 Despite the recession last year, the number of exhibitors has shown a growth of about 8%. The covered area has also gone up from 72,000 sq meters in 2008 to 82,000 sq meters- perhaps more than Pragati Maidan, according to Mr. Stephen Tan, CEO of Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd, organisers of the biennial show which debuted in 1978 and has become a benchmark for the food and hospitality industry in South Asia. Mr. Tan was addressing journalists at a Press Conference at Hotel Lalit in Delhi today.
The exhibition 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 in the area of food, drinks including wine and beer, hospitality and equipment including IT equipment related to the industry. There are 47 country pavilions, with Argentina, China, Mexico, Philippines and Poland taking part for the first time, with maximum participation being from Australia, USA and Italy which has a major focus on food and beverage industry equipment.
With its wide range of exhibits, FHA2010 offers Indian exhibitors and buyers from the hospitality and food industries, retail showrooms and hyper marts the opportunity to preview the latest products, equipment and technologies available globally, and harness trade opportunities on a single platform. Think of chilled foods, fresh foods, dairy products, fish and sea foods-all are there, said Tan, making it an important show to visit for importers, distributors and retail chains marketing food products in India.
FHA has seen a steady increase of Indian trade visitors in the past few editions with visitors doubling between 2002 and 2008. At the last exhibition, there were 541 visitors; the number is expected to surge to 800 this April. The organisers are also tying up with agencies like Orbit in Mumbai and several sector associations so that each group may be able to organise and take advantage of the show.
“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,” says Tan.
The Wine section will have 80 companies taking part. The WSA-Wine & Spirits Asia, with the success of its past 10 editions and strong support from industry partners, regional and international exhibitors, will be organised as a dedicated show co-located with FHA2010. The WSA Wine Challenge, the international wine competition enters its 4th edition, with over 500 wine samples already submitted, said Mr. Stephen Tan. The judges include at least one Master of Wine and all but one from different countries. Mr. Tan introduced the Press to Mr. Subhash Arora, President of the Indian Wine Academy who is one of the international judges.
Arora underlined the importance of Indian wine producers taking part in such competitions to improve the quality of Indian wines and help them export more. With the increasing production of Indian wines and the inherent competition, it is important for the Indian producers to take part in such professional international competitions not only to have a marketing edge but also to realize the intrinsic worth of their wines as viewed by the international community of professionals.
Analyzing the performance of the wine industry, Arora explained that last year had been very poor due to recession and there was a decrease in sales-both in Indian and imported wine. However, the current year saw a come back and the year should wipe out the last year’s decline and add some growth. The annual compounded growth of 25-30% for the next 4 years was a distinct possibility. In fact, higher growth could be within reach if the government policies were less restrictive and if states realized that wine was a healthy beverage due to lower alcohol and anti-oxidants.
 He also emphasized that the role of the Indian Grape Processing Board was crucial in arranging the participation of producers in competitions like WSA Wine Challenge at subsidised rates. The Board should also encourage the participation of producers in shows like this in South Asia, as it had done for Hong Kong last November, due to the Indian population in these countries and the possibility of expanding the niche market in this region. The importers would also find it useful for networking with foreign producers, especially since Singapore affords an opportunity for duty-free storage and consolidation for onward shipments.
Mr. Tan also explained through his presentation how the show encompassed Food Asia2010, Bakery & Pastry 2010, Hotel Asia2010, Hospitality Technology 2010 and Hospitality Style Asia 2010, and co-located with Wine&SpiritsAsia2010). He further clarified that the Show is open only to business and trade professionals only.
For details, visit www.foodnhotelasia.com or write to events@sesallworld.com or call 65 6233 6638.
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