Signalling an Asian rebound

Stronger showing seen for region's food & hospitality industry FOOD and hospitality event, FHA2010, is shaping up to be a record-breaker. Spread across eight halls, or 82,000sqm of exhibition space at the Singapore Expo, this 20-23 April exhibition will cover more ground and feature 2,800 exhibitors from 70 countries -- more than any other edition in its 32-year history. Indeed, when Asia's most influential players converge in Singapore from, they will likely be overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the exhibition. Food&HotelAsia is also recognised for the vastness of its offerings, bringing the latest products and solutions from across the globe to the markets in the region. The consolidation of the event reflects the optimism in the Asian economy, particularly in its food, hospitality and travel industries. Asia Pacific international arrival numbers are expected to see a healthy 4 to 5 per cent growth between 2009 and 2011, with the main expansion occurring from 2010 onwards*. The forecast for Asia's foodservice industry looks bright, as consumers become increasingly affluent and exposed beyond their cultural borders. Foodservice companies are revising their services in order to meet growing demands arising from changing consumer habits. Recognising this, global players continue to press ahead with major expansion plans across Asia. "FHA has grown with the development of the industry in the region. Our aim has always been to maximise value to our exhibitors and visitors, through raising the standards of the event and all of its components," said Ms. Ting Siew Mui, FHA project director from Singapore Exhibition Services. Breaking new ground With its wide range of exhibits encompassing FoodAsia, Bakery&Pastry, HotelAsia, HospitalityTechnology and HospitalityStyleAsia, and co-located with Wine&SpiritsAsia (WSA), the event will offer opportunities for professionals to preview the latest products, equipment and technologies available in the global market, and harness trade opportunities- on one single platform. "Despite being the largest and most comprehensive business event for this industry in Asia, FHA is still developed to cater to the diverse needs of each company in the various sectors within the industry. Companies will have the opportunity to explore the expanse of the event or focus on the specialised exhibits, innovative events and topical conferences most relevant to their immediate needs," Ms. Ting Siew Mui explained. The show will see the participation of over 40 group pavilions, compared to 33 previously. New group pavilions including those from Argentina, China, Dubai and Poland, will join perennial exhibitors from France, South Africa, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and many more. WSA, counting on the success of its past 10 editions and strong support from industry partners, regional and international exhibitors, will be organised as a dedicated show consolidating exhibitors of wine and spirits products and services on one show floor. This move allows Asia's wine and spirits buyers and sellers to meet at an exclusive area for business networking, product sourcing and knowledge gathering activities, and will encourage larger international interest into the region's emergent wine and spirits industry. Knowledge-gathering platform FHA's conferences, seminars and workshops, including the Food Safety Forum, HFTP Asian Finance & Technology Conference, and Asian Club Management Conference, will continue to add value to the event in 2010 as they bring together key executives and experts on one platform to discuss significant trends and issues pertinent to the current food and hospitality industry. For the first time, FHA2010 will feature a conference dedicated to hospitality operations and design-the "Hospitality Operations & Design Conference"-offering an idAir Force 1 High