Shanghai –16 July 2008. Statistics released by the Ministry of Commerce, show that hospitality and catering sales rose 23.6 percent year on year to 368.73 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2008. While foreign investors set up 168 new accommodation and catering establishments in the first three months of 2008. The China National Tourism Authority, CNTA reports that there were 14,000 star rated hotels in operation at the end of 2007 and 200,000 new hotels, resorts and guesthouses will be built by 2015. This unprecedented growth will create significant opportunities for suppliers of food, beverages and equipment to China’s HORECA (hotel, restaurant and catering) industry.
Against this background, FHC China 2008, China ‘s leading international food & hospitality trade event is scheduled to take place for the 12th time in Shanghai from 4-6 December 2008 at The Shanghai new International Expo Centre, Pudong. Invited trade buyers will have the opportunity to meet over 800 companies from 40 countries, the largest international display in China, showing a wide range of food, wines, beverages, and hospitality food service and table top supplies over just three days.
Mr Brendan O’Connell Jennings, General Manager of the organiser, China International Exhibitions Ltd said, “ the two driving forces behind the explosive growth in the Chinese HORECA trade are tourism and consumerism. The WTO forecast China will be the number 1 destination for tourists by 2012, boosted by world scale events including the Beijing Olympics 2008 and World Expo 2010, Shanghai. Perhaps less publicized is the new consumer market in China particularly in the major urban areas and their predicted growth in the future”. McKinsey Global Institute, report that the Chinese urban population is expected to grow from 572 million seen in 2005 to over 1 billion in 2030. Producing 15 supercities with an average population of 25 million, generating 95% of the country’s GDP and consuming US$3 trillion of goods and services, the report states.
“It is not at all surprising that every restaurant chain, hotel and supermarket group in the world is beating a path to China’s door, with those that arrived early having embarked on ambitious expansion plans” claimed Mr Jennings. Yum! China, the world’s biggest global catering group plans to open 425 restaurants in 2008, Ajisen China, the Japanese noodles restaurant chain has achieved record profits in 2007 and will launch 1,500 new openings cross China by 2009.
Jennings added “FHC China 2008 will be a global shop window, providing the perfect venue for hoteliers and restauranteurs to source high quality products for their establishments and ensure the highest standards are introduced at an early stage to this new HORECA trade in China”. With over 95% of FHC exhibitors from overseas or representatives of overseas companies, showcasing fresh & preserved foods, beverages, wines & spirits, bakery ingredients & equipment, confectionery, food service equipment, hospitality IT and interiors, this is an event not to be missed”.
Alongside the 3 day trade show are several exciting events, seminars and training opportunities. Highlights of the programme include Ultimate Barista Challenge®, Chinese Pizza Championship 2008, Gold Wine Card Day, Wine Seminars, Olive Oil China, Chocolate Workshop. The 10th FHC International Culinary Arts Competition organised by Shanghai Cuisine Association will again take place, attracting some 200 chefs competing over 15 classes and judged by a panel of international judges.
Another addition to this year’s FHC, will be the 1st China Canned Food and Ingredients Expo. Organised by the China Canned Food Association, this will be a unique platform for Chinese manufacturers of canned fruit, vegetables, meats and sauces to face the domestic and international trade buyers attending the fair. The canned food expo will be supported by the Annual General Meeting for the China Canned Food Association and a China wide meeting of canned food distributors.
This year, FHC China will showcase 19 Official National Pavilions from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sri Lanka, UK, and USA, plus 8 additional regional pavilions from all over the world.
The online visitor registration is open. Please visit www.fhcchina.com to register right now and to receive the latest information on exhibitors and events at FHC China 2008.
About the organiser
China International Exhibitions Ltd, a member of the Allworld Exhibitions Alliance has had a fully staffed office in Shanghai since 1994. The company’s stable of events include industries such as food & beverage; hospitality & retail; packaging; processing; pharmaceutical technology; brewing & beverage technology; woodworking technology; furniture manufacturing and accessories; wood & wood products. For more information, please visit www.chinaallworld.com .
For more information, please contact:
Ms Margaret Zhang
Ms Renee Lu
Marketing Manager
Communications Manager
China International Exhibitions Ltd
China International Exhibitions Ltd
Tel: +86 21 6209 5209 ext 15
Tel: +86 21 6208 7715
Email: margaret@chinaAllworld.com
Email: renee@chinaAllworld.com
