Shanghai – shrugging off the trend experienced by most countries, the Chinese market for imported food and wine continues to attract new comers.  China International Exhibitions, the organisers of the FHC China 2009 food, wine and hospitality expo in Shanghai this November report a record 25 national and regional pavilions will participate at FHC China 2009, of which 13 are new to the show this year. 

The 13th edition of FHC China will take place from 18-20 November 2009 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Already the largest, longest running and most international imported food and wine exhibition in China, FHC China 2009 will be even bigger this year. In addition to PMQ’s Pizza Pavilion and Chinese Pizza Championship, New national pavilions attending the show come from Argentina; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Czech Republic; France; Philippines; South Africa; Thailand; Turkey; and United Arab Emirates. These new groups will join returning pavilions of companies to FHC coordinated by National and regional export corporations and Ministries from Germany; Greece; Italy; Japan; Korea; New Zealand; Singapore; Spain; Sri Lanka; Taiwan region; U.K and U.S.A. 

With a market for imported food and wine valued at US$ 30.6 billion (China Daily 9/2/2009) and growing at 15% per year for the last 5 years, it is no surprise that there should be such strong interest to join China’s premier food exhibition. The organisers expect FHC China 2009 will attract over 800 international companies who will meet approximately 20,000 trade buyers at this 3-day trade fair. While world markets stagnate or reduce their imports, demand for imported meat, seafood, fresh, frozen and processed food, wines, coffee, confectionery, dairy products and much more, that is now accessible to China’s growing middle class, continues to expand. The China National Food Industry Association estimate that China will become the world’s largest market for imported food by 2018. 

While the domestic Chinese market remains a rapidly growing and potentially enormous target for the future, the demand for food and beverages from the hotel and catering sectors for foreign business and tourist visitors to China should not be ignored A total of 10.2 million tourists visited China in the first half of 2009 according to the China National Tourism Administration. Shanghai and Beijing being the top two city destinations. Major international business, sporting and cultural events will boost this figure even further. Of particular note is the Shanghai WorldExpo 2010, a 241 country and organisation extravaganza that will be held in the city for 6 months between May and October 2010. Shanghai WorldExpo 2010 is conservatively estimated to attract over 70 million visitors of which 5% or 3.5 million will come from outside China. Hotels and restaurants in the city are anticipating a considerable boost to business as evidenced by the opening for 8 new 5 star hotels and dozens of 4 and lower grade hotels in Shanghai before the end of the year. 

The range of products on show at FHC covers all food, wine, beverages and hospitality requirements including kitchen equipment, china and glassware and hospitality supplies. This year three sectors offering considerable growth potential have been given their own dedicated areas within FHC. These include Wine and Spirits China; Meat China and a repeat of the successful Tea and Coffee China. These three specialist shows within FHC, offer buyers dedicated professional fairs for their industry in one convenient location. Making it easy for them to find relevant companies, products, services and events. Supporting Wine & Spirits China, Meat China and Tea & Coffee China area a series of seminars, training activities and competitions. Providing even more reasons for specialist buyers to gather at FHC China 2009. 

For more information on FHC China 2009 and report on the 2008 events please visit www.fhcchina.com .

About the organiser

China International Exhibitions Ltd, a member of the Allworld Exhibitions Alliance has had a fully staffed office in Shanghai since 1981.  Its stable of events include industries such as food & beverage; hospitality & retail; packaging; processing; pharmaceutical technology; brewing technology; woodworking technology; furniture manufacturing and accessories; wood & wood products.  For more information, please visit www.chinaallworld.com.