Utrecht, 21 October 2025 - Bastiaan Arts is the new Executive Chef at Royal Jaarbeurs. With an impressive international career, from the Radisson Blu in Georgia to commanding 26 river cruise ships, Bastiaan brings a world of flavours to Jaarbeurs's kitchen. Jochem Schut, Head of Hospitality: "Bastiaan knows better than anyone how to bring gastronomy and experience together. His creativity and team spirit perfectly match our ambition to make Jaarbeurs a place where people come together, get inspired and enjoy themselves."
Behind the scenes: precision and passion
The kitchen is all about precision, creativity and cooperation. Bastiaan works closely with sous chef Michel Sturkenboom and involves the entire team in compiling the food book. This is the culinary overview of all the dishes and packages Jaarbeurs offers its guests. "I prefer to work with fresh ingredients from close by. You can taste the quality and the story, which makes cooking for our guests extra special," says Bastiaan. "What I like best is that everyone thinks along and participates. Being proud of your own recipe, that motivates!" His international experience translates into surprising dishes that suit a variety of events, from intimate dinners to large-scale fairs and conferences.
A kitchen that connects
Bastiaan believes in a kitchen that connects and inspires people. "A good kitchen is not just about taste, but about cooperation. When everyone feels seen and involved, you taste that back on the plate." That commitment creates a dynamic working environment where togetherness and quality go hand in hand. Jochem Schut: "Bastiaan brings not only craftsmanship, but also team spirit. He knows how to touch people with his dishes and his way of working."
Cooking with a vision of the future
Bastiaan is looking ahead. His wish list includes his own soup line, an open kitchen concept and tours for visitors, customers and employees. He also plays an active role within the Jaarbeursacademy, the internal training programme. "I want to let people really experience the trade. Tours of the kitchen are not only fun, but also inspiring." Together with partners such as Randstad, people distanced from the labour market are given the opportunity to discover their passion for cooking.
