| FOOD TAIPEI *** FOODTECH & PHARMATECH *** TAIPEI PACK Taipei, Taiwan July 20, 2010: Record size and selection underscored the triple food-linked shows this year that joined upstream, downstream and every branch and nation in between. These three events hosted 1,254 companies (using 2,753 booths – a 9% increase on last year) to mirror the dynamism and infinite power of Taiwan's food industry. Participants at the four day event were kept busy, with a constant stream of visitors. Among the record 4,512 foreign buyers (a 5% rise on last year) were key buyers from China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines who topped the charts in terms of numbers of buyers. With them came 55,081 local visitors, including 40,857 industrial professionals. The overlap of local and foreign with every level of the industry generated a constant buzz as deals were struck and agents appointed. These shows, namely FOOD Taipei (The 2010 Taipei International Food Show), Foodtech and Pharmatech Taipei (Taipei International Food and Pharmaceutical Machinery and Catering Show), and Taipei PACK (Taipei International Packaging Industry Show) all wrapped up June 26 to industry-wide acclaim. FOOD Taipei – A global platter This year's Food Taipei counted a record-breaking 959 local and foreign companies in 1,822 booths, in addition to 28 national pavilions displaying the very best in cuisine from each country. Live culinary shows added extra pizzazz to the showground as the added great tips to visitors and fresh depth and color. The Taiwan Pavilion, the largest national pavilion, captivated foreign buyers with some of the most distinctive products of Taiwan's agricultural, forestry, fishing, and livestock industries, including premium Ivan mangoes, oolong tea, green soybeans, plum wine, mullet roe, and currently trendy bamboo charcoal products. The USA Pavilion was another star at this year's show and won strong praise for fielding several renowned chefs in its “American Kitchen” which demonstrated gourmet dishes made from materials from the US. Exhibitors included US trade associations, including the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, the Southern United States Trade Association, and the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association. The Japan Pavilion, organized by JETRO (the Japan External Trade Organization) and Interchange Association, Japan (IAJ), featured displays of fresh food and vegetables adored by many Taiwanese. Much praise went to Japan's world-renowned sake and fishery products. JETRO representatives noted that exhibitors in the Japan pavilion gave a thumbs up to the exhibition and most passionately expressed their desire to return next year. In the Brazil pavilion, Polenectar even went as far as displaying one of its transaction amounts on large posters in its booth, an indication of the impressive show floor trade deals. Mr. Robert Wen, general manager of the kaoliang wine manufacturer Radio Shopping, said that his company's main target is the market in China, and Taiwan is without a doubt the best place to attract Chinese buyers in marketing their products to China. Mkt dynamos with FOODTECH, PHARMTECH Taipei & Taipei PACK The Foodtech and Pharmtech Taipei, and Taipei Pack shows once again took the stage alongside Food Taipei. These two shows featured 295 exhibitors in 931 booths, and presented the full picture of the entire food industry. The whir of machines hummed throughout the exhibition, as companies demonstrated their machinery to attract the attention of buyers from all over the world. Mr. Benker P. C. Liao, general manager of Benison & Co., Ltd., expressed optimism for large orders later this year, since the number of foreign buyers inquiring at his company's booth showed a marked increase from last year. Mr. Liao's confidence was shared by Mr. Simon Du, manager at Aston Machinery Co. who said that his company had already sold several machines during the exhibition, and future transactions will no doubt increase in amount. Mr. Robert Ou-young, chairman of Anko Food Machine Co., Ltd., believed the economy's recovery resulted in a more effective exhibition than last year. Anko received numerous long-time clients at its booth, as well as orders from Japan, the US, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, with promises of future orders from other clients. Mr. Lin Dong-ying, director at Hsiao Lin Machine Co., Ltd., also praised this year's exhibition, noting that his company saw all of their major buyers at the show, and future prospects will be promising. Taster's Choice of best & newest! These were the venues for anyone connected with the magic of food. It's here where thousands came to sample local and international cuisine, to scout partners and agents, and to have their eyes open on breaking trends. Corporations love FOOD Taipei, Foodtech & Pharmatech Taipei, and Taipei PACK since it's the place to launch new products and expand markets, especially at the more than 700 one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings that were led by top companies from Europe, North America, Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Truly, a great global food expo! Notable exhibitors in this year's exhibitions include the Malaysian CNI Holdings Berhad, the Canadian T&T Supermarket, the German Unifine Food & Bake Ingredients, Indonesia's PD Niaga, and even China's Yue Hwa Chinese Products. High enthusiasm characterized the buyer's meetings: Mr. József Rózsa, president of the Hungarian company Daisyland, observed that FOOD Taipei is a great place to source one-of-a-kind foods, and that his company procured canned green tea and other soft drinks for the Central European market. Mr. Leo Couprie from the Canadian company Couprie, Fenton Inc., on his first trip to Taiwan for FOOD Taipei, had frozen vegetables and seafood on the shopping list of his company, which has branches worldwide and maintains connections in more than 40 countries. Mr. Couprie said he became better acquainted with Taiwan suppliers at the trade show as he hunted down opportunities to import Asian goods to Canada. He stated that FOOD Taipei is a kaleidoscopic exhibition with very professional exhibitors, and he expressed his wish for future collaboration. In celebration of Food Taipei's 20th anniversary, the organizers held a special cooking spectacular, with exotic dishes from South America, and displays of culinary genius from Nestlé Taiwan, Hunya Foods, and Kai-Ping Culinary School. Visitors also got to sample the high-class cuisine of chefs from top hotels including Taipei Fullerton and the Fullon Hotels. Of particular significance was the appearance of celebrity chef Huang Ching-Long, whom Nestlé specially invited to display his talent in creating healthy, light cuisine. Many at these daily cooking shows got more than fine samples since TAITRA also prepared each day jam-packed gift bags for cooking show audiences. This annual trio of exhibitions unfolded to mirror the industry's complete chain of production to WOW foreign buyers with a high international variety at the exhibitions, and products. It's certain that the concepts and technology at these venues have allowed thousands across Asia to start cooking, packing, and marketing with the best. With such success already achieved, many from across industry are now getting set to join next years shows at FOOD Taipei 2011, Foodtech & Pharmatech Taipei, and Taipei Pack coming June 22 to 25, 2011. |
