Visitors taste food at the 12th International Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery and Food Service Equipment, Supplies & Services Exhibition, which opened in HCM City on Tuesday. — VNS Photo Thu Hằng

The 12th International Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery and Food Service Equipment, Supplies & Services Exhibition opened at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City on Tuesday.

Food & Hotel Vietnam 2024, the leading international exhibition in Việt Nam’s food, restaurant, and hospitality industry, has brought together more than 300 exhibitors from 27 countries and territories, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan (China), Thailand, the UK, US, and Uzbekistan.

Organised by Informa Markets Vietnam, the three-day event serves as a trade bridge among international producers, exporters, local importers, distributors, and retailers in the food, hospitality, and accommodation sectors in Việt Nam.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ben Wong, country general manager at Informa Markets Vietnam, said: “Sufficient and healthy nutrition for a growing population in Việt Nam is a crucial aspect of the future food system. The surge in restaurant delivery, coupled with the rise of third-party delivery apps and changes in customer behavior, has marked significant shifts in the industry.”

“Over the next few years, we anticipate further changes in what is sold, who buys it, and what are the reasons behind customers' food and service purchases. By connecting the ecosystem of the most innovative food and solution suppliers from around the world with over 300 exhibitors and thousands of different brands, we hope businesses in Việt Nam can find suitable distributors, expand their operations widely, and accelerate their transformation.”

The expo offers a diverse range of exhibits, including bakery, pastry and gelato, coffee and tea, food and beverage, food service and hospitality equipment, food tech, food packaging, hospitality technology, wines, spirits, alcoholic drinks and other industry services.

There is also a seminar themed “Embracing Sustainable F&B Trends and Unlocking Value for Vietnamese Products” organised along with other seminars represented by leading companies and organisations participating in the show.

The event will also organise the Việt Nam Culinary Challenge, a playground for culinary talents from across the country and the Southeast Asia region, the Việt Nam Barista Competition, highlighting bartending skills, and the Việt Nam Aromaster Championship focusing on coffee sensory skills. — VNS