New event spotlights the humans behind the food

These producers, and many more across Flanders, are throwing their doors wide open to the public for one day. It’s a unique chance for visitors to discover the story behind a variety of products, see the production process first-hand and, of course, taste special food and drink.

Dag van de Smaakmakers (Day of the Tastemakers) is an initiative of Puur Smaak, an organisation with one goal: to bridge the gap between consumer and producer. “People tend to forget about the story behind their food and drink; there’s too much mindless consumption,” says founder Didier Bastiaens. “The goal of this event is to, quite literally, bring people closer to the products. The participating producers are opening their doors to show the production process from start to finish.”

And, of course, there will be plenty of tastings. “Above all, it’s a culinary family outing.”

More than 300 products will feature in Dag van de Smaakmakers. For Nele Quick of Blueberry Fields in Koersel (Limburg), it’s a chance for her to “immerse visitors in the fascinating world of blueberries and give them ideas for creative dishes.” For "forgotten vegetable" farmer Hans Denoo of ’t Groenselpoortje in Middelkerke (West Flanders), the event allows him to show off his various sorts of cabbage – including the pointed cabbage, “a very nutritious vegetable that somehow fell into oblivion”.

Winemaker Ghislain Houben of Hoenshof Winery in Hoepertingen, Limburg, meanwhile, can’t wait for the opportunity to tell people about his ice wine, unique in Belgium, and introduce them to the wine region of Haspengouw. Rob Biesmans of Food Monkeys Ketchup in Hasselt also jumped at the chance to take part: “We developed our own ketchup using tomatoes from the region. It’s great that we get the chance to show it to the public.”

Fabian Deckers of Musa Lova liqueurs in Leuven is equally enthusiastic. “Don’t be fooled by the exotic name – our banana liqueurs are 100% Flemish regional products,” he says.

Sadly, this event is only one day, so visitors will have to make a selection. And it won’t be easy. The participants are diverse, ranging from farmers and coffee roasters to ice cream makers and whiskey distillers. Most of them are truly unique in Flanders. The entire event is free, though some producers ask visitors to book in advance.

28 June 10.00-18.00, across Flanders