Trade visitors impressed with a complete range of world-class HoReCa products and services

Bangkok-- Food & Hotel Thailand 2009 highly impressed the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) sectors with the most comprehensive range ever of products and services, achieving nearly 6.78% increase on the number of visitors from last year.

By presenting the latest technology and innovations, holding seminars and providing numerous business networking opportunities, the 17^th event has reinforced Thailand’s position as a regional hub for food & beverage and hospitality trade channels in Asia.

More than 750 of the world’s leading brands participated in this four-day event, which attracted 24,126 visitors from 59 countries around the globe and generated more selling and buying deals than the previous year. The phenomenal success suggests that current economic and political uncertainties do not have a long-term impact on business confidence as the industry prepares for the awaited upturn.

In FHT 2009, the 12,000 sqm space of the Royal Paragon Hall was transformed into the all-in-one centre for the food, hotel, retailing and hospitality industries. Business entrepreneurs and associates were provided with the opportunity to experience a full range of top quality products, from bakeries and snacks, ready-made food, seasonings, wine and other beverage, to glassware, ceramics, and kitchenware. It was also the biggest ever showcase of advanced technology and innovations associated with hotel, restaurant and service businesses.

“The show is a welcomed opportunity for international businesses to present themselves to Asian operators and expand into the global market” said David Aitken, Bangkok Exhibition Services’s Managing Director “It will help raise the awareness that Thailand is the centre of Asian hospitality business, especially in the restaurant and hotel segments.”

Meetings, seminars and activities were also held to improve industry standards and professionalism. Executives and management from leading hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia gathered to discuss on investment opportunities in the hotel industry. Others include seminars on making Thailand the world’s kitchen and the Thai wine industry development.

In the Asia 1^st Culinary Cup, more than 600 chefs from renowned restaurants and hotels from 30 countries joined the cooking competition to display their creative ideas and innovative cooking techniques. Other highlights included the Thailand Bartending Finals and the 4^th International Wine Challenge organised by the Food and Beverage Association of Thailand.

Getting keen attention from international visitors means Asia’s HoReCa sector still has high potential for growth, thanks to its reliable quality of product and service offered. As a world-class trade fair, Food and Hotel Thailand 2009 was impressively advantageous to exhibitors, entrepreneurs and potential investors alike, particularly in terms of knowledge sharing and extending trade opportunities.