizations and individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the history and development of MEATMANIA. The awards were presented in 12 different categories. For the highest number of participations in the exhibition, awards were presented to SAMI M with 25 participations, Sidorenko Foodtech and Hranmehanika with 22 participations each. Four AMB member companies – MM Service, Skipter, Tea Trading and Bonner – were recognized for 21 participations, while Elex Group Holding received an award for 20 consecutive appearances at the exhibition. The award for the largest exhibition area at MEATMANIA 2023 went to Maleventum Maron, whose impressive stand occupied 112 sq. m in Hall 1 of Inter Expo Center. The category “Impressive First Participation in the 30th Anniversary Edition of MEATMANIA” recognized this year’s newcomers, including Restaurants Dobrevski, Pleven Mes, Bilyana Mes, Elko Mes, Enola Mes, Vlanel, Escape Group and Web-Tech. An award for collective participation was also presented to the Association of Traditional Raw-Dried Meat Products. Three companies that are not members of AMB – Moto-Pfohe BG, Puldin Trans Service and Silikal Bulgaria – were recognized for their long-standing participation in MEATMANIA. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the State Fund Agriculture received special recognition for their financial support enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the exhibition. Fernet Bulgaria Recognized as a Long-Standing Partner Among the organizations receiving special recognition were the exhibition’s long-standing partners – Inter Expo Center and Fernet Bulgaria. The award acknowledges their long-term contribution to the organization and successful development of MEATMANIA over the years. For Fernet Bulgaria, the distinction is another recognition of the company’s extensive experience in the exhibition industry and its long-standing partnership with organizers, exhibitors and leading Bulgarian brands. Awards were also presented to vocational schools participating in the “Days of Bulgarian Meat” initiative, through which MEATMANIA has promoted healthy nutrition among young people and supported the education and development of future professionals in food technology and tourism since 2018. Among the recognized educational institutions were vocational schools from Pleven and Sofia, including Louis Pasteur Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Georgi Pavlov Vocational School and the Sofia Vocational High School of Tourism. Special recognition was also given to companies with some of the longest-standing participation in the exhibition, including Lalov & Vachev – 19 years, Tandem V – 18 years, Eurocompact Zona and Nesto – 16 years, Bella Bulgaria – 15 years, as well as Eco Mes, Mesomania Trade, CSB-System Bulgaria and Svinekompleks Golyamo Vranovo Invest – 10 years. Aktual was also honored for its participation in the very first national exhibition of meat products, held in 1994 at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The award was accepted by the sons of the company’s owner, who continue the tradition of the family business. A special award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Organization of the Exhibition” was presented to Eng. Pavlina Lilova, Chief Expert at AMB, whose work has been closely associated with MEATMANIA for 23 years. 30 Years of History – and a Future Ahead Over the past three decades, MEATMANIA has established itself as a major celebration and representative forum for Bulgaria’s meat industry, as well as one of the most prestigious events organized by the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria. The anniversary almanac fittingly carries the motto “A History with a Future” – reflecting the organizers’ belief that MEATMANIA will continue to develop in the years ahead and that successful ideas and traditions should be passed on to future generations of professionals in Bulgaria’s meat-processing industry.
