Mumbai:   The 2014 edition of Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and Wine&SpiritsAsia (WSA), the region’s most established and comprehensive food and hospitality trade show, has made  its mark by becoming the first event to max out the Singapore Expo – Singapore’s largest exhibitions  venue. Occupying all 10 exhibition halls and Max Atria, FHA and WSA, organised by Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), will be held from 8 – 11 April this year.

The event spans a total of 100,000 sqm, an eight per cent increase in size from 2012. It is the largest edition in the event’s illustrious 37 year history. This year, industry buyers can expect to source from a  gathering of 2,800 exhibitors from 70 countries/regions and 54 group pavilions at FHA. Offerings span across all aspects of the food and beverage (F&B) and hotel industry, such as food products, bar and  kitchen equipment and supplies, food processing equipment, hotel amenities, tableware and hospitality  technology, among many others.

Mr. Stephen Tan, Chief Executive of show organiser SES, who has nurtured the show over the last 30 years said, “As industry pioneers we wanted to create a platform where local and regional food and hospitality businesses could benefit from what was available in the global market place as it was not  easily accessible back then. Over the years, FHA has grown with the development of the region’s hotel and F&B industry to become its top sourcing platform, and pinnacle trade event. This year is a milestone for FHA and WSA as it has maximised the available exhibition space of Singapore’s largest exhibition venue. Moving forward, the event will only continue to grow as new markets in the region become more  developed, and demand increases.”

New speciality show at Food&HotelAsia – SpecialityCoffee&Tea Tea isn’t simply tea in India. It is a staple beverage and a day without it is incomplete for the average  consumer in India. Tea is indigenous to the Eastern and Northern parts of India, but the tea industry has grown tremendously over the years, making India the largest grower and producer of tea in the world.  The tea production in India was 979,000 tonnes as of 2009. India is the world leader in terms of  consumption, export and production of tea – it accounts for 31 per cent of the global tea production total turnover of this industry is approximately Rs.10,000 crores. Estimated domestic tea consumption has also increased from 838 million kilograms in 2009-2010 to 890 million kilograms in 2012-2013.

The 19th edition of FHA will see the launch of SpecialityCoffee&Tea, bringing the total number of  speciality shows to six. Set against the backdrop of a booming café culture in Asia, SpecialityCoffee&Tea  will integrate all aspects of the industry in a single platform featuring a comprehensive range of  equipment, coffee beans, tea leaves and accessories from across the globe. SpecialityCoffee&Tea is the largest, most comprehensive and international show of its kind in the region.

Prominent international exhibitors at the show include renowned local and international industry brands such as Bunn-O-Matic, Bravilor, Cimbali, Diedrich, Dilmah, Ebenezer, Empire Tea, Expolanka Teas, Giesen, illycaffé, La Marzocco, Nestlé, Rancilio, Santino Coffee, Santos and many more. In addition, the event will also host the FHA Barista Challenge and first-ever FHA Latte Art Challenge, alongside a  number of courses, workshops and fringe activities.

Ms. Lindy Wee, Director of Public Relations at SES told mediapersons here today, “Rising affluence and changing lifestyles in the region has created greater demand for gourmet coffee and tea. The launch of SpecialityCoffee&Tea throws a spotlight on the industry and highlights its development, and caters to the region’s booming café culture. In addition to the exhibits at SpecialityCoffee&Tea, visitors from India can also source from the  offerings at HospitalityStyleAsia and Bakery&Pastry for all their coffee and tea needs.”

The other five specialised shows are FoodAsia, HotelAsia, Bakery&Pastry, HospitalityStyleAsia, and  HospitalityTechnology.

The Indian Food Industry The Indian food market is estimated at over US$18 billion, accounting for about two thirds of the total

Indian retail market. According to consultancy firm McKinsey & Co, the retail food sector in India is likely to grow from around US$70 billion in 2008 to US$150 billion by 2025, accounting for a large chunk of the world food industry which is expected to grow from US$175 billion in 2008 to US$318 billion by 2020, and up to US$400 billion by 2025. The food processing industry is one of the largest industries in India – it is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. The Confederation  of Indian Industry (CII) has estimated that the foods processing sector has the potential to attract US$33

billion worth of investments in 10 years and generate employment of 9 million persons – days. Additionally, over the next three years India’s hospitality sector is likely to see investment of over US$200 billion with investors’ shifting their focus to Asia’s growing economies.

Mr J Shanker, Director, CII commented, “FHA2014 and WSA2014 provide an ideal platform for Indian  companies to discuss the latest food and hospitality industry trends and issues. We have seen the event  growing bigger and have benefitted greatly from the exposure the show has offered. Today, the event is a world class show with visitors from the region and beyond.”

This edition of FHA and WSA sees an 80 per cent increase in participation compared to 2012 from Indian companies like Allanasons Limited, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mitora Machinex Pvt. Ltd, Pentair Water India, Elite Global Products and many more.