In a win for Australian producers, Austrade has put premium offerings up in lights at Asia’s largest food and beverage trade event.
Despite Covid-related delays for several years, Food & Hotel Asia is back. The 2022 event from 5–8 September in Singapore attracted thousands of visitors, proving bigger, bolder and brighter than ever.
More than 200 Australian companies took part in the vibrant Australia Hall, where Austrade hosted a stand.
Austrade’s on-the-ground team matched Australian companies with regional buyers from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore. The team also arranged a networking reception where hundreds talked business while sipping on Australian wine and beverages.
Austrade’s photo wall featuring a kangaroo and selfie frame proved a hit with the audience, drawing hundreds for a selfie with ‘Mr Roo’.
Austrade’s presence supported Australian companies to engage with customers and grow their market share across the region.
‘That is really Austrade’s key role: to connect buyers with Australian exhibitors. It’s about leading sustainable trade transactions in the long-term in this market,’ says General Manager Southeast Asia Mukund Narayanamurti.
‘There were over 200 Australian companies exhibiting. Plus, we had approximately 300 Southeast Asian customers or buyers there to connect and engage with them.
‘Being at a show of this nature gives a sense of the global competition Australia is up against. The French, the Canadians, the Kiwis were there – all exceptionally well organised. It’s important for us to have a presence and to win our fair share of the market.’
Singapore Trade and Investment Commissioner Amelia Walsh says Food & Hotel Asia is a key regional trade event.
‘Food & Hotel Asia brings together the global food and hospitality community. Without question, it’s the place to be for those interested in top trends and innovations from around the world,’ says Walsh.
Keen Southeast Asian buyers flocked to Austrade’s stand, with enormous foot traffic across the four days.
‘Many Australian companies travelled to Singapore to represent their offerings. The show was a valuable opportunity to connect in-person with buyers for the first time in years,’ says Jakarta Trade and Investment Commissioner Hannah Wade.
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