News From : DagangHalal.com (17 Apr 2018)
Malaysia’s Wholesale & Retail Trade, Food & Beverages and Accommodation segment recorded a growth of 8.5 per cent to US$81 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was mostly driven by the Food & Beverages sub-sector, which increased 2.3 per cent. Revenue is expected to grow annually at a rate of 25.4 per cent between 2018 – 2022. As growth continues in this sector, it is important for local food and hospitality businesses to stay ahead of the competition.
Bigger and better international showcase
Celebrating 40 years of business excellence, Food&HotelAsia (FHA) is the preferred choice for industry professionals to access an international showcase of food and hospitality products, equipment and solutions, needed to drive business inspiration today and tomorrow. The 21st edition of the mega food and hospitality show will return from 24 to 27 April 2018 to two venues – Singapore Expo and Suntec Singapore.

FHA2018 will house its biggest-ever industry congregation with 4,000 international exhibitors from more than 70 countries and regions, an increase of 25 per cent compared to its last edition. The event’s total floor area spans 119,500 sqm, 23 per cent increase from 97,000 sqm. 68 international groups are confirmed and spread across the two venues, with Armenia and Qatar being the newest participants. 78,000 trade attendees from over 100 countries and regions are expected at the event.
“FHA’s growth reflects the changing landscapes of the F&B and hospitality industries in Singapore and the region over the decades,” said Mr. Rodolphe Lameyse, Project Director, Food & Hospitality, UBM. “Having FHA2018 span two of the largest exhibition venues in Singapore proves just how much the event has grown since 1978.”
“In today’s disrupted economy, innovation and internationalisation will serve as the main drivers reshaping Asia’s food and hospitality industries. Against this backdrop, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with all our stakeholders, together explore new ways to create value to support the industries, and strive towards many more years of performance excellence!”
More than a mega trade event
Beyond the traditional sourcing ground, FHA also offers many experiential networking and learning opportunities through new and improved speciality zones and industry-renowned competitions such as the FHA Culinary Challenge 2018, the Asian Pastry Cup 2018 and inaugural Asian Gelato Cup. Through these activities, visitors will gain insights into the rapid changes impacting the F&B and hospitality industries, and with easy access to the necessary tools, contacts, skills and knowledge, they will be able to stay relevant and maintain their competitive edge.
The three-day FHA2018 International Conference, held at both venues from 24 to 26 April, will feature industry experts and business thought-leaders including Marina Muhamad, Head of Training & Consulting of DagangHalal and Dato’ Dr. Rajen M, CEO of Holista Colltech, sharing perspectives, tips and strategies across five key tracks: Hotels & Resorts, Food Manufacturing and Bakery at Singapore Expo; Central Kitchen and Food Services at Suntec Singapore.

Strong Malaysian contingent
Over 100 exhibitors from Malaysia will be participating at FHA2018. The country will also be represented in the Gourmet and National Team Challenges at the FHA Culinary Challenge, Asian Pastry Cup and inaugural Asian Gelato Cup. Pre-registered visitors to FHA2018 include group delegations from C.I Food and FFM Grains & Mills, as well as senior level executives from China Shenyang Fan Xi Jia Trading Co, Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Kedai Kopi Nusantara, TWG Tea and more.