According to the organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services, the FHA will attract around 2,800 exhibitors and the WSA 200, from 70 and 20 countries and territories, respectively.— Photo camnangmuasam

HCM CITY — Eight Vietnamese companies have contracted to participate in two exhibitions, the Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and Wine&SpiritAsia (WSA), in April, to be held concurrently in April.

These companies include Vifon JSC, TopCake JV Corp. and Son Tinh Premium Liquor.

According to the organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services, the FHA will attract around 2,800 exhibitors and the WSA 200, from 70 and 20 countries and territories, respectively.

The participants will display products and services in the fields of food and beverage, bar and kitchen equipment, food processing tools, hotel amenities and hospitality technologies. The world's top wine producing regions will also exhibit their wares.

Viet Nam's food and beverage sector is expected to grow in the near future with food consumption forecast to rise by 5.1 percent a year to an estimated US$29.5 billion by 2016, according to SES.

Although the 2009 global recession resulted in a dip in tourism earnings worldwide, the industry has rebounded significantly in recent years, with Viet Nam witnessing more than 12 percent annual growth in the number of visitor arrivals into the country.

The hotel sector in Asia is also expected to continue to grow rapidly from its 7 percent compound annual growth rate in the 2012-2016 period.

During the exhibition on April 8-11, there will be an international conference with 90 speakers focusing on key issues like manpower shortage, hotel operation management and revenue optimisation strategies.

In addition, a Culinary Challenge competition of 860 chefs from around the world will be held, as well as a Cocktail and Wine challenge.— VNS