The biennial HOFEX exhibition is Asia�s finest culinary products and equipment show, which pools suppliers, manufacturers and buyers worldwide. This year, there will be over 950 exhibitors and 22 national groups from 46 countries participating.  A vast range of products will be shown in the 2 exhibition halls totalling 21,000 square metres, and more than 28,000 visitors are expected to visit. Being the first such international expo held this year in Asia, the organiser, Hong Kong Exhibition Services Limited (HKES), believes that HOFEX 2004 will open up ample amount of opportunities for the food and hospitality industry. 

According to Mr. Daniel Cheung, General Manager of HKES, �The number of visitors to Hong Kong has resumed its previous level, as CEPA and the individual visits policy have both boosted the food and hospitality industry. The opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland next year will be an even more important event for the local tourism industry.� He furthers, �The economy in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region is gradually reviving. This will encourage more people to do business, to drink and to travel. HOFEX 2004 provides a convenient and comprehensive merchandising platform for users and buyers in the region, enabling suppliers and manufacturers in the industry to talk directly and share the latest products, services and technologies firsthand.�

The 4-day show features two major themes:  �HOFEX Hospitality Equipment, Services & Technology� and �HOFEX Food & Drink�. �HOFEX Hospitality Equipment, Services & Technology� will be showcased in Hall 1 where the latest in food and beverage services and hospitality technology and solutions will be shown. �HOFEX Food & Drink� will be presented in both halls where the very best in food and drink products will be exhibited.

The extravaganza will be a platform for trade as well as exchanges and benchmarking of experience. The organiser has prepared a host of events to be held alongside the show. There will be the 6th Hong Kong International Culinary Classic (HKICC) Award, in which 100 top chefs from the region will create their best cuisines for the honour, and over 40 distinguished bartenders will compete in the Regional Bartenders Cocktail Competition 2004. There will also be the Regional Hotel General Managers Forum dedicated for hotel GMs to share experience, and seminars focusing on hotel information technology and western and Chinese eateries� operation. A Chinese gourmet live demonstration and a Chinese restaurant management seminar, sponsored by Towngas, will also take place alongside the show.  HOFEX 2004, in short, is a highly professional exhibition and should not be missed by anyone in the Asia Pacific�s food and hospitality industry.