The 4th edition is, according to Chairman Ralf Becker, the result of continued strong growth of the regional initiative, which now has more than 300 members. The volume of the 2023 shopping and enjoyment guide has increased from 132 to 164 pages. Due to high demand, the print run was raised to 25,000 copies. A total of almost 200 businesses are represented, as well as 12 tourist information offices with “Ebbes von Hei!” sales shelves.
The initiative stands for increased climate protection and improved quality of life through small cycles, environmentally friendly and sustainable management, and the creation of regional jobs. It aims to strengthen the market share of regional products, as well as to foster mutual networking and support under the label "Ebbes von Hei!".
„Ebbes von Hei!“ aims to further strengthen the production of high-quality regional food and other products by dedicated family businesses with care, craftsmanship quality, and fair prices through the shopping and gourmet guide.
New is the series „Ebbes von Hei!“ meets culture in collaboration with the cultural center Villa Fuchs in Merzig. The highlight of the series is the successful dinner show at the Merzig town hall with an „Ebbes von Hei!“ menu, wine pairing by seven winemakers, as well as an attractive show program. New are also events such as the Weiskirchen Wine Weiher in May or overnight offers with „Ebbes von Hei!“ packages.
The partners and events of the very successful "Lecker Pfädche," the first culinary dream trail in Germany, involving more than ten "Ebbes von Hei!" partners, are presented. This year, the "Lecker Pfädche" is in the final selection for the most beautiful hiking trail of the year in Germany.
Once again, a series of gourmet tours by bus to producers and restaurateurs are being offered. They are organized by Helmut Grein – Reiseveranstaltungen in cooperation with "Ebbes von Hei!". Each of these eventful and enjoyable day trips includes visits to producers and restaurateurs, city tours, a guided tour through the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, and this year, a gourmet boat trip on the Saar.
In 2023, there are eleven "Ebbes von Hei!" gourmet markets. They are integrated into already established successful market events in Merzig, Wadgassen, Weiskirchen, Saarburg, Lebach, Wadern, Morbach, Thalfang, and Hermeskeil.
In addition, five culinary events with 25 regional gastronomy businesses will take place: The "Grandma's Kitchen" event in February will be followed by the "Fish Festival" in April, "Delights from the Meadow Orchard" in September, the "Potato Days" in October, and the "Game Weeks" in November. High-quality seasonal and regional dishes are offered using the producers' products.
Cooperation with the local authorities within the "Ebbes von Hei!" region is very important to provide stronger support for regional producers and their marketing. In addition to the districts of Saarlouis and Merzig-Wadern, a number of municipalities such as Morbach, Thalfang, Hermeskeil, Wadern, Weiskirchen, Wadgassen, Perl, Merzig, and Losheim am See have become members of the regional initiative.
The shopping and gourmet guide is now available at the tourist information centers of the region, from producers, retailers, at Haus Saargau, as well as from the restaurateurs. The brochure can also be found online at the following homepage: www.ebbes-von-hei.de.
