FHA 2014 exceeds expectations

THE REGION’s largest biennial food and hospitality trade show, Food&HotelAsia 2014 (FHA), has set new records in size and scope. From 8-11 April, the Singapore Expo’s 10 exhibition halls came alive with the latest production and processing technology, food and beverage products, and services from 3,213 exhibitors. Sixty-three pavilions were spread across the halls, giving buyers a variety of options.

Many exhibitors said they joined the fair to tap the growing middle class in Asia, which is forecast to account for more than 80% of the population by 2030. In Singapore alone, food trade with neighbouring countries has reached S$13.0 billion in 2013. Exhibitors at Wines&SpiritsAsia (WSA), which ran concurrent with FHA, said they were hoping to expand their foothold not only in Singapore but in Southeast Asia where the market for alcoholic beverages is strong.

The mega fair drew a crowd of 64,826 visitors, with nearly half coming from overseas. Despite the size (102,000-sqm), the event was structure and easy to navigate, thanks to the expertise of the Singapore Exhibition Services.  

In an interview with show organiser, senior trade commissioner of the Australian Trade Commission, Christopher Rees said, “We had a good mixture of Australian companies which have an established presence in the market and companies that are trying to break into the market. They are happy with the show.”

Ringier editors had the chance to visit the Australian pavilion and talk to companies that hail from the western part of the country. Innovative products such as natural sweeteners made from caroub (Ainsley) and sandalwood nuts (Santaleuca) are amongst healthy offerings. Australia’s vineyards are known for high-quality wines, and many of these were showcased at FHA/WSA as well. Watch for the return of these fairs on 12-15 April 2016.