Biggest edition for food and hospitality

THE REGION’s most established and comprehensive food and hospitality trade show, organised by Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), has maxed out the Singapore Expo. The 2014 Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and Wine&SpiritsAsia (WSA), taking place from 8-11 April, will occupy 10 exhibition halls and the Max Atria – a total of 100,000sqm. The largest edition in the event’s 37-year history by far, it boasts 2,800 local and international exhibitors and 54 group pavilions.

Food&HotelAsia – Keeping pace with the industry

In 2011, the number of establishments in the accommodation and F&B services sector in Singapore stood at 6,842. This is in contrast to just 4,739 in 2005.1 In 2012, total F&B operating receipts amounted to S$7.8 billion, with all F&B services groups including restaurants, fast food outlets, food caterers and other F&B services registering increases. The number of hotel rooms in Singapore is also expected to grow by more than 20% to about 53,000 rooms by 2015.2

With the increase in the number of F&B establishments and hotels, competition has intensified and it has also become increasingly important to have innovative concepts and a unique selling point. By bringing together a vast selection of food offerings and front to backend solutions from all over the world, FHA creates a comprehensive marketplace for businesses to source for new food products and innovative solutions that not only help set them apart from the competition but also save time and labour.

Conversely, Singapore’s locally produced exports and re-exports have also been increasing over the years. Domestic food exports nearly doubled from S$2.4 billion in 2006 to S$4.2 billion in 2012.1 The city state’s status as a food hub has also seen its re-export of food products increase from S$1.6 billion in 2006 to S$2 billion in 2012.1

FHA is an ideal platform for local manufacturers and distributors to expand their regional client base. Visitors from more than 100 countries/regions attend the show. In 2012, attendance was at 42,000, an increase of 10.4% over 2010.

Coffee and tea show

FHA will launch a sixth show, the SpecialityCoffee&Tea, which integrates all aspects of the industry in a single platform featuring equipment, coffee beans, tea leaves and accessories from across the globe. Bunn-O-Matic, Bravilor, Cimbali, Diedrich, Dilmah, Ebenezer, Empire Tea, Expolanka Teas, Giesen, illycaffé, La Marzocco, Nestlé, Rancilio, Santino Coffee, and Santos are some of the big names in attendance. The FHA Barista Challenge and first-ever FHA Latte Art Challenge, will be held alongside courses, workshops and fringe activities.

Wine&SpiritsAsia – the region’s premier industry event

Since 2010, WSA has been held alongside FHA to give it the space and distinction to grow into a premium trade exhibition of spirits and wines for regional buyers. Spread over 5,000sqm, the show has 200 exhibitors from 20 countries/regions and seven group pavilions. A series of talks and master-classes highlighting wines from countries such as Austria, France, Italy and Spain, will take place.

Conferences and competitions

More than 90 speakers will attendNike Air Max 2017