Demand for imported food products is increasing in China, due to a growing middle class with high purchasing power and who are more exposed to international trends. Coupled with a surge in online food purchases and an emphasis on food safety, Chinas food import market grew 13 times, from US$77 million to over US$1 billion dollars, between 2003 to 2013. By 2018, China is set to be the worlds biggest importer of food products, importing around US$79 billion per year.

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 showcase 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 events total floor area spans 119,500 sqm, a 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.

"FHAs 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 todays disrupted economy, innovation and internationalisation will serve as the main drivers reshaping Asias 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 sharing perspectives, tips and strategies across five key tracks: Hotels & Resorts, Food Manufacturing and Bakery at Singapore Expo; and Central Kitchen and Food Services at Suntec Singapore.

Strong Chinese Contingent

More than 200 exhibitors from China will be participating at FHA2018. The Chinese team will also be representing the country in the Asian Gelato Cup - the first official Asian selecion for the highly accredited Coppa del Mondo of Gelateria (Gelato World Cup), wher the top three teams will get to represent their cities at the Gelato World Cup 2020 in Rimini, Italy. Pre-registered visitors to FHA2018 include group delegations from Melco Crown Entertainment and CEC Catering, as well as senior level executives from Enderong Organic, Ge Synergy, Samsam Home Bakery and more.