HCM CITY — The Food & Hotel Viet Nam 2013 (FHV) exhibition opened yesterday in HCM City, offering visitors a platform to source, network and learn from market leaders of the international food and hospitality industry.

Phan Thi My Dung, vice director of VCCI Exhibition Services, said that 434 exhibitors from 35 countries and other areas were displaying their products and services, an increase of 65 per cent compared to last year.

A total of 20 exhibitors from Europe are displaying a vast selection of premium products, including cheeses, meats and wines and spirits.

Silva Rodriguez, special adviser to the European Commission's director general for Agriculture and Rural Development, said the participation of the EU for the first time was an important sign for Vietnamese and European producers to promote quality in the international market.

Attending the US pavilion's ribbon-cutting ceremony, David Shear, US Ambassador to Viet Nam, said that since the last show in 2011, American food and agricultural exports to Viet Nam had continued to grow, reaching a record of nearly US$2 billion last year.

"During the first two months of this year, our food and agricultural exports were up 70 per cent compared to the same period last year, and I am confident that after this show, our export sales will track even higher," he said.

There are 21 US companies and four associations such as US Meat Export Federation; United States Potato Board; USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council; USA Poultry and Egg Export Council attending the FHV 2013.

The show, which will end tomorrow, will include a franchising seminar and the Việt Nam Culinary Challenge, Viet Nam Barista Competition, Latte Art Competition and Basic Barista Course. — VNS