New Takes Centre Stage

ISM
Koelnmesse
Cologne, Germany
January 31 – February 3, 2010

New products, new packaging and new marketing ideas: Innovations are of vital importance to the confectionery industry and the manufacturers of snack items. Buyers at the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM) can expect all these from approximately 1,500 suppliers exhibiting at the Cologne exhibition grounds.

Last year, the organisers of the trade fair created a brand-new platform where new products could be presented in an attractive and concentrated manner - the "New Product Showcase". In 2010, ISM exhibitors will once again have the opportunity to participate in the New Product Showcase and book their own display case to present their new products. The trend platform will once again be held on the Boulevard - at the centre of the world's most important trading hub for the confectionery and snacks industry.

This will be the first time that journalists will select the best innovations. All of the journalists visiting ISM through Monday evening may participate in the selection of three of the most impressive new products. The three top innovations will be announced on Tuesday morning. These three innovations will receive a special and prominent placement in the New Product Showcase, where all ISM visitors can take a close look at them.

ISM is the leading global fair for the trade in confectionery and snack items. With approximately 1,500 suppliers from around 70 countries, ISM presents a comprehensive range of confectionery and snack items. The trade fair provides a nearly complete overview of the following product groups: chocolate, sugar confectionery, biscuits, snack products, ice cream and raw pastes. Only end products intended exclusively for retail sale are presented.

Visitor Guide optimises trade fair planning

Fruit Logistica
Messe Berlin
Berlin, Germany
February 3 - 5, 2010

The organiser of Fruit Logistica 2010 has reported that more than 2,100 companies from over 70 countries have signed up so far to participate in the three day fair stated to open on February 3, 2010, according to its December 2009 press release.

Trade professionals will once again have the opportunity to benefit from the presence of a global congregation of the entire fresh produce value chain gathering annually in Berlin.

‘The Virtual Market Place’, an online service provided for visitors, will profile all companies exhibiting at the fair. It includes a handy appointment planner which visitors can utilise to not only set up meetings with exhibitors, but also assist them to plan their itineraries prior to attending the fair.

Other visitors’ value-added online services include the Fruit Logistica Visitor Guide, which provides helpful tips for preparing a trade fair visit and it includes a checklist of things to do before, during and after the fair.

First International Organic Wine Award a Success

BioFach
Expo Centre
Nuremberg, Germany
February 17 - 20, 2010

The wine segment at BioFach will see the organisers and MUNDUSvini/Meininger Verlag jointly presenting the MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award once again in 2010.

The award debuted in December 2009 and attracted 622 organic wines from 19 countries worldwide to participate in the competition then. Christoph Meininger, Chief Executive Officer of MUNDUSvini had remarked then, that the number of entries was an indication of the continuing positive developments in the organic wine market despite the economic crisis.

Italy, which contains the world’s largest area of organic vineyards, led the 2009 ranking with 163 wines entered, followed by Germany (116 wines), Spain (115 wines) and France (95 wines).

The competition also saw an overwhelming amount of red wines entries in 2009, with 390 bottles (62.7 percent). The total amount of white wines entries was 213 bottles (34.2 percent).

Overall, wine entries from Germany had represented almost all growing regions in the country, with the majority of them hailing from the country’s three largest growing regions: Baden (21 wines), Rhine Hesse (19 wines) and the Palatinate (17 wines).

The international jury for the MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award 2010 will comprise of 40 noted and experienced tasting specialists.

Judging is based on a 100-point system involving smell, taste and an individual scoring system in line with the standards of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and the National and International Union of Oenologists.

The official presentation of the awards takes place on the first day of BioFach 2010.

Bigger and Better

Gulfood
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
February 21 - 24, 2010

Gulfood, the Middle East’s largest food, drink, food service and hospitality exhibition, is set to attract more than 45,000 industry professionals to Dubai in February 2010. By January 2010, an unprecedented 3,300 companies have registered to participate in the fair, according to the organiser.

Considered a key emerging market by the industry, alongside the likes of China, Russia and Latin America; countries in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC), North Africa and India have been earmarked as ‘windows of opportunities’ for the food and drink industry according to the 2009 AT Kearney Global Retail Development Index.

While developed markets have endured economic hardship and sharp decline in sales in 2009, emerging markets have enjoyed continued growth, with eight of the top 20 countries in the Development Index in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The UAE made the biggest jump in the Index last year, moving up to 4th from 20th last year, thanks to an economy that has remained relatively sturdy during the global recession.

Gulfood 2010 will also be the biggest event in the show’s 15-year history, taking up one million sq feet of dedicated space and leveraging its regional influence to highlight the latest trends, innovations and developments in the industry.

Restaurant & Café Middle East and Ingredients Middle East will run concurrently with the show, creating a very thorough industry offering for buyers and vendors.

The year 2010 also marks the introduction of a number of value-added initiatives for both exhibitors and visitors, including the inaugural Gulfood Conference.

Taking place during the four day exhibition, the conference brings together international experts to discuss future trends and critical issues in the food and beverage industry and the relevance of these for the regional markets.

The Gulfood Conference complements the Dubai International Food Safety Conference which runs during the show and is organised by the Dubai Municipality to address food safety systems, regulations and best practices.

Also new this year is the launch of the Gulfood Majlis Club, a commercial networking platform for senior industry professionals to network and develop new business opportunities.

Excellence in all elements of the industry will also be recognised during Gulfood 2010. The prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire, in association with the Emirates Culinary Guild, will continue to attract more than 1,000 chefs to compete in front of a panel of 25 distinguished international judges, while the 1st Gulfood Awards will recognise the achievements and innovations of the region’s food and drink industry.
Gulfood 2010 is offering industry related trade buyers a complimentary ticket to the event if they register early. They can save up to AED 120 (US$ 32.67) on entry to the show.

A Taste of the Future

Rimini Fiera
Rimini Expo Centre
Rimini, Italy
February 21 – 24, 2010

The 2010 Rimini Fiera trade fair event will enable visitors to explore the up and coming trends for the market of food and drink.

One of the show’s popular features, the Distribution Buyers’ Day will see the companies participating in concurrent trade fairs such as Mia, Mse, Frigus, Divino Lounge, Oro Giallo and Pianeta Birra Beverage & Co, presenting innovations suitable for the ‘eating out’ theme. The sector´s experts will also come together to discuss and debate the possibility of modern distribution offering, as well as a series of advanced food services that are part of the Western world´s new styles of consumption.

As Daniele Tirelli, Chairman of Popai Italia explained: “The country is reacting with greater working commitment and savings not only at monetary level, but above all, in the time dedicated to inefficient activities. The Italian distribution trade is required to give ‘solutions’ (i.e. service content), not just products with big discounts.”

Tirellie further added that through this new feature commissioned by Rimini Fiera, the organisers hope that conservative Italians will be more open to this new trend that is already gaining foothold in the US and other European countries, and to expose Italians to the trend’s potential to produce modern quick food service for mass consumption.

‘The Con-Temporary Taste’ exhibition, which aim to present innovation and creative design, will have ´TASTE of innovation´ as its theme for the fair’s 2010 edition.

The theme requires exhibiting products to combine aspects of innovation and creative designs, while highlighting the possibility of various new formats suitable for the dinning out food service.

Seven different design studios will be created and they will showcase various times of the day when people dine out. Each of the seven settings will present a diverse range of gastronomic specialities that are usually eaten and drunk at those times.

Entry into Japan

Makuhari Messe
Tokyo, Japan
March 2 – 5, 2010

The organisers of the 35th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2010) are expecting at least 2,400 local and international exhibitors to participate. In total, these exhibitors will occupy 3,400 booths and will showcase various food and beverage (F&B) products ranging from agricultural, bread & cereals, confectionary, dairy, fruits & vegetable, beer, liqueurs, coffee & tea and etc.

Approximately 85,000 trade professionals are expected to visit the fair, where FOODEX Japan will provide a platform for members of the entire Asia Pacific food supply chain to interact and network.

Ready. Set. Cook.

SIAL Canada
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montreal, Canada
April 21 - 23, 2010

SIAL Canada 2010 is geared up to welcome 530 exhibitors from 30 countries, and 12,000 visitors from over 60 countries.

This year, one of the major highlights of SIAL Canada show includes exhibition space ‘The Cuisine’, a room created to display creativity, innovation and savoir-faire in the Agrifood trade.

During the three-day show, ‘The Cuisine’ will serve as a culinary event space where well-known chefs and food industry experts will come together to showcase exhibitors' products and address timely topics related to nutrition, cooking techniques, design and innovation.

SIAL Canada 2010 will also play host to the 4th Olive d'Or (the Golden Olive), North America's largest extra virgin olive oil competition.

Indonesia’s Tourism Industry to Perform Well

FHT Bali 2010
Bali International Convention Centre
Bali, Indonesia
March 11 - 13, 2010

Prospects in Indonesia’s food and hotel industry are expected to grow from strength to strength. With a population of over 230 million people, Indonesia will further benefit from a young population which will ensure a healthy consumer base over the next decade.

According to the organiser, the United Nations World Tourism organisation is expecting visitors to Indonesia to increase once again in 2009 despite the current world economic outlook. The 2008 tourist arrivals increased 13.24 percent over 2007.

Indonesia’s ongoing economic recovery and the growing affluence of its emerging middle class is driving a total consumption growth forecast of 50 percent to INR 14.7 (US$1.59 billion) in 2012.

In particular, Bali is at the forefront of the tourism industry in Indonesia, with it receiving the award for the best spa destination in the world in 2009, adding on to its collection of other world tourism and hospitality awards.

This year, the organiser of Food, Hotel & Tourism Bali (FHT) is expecting at least 5,000 visitors and over 300 exhibiting companies hailing from at least 28 countries world wide to participate in the fair.

Once again, the famous Salon Culinaire organised by the Bali Culinary Professionals will also be running concurrently with FHT Bali 2010. The culinary expertise of Bali’s best young chefs will be tested in an exciting mix of competitions.

SIHAS
Singapore Expo Hall 6
Singapore
March 25 - 28, 2010

Singapore International Halal Showcase (SIHAS) 2010 hopes to be the platform where new discoveries, processes, launching of new products from all around Asia are highlighted. The products featured are basically food & beverage items, Halal F&B franchises, cosmetics, fashion and banking services.

The event will be hosted by Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SMCCI) and organised by Adex Communications Pte Ltd. It also receives support from MUIS. Warees Halal, the government agencies responsible for overseeing Halal policies and issuing the Halal certification, will be sharing information, tested and proven policies from a Muslim minority country and Halal products and services from all around Asia.

It has been estimated that the world Halal consumption will stand at US$1.8 billion by year 2015. SIHAS expects to see more than eight countries participating in this event namely from Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Middle East, China, India, Thailand and even the Philippines.

SIHAS aims to raise awareness and bring attention to the fact that Singapore alone has over 9,000 Halal certified products from over 400 local companies. Through SIHAS 2010, the SMCCI works with MUIS in persuading more F&B outlets to seek Halal certification.

SMCCI, together with the organisers, is also reaching out to a select group of international buyers who are seeking to serve niche product lines or Halal franchises. SIHAS is looking to bring in over 1,000 international buyers to help them source that right product for their countries.

First Japanese exhibition for Wine & Gourmet

Wine & Gourmet Japan
Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo, Japan
April 7 – 9, 2010

Wine & Gourmet Japan is the industry’s first dedicated professional exhibition for wine and spirits, gourmet and fine food, confectionery, food catering as well as food service equipment and supplies for the Japanese market.

The 2010 edition of Wine & Gourmet Japan will be held concurrently with FABEX, Dessert, Sweet & Drink Festival and Japan Meat Industry Festival.

It is expected that the show will welcome at least 60,000 visitors and over 100 companies exhibiting in a gross exhibition space of 3,000 sq m.

Koelnmesse is the organiser of Wine & Gourmet Japan while Japan Food Journal is the organiser of FABEX and Dessert, Sweet & Drink Festival. Product categories on display include canned & processed foods, dairy products, fine baked goods and etc.

Organiser Michael Dreyer, Asia Pacific Vice President of Koelnmesse said at the opening of Wine and Gourmet Japan 2009: “For the first specialised wine and gourmet trade fair in Japan, we have a good number of exhibitors. Out of the 56 exhibitors and brands, more than 60 percent are from outside Japan, covering Australia, Chile, Spain, Taiwan and the US. Response from the visitors was positive and we are confident that Wine & Gourmet Japan has reaped success for our exhibitors.”

Visitors can also look forward to attending enriching activities onsite, such as business seminars covering local and international industry topics, a menu design competition and a dessert making contest.

The four trade fairs - Wine & Gourmet Japan, FABEX, Dessert Sweet & Drink Festival and Japan Meat Industry Fair, present a comprehensive line-up of products and exhibitors for all in the food and beverage industry, making it a must-attend business platform in Japan.

More Networking Activities

International Restaurant Show Las Vegas
Las Vagas Convention Center
Las Vegas, US
May 8 - 10, 2010

International Restaurant Show Las Vegas 2010, held in conjunction with HotelWorld Food & Beverage, will be playing host to the annual Las Vegas Culinary Challenge. The competition gives rising stars the opportunity to compete in a variety of cooking, cake decorating, and carving competitions.

Up-and-coming mixologists will be demonstrating their skills, flair and creative concoctions by presenting an original recipe to be judged by a panel of the nation’s leading mixologists at Shake It up. The event is sponsored by Nightclub & Bar Show and Southern Wine and Spirits of America.

International Restaurant Show Las Vegas 2010 is also presenting the Nightclub & Bar Show Craft Brewers pavilion, an area created to present a diverse selection of beer offerings and craft brewers. Visitors can get to sample brews and learn more about how these beers can grow their businesses and improve their bottom line.

Visitors to the trade show can also look forwards to participating in a fresh educational programme packed with expert presenters. They will be sharing their expertises as well as their take on the latest trends and developments of the industry.

In addition to the exhibit hall events, more networking opportunities are created for all participants of the fair, with the organisation of parties held at hotspots all over the city in the evening.

New Halal Specialised Zone

Thaifex - World of Food Asia
IMPACT Exhibition Centre
Bangkok, Thailand
May 12 - 16, 2010

Thaifex – World of Food Asia saw 988 exhibiting companies from 21 countries and regions taking part in its 2009 edition. A total sum of US$85.48 million was transacted over the three-day show, and a total amount of 21,101 visitors were recorded to have attended the fair.

This year, the organisers are expecting 22,000 visitors to attend the five-day show, happening from May 12 – 16, at Bangkok’s IMPACT Exhibition Centre.

Thaifex 2010 will continue to have dedicated product areas for Food and Beverage, Food Catering and Hospitality Services, Food Technology, as well as Retail and Franchise. This year however, visitors can look forward to an additional exhibition area featuring Halal products.

A new culinary competition for local professional chefs will also be held at Thaifex 2010. The competition will not only showcase the best of local culinary expertise, but also provide exhibitors an additional avenue to present their products as competitors are to incorporate sponsored products into their recipes.

The competition categories will cover various types of cuisines ranging from western to Thai, from hot food to cold buffet platters, from pastries to wedding cakes, and from fruit and vegetable carvings to ice carvings.

In conjunction with the new World of Halal specialised zone, a regional Halal conference will be taking place during the five-day show. The conference will serve as a separate avenue for networking and discussions for Halal industry players.

As with previous years, the organisers will hold seminars and workshop related to the trends and developments of the food and beverage industry.

Well-received by International Visitors

BioFach China
INTEX Shanghai Exhibition Centre
Shanghai, China
May 27 – 29, 2010

BioFach China recorded a 13 percent increase in visitors when it shifted to its new exhibition venue the International Exhibition Centre (INTEX) Shanghai, in 2009.

The Chinese subsidiary of the world's leading fair for organic products BioFach Nuremberg, saw 238 Chinese and international exhibitors from 12 countries presenting their extensive range of high-quality organic products to the total of 10,375 visitors. Its 2008 edition saw 9,143 visitors to the fair.

Axel Bartkus, Managing Director NürnbergMesse China, said: “Our exhibitors’ satisfaction with the visitor quality has increased once again. We are delighted that the international attention directed towards our event is also noticeably growing – an important signal for the successful establishing of organic products from China as well as the growing domestic demand for ecological products.”

It was also for the first time in the history of BioFach China, and with the support of the Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz - BMELV), German companies had the opportunity to participate within the framework of a German Pavilion in Shanghai. A total of eight companies presented themselves to the trade visitors in Shanghai in 2009.

Organic foodstuffs are traditionally of particularly great significance for families with children, as parents, particularly in view of the food scandals, are searching for healthy and safe alternatives. A special programme item at the congress, the first Organic Baby Event, focused attention on this theme at BioFach China 2009.

The latest know-how on the trends and developments in the international organic sector was once again delivered by the trade fair’s conference programme. 210 delegates made use of the event to inform themselves and enter into an exchange with experts.

Best Entry Point to Penetrate Halal Industry

MIHAS 2010
MATRADE Exhibition Convention Centre (MECC)
Kuala Lumpuer, Malaysia
June 23 - 27, 2010

MIHAS 2010 will once again, be held at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). From June 23 – 27, the fair will feature five key sectors this year and they are Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals and Herbal Products, Cosmetics and Healthcare, Banking and Finance, as well as Food Processing and Packaging Machinery.

Visitors to MIHAS 2010 can also look forward to investment banking and takaful (Islamic insurance/banking concept) services being highlighted. They will be able to approach agencies such as the Islamic development bodies, Halal certification agencies, food research and development centres, trade development agencies. The managements of Halal parks will also be present.

The ‘Buying Mission’ programme will also be launched during MIHAS 2010. This two-day business matching activity allows participants to search, identify, enquire and schedule meetings with more than 500 participating international trade buyers, prior to the start of the event.

In order to help keep participants abreast with current trends, market shares, and offer them first hand information on the prospects and potential of the Halal industry, trade seminars and dialogues presented by renowned experts will be organised.
MIHAS 2010 will also play host to the MIHAS Apprentice Chefs’ Competition. The competition aims to uncover the best culinary talents around the region by providing aspiring apprentice chefs an opportunity to compete for the prestigious Silver Spoon Award.

In addition, the MIHAS 2010 Exhibitors Awards will be taking place to honour outstanding entrepreneurs. The event aims to stimulate the growth of the local and international Halal industry and a total of five awards will be given out.

SIAL Goes To Middle East

SIAL Middle East
National Exhibition Centre
Abu Dhabi, UAE
November 15 – 17, 2010

SIAL Middle East will be the latest event to join the SIAL Group of exhibitions.
“The rapidly changing food marketplace means that there is a real need to expose the latest trends, innovations, and equipment,” says Bernard Becker, Chairman of Comexposium, the organiser of SIAL. “The Middle East is one of the most buoyant markets and we look forward to introducing the brand in the capital city, Abu Dhabi”.

SIAL Middle East will be run by Turret Middle East, one of the leading exhibition organisers in the region. “We are pleased to partner Comexposium to launch SIAL Middle East which will take a new approach to marrying buyers and sellers in the region” says Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret Middle East.

Manufacturers and suppliers to the food and food related industries will be invited to participate in a strategic and highly focused event, where selected buyers will be hosted as guests of SIAL Middle East – a first in the region. Buyers have been, and will continue to be, identified by level of activity and sector in a project that will mark it’s debut with a Food Buyer Program designed to facilitate high level, quality business meetings.

There won’t just be food on display and the inaugural trade show – IPA Middle East (food packaging and processing equipment) will run alongside SIAL Middle East and will further benefit from global expertise. IPA - The World Food Process Exhibition takes place in conjunction with SIAL and will cover 35,000 sq m in Paris in 2010. Turret will use this specialised network and knowledge to address the needs of the Middle East industry which is fast developing.

Discussions are also underway to bring new aspects and topics in the food industry to the regional audience through conference and feature elements.