PUBLISHED April 8th, 2016 12:31 pm | UPDATED April 11th, 2016 06:58 pm
Happening 12 to 15 April 2016, Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) is one of the biggest industry events on the Singaporean (and Asian) food and beverage calendar. What started in 1978 as a small trade gathering in a hotel’s car park has become a crucial event for any hospitality professional. The industry flocks to this bi-annual event to seek inspiration, explore the latest in food and beverage technology, and to sample the wares of brands from around the world.
FHA, in its 20th year, is a monster of an exhibition. Spanning nearly 100,000 square metres and 3000 different exhibitors representing 95 countries, it can be a little overwhelming. So here’s a little guide we put together for your FHA pleasure:
Week-Long Events
FHA Culinary Challenge 2016 (FCC)
Catch some of the world’s most talented culinary pros battling it out for titles like Best Chef, Best Apprentice Team, and Best Culinary Establishment.
Where and when: Hall 1, Hall 9 Annex, and Max Atria Foyer 1 from 10am daily.
FCC Daily Prize-Giving Ceremony
Celebrate the winners of FCC and collect a nice little list of places to visit (to try the food of culinary champs)!
Where and when: Max Atria Foyer 1 at 4pm daily.
Scheduled Events
Opening Ceremony
Not a must but you should go if you’re intending to head down on the first day. The speakers at the ceremony might be able to tip you off on what else is new and interesting at this edition of FHA.
Where and when: Max Atria Level 2, 12 April, 9am-10am.
Bocuse d’Or
FCC Sweet High Tea Challenge
20 teams from all over the globe (Grand Hyatt Hotel, ME@OUE, and Team Shatec are repping Singapore) will showcase their talents through the presentation of a high tea set for six persons.
Where and when: Hall 9 Annex, 12-13 April, 10am-6pm
FHA Barista Challenge 2016
Hosted by the Singapore Chapter of Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), watch the region’s best coffee pullers, frothers (people who make the milk frothy), and baristas dueling it out for the honour’s of being the best in Asia.
Where and when: Hall 4, 12 April, 11am-5pm.
CTI Latte Art Duel
Drop by to see some of the most amazing latte art being created right in front of your eyes. A single-elimination tournament, contestants will be preparing a free pour latte within three minutes – expects loads of fun and creativity!
Where and when: Hall 4 Annex, 13-14 April, 10am-6pm
The Asian Pastry Cup
Conferences and Talks
In order to attend any of the conferences and talks, you’d have to pre-register and make payment here.
Levering Your Existing Fans To Win New Ones Through Social And Online Campaigns – Offline to Online Chatter
The title of the masterclass says it all. Four hours long, this is one of the longest workshops mounted for the event, but definitely relevant for a successful business in 2016.
When: 12 April, 8.30am to 12.30pm
Food & Beverage Innovators Forum
Part of the morning plenary sessions, the panelists on this forum include Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection and Michael Goodman of EDG Interior Architecture + Design (who’s also one one of the brains behind Neon Pigeon). Both of them are great F&B entrepreneurs in Singapore and other places in Asia, making them the perfect people to learn from.
When: 14 April, 10.20am
Exhibitors and Personalities
The point of FHA is to get out there and see as much as you can and all 3000 exhibitors would be vying for your attention, which can be a bit overwhelming. So here’s short, shortlist of exhibitors we recommend you visit:
Hoshizaki
The best name in ice machines. It would be interesting to see what new and improved technology they’ll be showing.
Where: Hall 2, booth 2F2-01
Fabbri 1905
Love bars, beverage, and cocktails? Then don’t miss the folks at Fabbri 1905. They’ve managed to get the best and brightest of bartenders in Singapore manning their booth over the four days. Faces that you’ll find familiar include Anthony Zhong and Cherrie Soh from Shin Gi Tai, Naz Arjuna from Bitters & Love, Mohammad Irwan from Potato Head Folk, Sam Sim from Kite, Kino Soh from Fresh, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador Tashu Lu, Monkey Shoulder Ambassador Jay Gray, Aaron Goodall from The Cufflink Club, Stolichnaya rep Rachel Ling, and more! And they also have gelato.
Where: Hall 5, booth 5H3-01
Snorre Food
These guys supply your favourite restaurant with the best fish and seafood. Go check out their booth and learn a little more about where your favourite sashimi and crustaceans come from.
Where: Hall 9, booth 9F2-01
Ravi Fruits
One of the faces of Ravi Fruits is Singaporean bartending powerhouse Sam Wong, formerly of Jigger & Pony and Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. Drop by and watch Sam use Ravi Fruits’ delicious fruits and purees for some amazing cocktails.
Where: Hall 5, booth K3-08 (APC)
FHA is usually a free trade event for those who pre-register, but registration have, unfortunately, closed by this time. If you’re interested in attending, tickets are priced at $80 and can be purchased at the door. We recommend getting there as early as possible and expect a queue if you go on the first day. Also, keep in mind that it’s a professional trade event with a dress code. Visitors in shorts, bermudas, singlets, slipper or sports will not be allowed entry.
We’ve covered the grand total of 3% of the entire expo in this article. It’s a great way for people in the industry to explore other side of the F&B world. So get out there and conquer FHA 2016!